Oakley Founder James Jannard Lists His Brutalist Beverly Hills Fortress for $68M

By Lisa Johnson Mandell
Jun 25, 2024
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On the heels of his record-setting $210 million Malibu, CA, mansion sale, Oakley founder James Jannard is at it again.

Less than a month later, the billionaire has put his cement fortress in Beverly Hills on the market for $68 million.

Set high on a 2-acre promontory in posh Trousdale Estates, the cement, aluminum, and glass manse differs radically from any of the other structures in the neighborhood, or any other structures in the galaxy, for that matter. Except, perhaps, for the prehistoric one known as Stonehenge, which Jannard and his architects from the iDGroup cite as inspiration for the exterior.

Mere numbers—five bedrooms, 10 baths, 18,000 square feet—don’t even begin to describe this unusual edifice, which looks like it’s ready for a “Stars Wars”-style craft to land in its oval-shaped motor court.

The Beverly Hills fortress of Oakley founder James Jannard

(Realtor.com)

Can’t you imagine a spaceship landing in the oval courtyard?

(Realtor.com)

Ominous iron doors allow no intruders.

(Realtor.com)

The futuristic feel continues inside, thanks to the home’s Brutalist interiors marked by high ceilings, bare concrete walls and floors, custom-made furniture, an industrial fireplace mantle, and a show kitchen.

There is even a second (and commercially equipped) kitchen that could easily serve hundreds of guests.

Jannard purchased the property in 2009 for $19.9 million. It has a permanent mandate that protects its unobstructed views of the entire Los Angeles Basin from downtown to the sea.

After Jannard closed on the place, he set about bringing his residential vision to life—a project that lasted until 2016.

High ceilings, clear views, and concrete-block walls distinguish the interior.

(Realtor.com)

This industrial-looking kitchen is for show.

(Realtor.com)

This larger, stainless steel kitchen is for serious food prep.

(Realtor.com)

None of it is typical, but the unusual bastion of luxury is teeming with best-in-class features, including a state-of-the-art theater, gym, an elevator, a wine cellar, and an infinity pool.

Yes, there are expansive, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that retract for the coveted indoor-outdoor flow; but some of the glass walls descend into the ground, rather than sliding to the side.

Both guests and residents are luxuriously accommodated here. Although the bedrooms and bathrooms have concrete-block walls and aluminum ceilings and accessories, some are warmed up with wood floors and plenty of sunlight via abundant windows and skylights.

Even the home theater is reminiscent of a room in a galactic palace.

(Realtor.com)

Some of the floor-to-ceiling windows descend into the ground, for that seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

(Realtor.com)

The primary suite has a remarkable view.

(Realtor.com)

The bathrooms are as unique as the rest of the home.

(Realtor.com)

Jannard’s Beverly Hills enclave is a stark contrast to the 9.5-acre, oceanfront estate in Malibu that he recently sold to an unknown buyer for $210 million. The off-market transaction actually set a California record.

Superluxe amenities include include 300 feet of shoreline, a formal rose garden, tennis court, guesthouse, staff quarters, putting green, and a covered pavilion.

Jannard, 75, is a renowned product designer, inventor, and entrepreneur. He founded Oakley, an eyewear and apparel company, which he sold in 2007 for $2.1 billion. He also started Red Digital Cinema Camera Company.

His real estate portfolio will be a bit lighter once he sells his Beverly Hills property; but that’s relative because he’s reportedly owned other properties in Malibu and in Newport Beach, plus two islands in Fiji and another in the Pacific Northwest, according to wallpaper.com.