Geraldine Gilliland, a chef and cookbook author, has officially handed over the keys to her Malibu mountain home to its new owner, more than a year after putting it up for sale for $18 мιIIιоn. Former college and professional basketball player Drederick Irving, the father of Brooklyn Nets sensation Kyrie Irving, paid $10.7 мιIIιоn for the property, or approximately $7.4 мιIIιоn less than the original asking price, according to public records.
The 40-acre property, known as “Rancho Chiquita,” has been used as a wedding and party venue, as well as a filming location for “The Voice” and a non-profit dog rescue, since its purchase by Gilliland, the owner of Santa Monica’s Lula Cocina Mexicana restaurant, who has since increased her land holdings. Today, the gated compound consists of a hacienda-style main house and a detached residence, all of which are situated on a 225-acre parcel with ocean and mountain views.
The stucco and terracotta-roof main house features over 6,700 square feet of two-story living space with wood-beam ceilings, a combination of Saltillo tile and parquet floors, arched doors, and clerestory windows throughout. Highlights of the main level include a living room with a fireplace and a formal dining room with its own fireplace, as well as a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, an eat-in island with built-in wine storage, high-end stainless appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast alcove.
All of the bedrooms are secluded in two separate wings of the house, one featuring an ocean-view master retreat with a custom fireplace, private patio, spacious cedar-lined walk-in closet, separate fireside sitting room, loft space, and luxe bath that opens to a terrace with a spa, and the other holding two main-level bedrooms with access to an outdoor palapa and a lower-level staff/guest suite with two bedrooms, an office, living room, and kitchen.
Outdoors, the palatial grounds feature a pool and spa with an infinity edge, a kitchen and bar, and numerous areas ideal for al fresco lounging and entertaining, including a grassy area that can accommodate up to 250 guests. In addition to a three-car garage and parking for at least 20 vehicles, additional features include a distinct gated service entrance leading to a large motor court and an event staging area.