Edward L. Doheny Compound With a Celebrated History Hits the Market for $7 Million in Dana Point

A compound built by California icon Edward L. Doheny with exquisite details, including a garden designed by the “Gone With The Wind” landscaper, has hit the market for $6,995,000.

The half-acre lot with two private residences is almost unheard of in Dana Point, one of Orange County’s most popular beach towns.

“Tucked away behind garden walls and framed by century-old trees, this historic Doheny property is set across three lots of nearly half an acre and features two distinct dwellings, each with its own provenance,” says Jeffrey Golden, who is listing the property with Tim Smith, both agents affiliated with the Newport Beach office of Coldwell Banker Realty.

“A rare opportunity to own a property that has welcomed designers, dignitaries, and tastemakers, yet remains deeply personal.

“This is a place where history, artistry, and the beauty of a life well lived come together.”

The property was originally developed in 1925. The cottage that still exists was meant to be the first of five cottages in Doheny’s plan to develop a small beach retreat enclave. 

Doheny was one of the first and most storied Southern California oil tycoons. He was also involved in the famous Teapot Dome Scandal of the early 1920s and has several streets and a famous beach named after him. The character played by Daniel Day Lewis in “There Will Be Blood” was loosely based on him.

The first Spanish Colonial residence built on the three-lot property measures approximately 1,799 square feet and features two bedrooms and two baths. Rustic European in style, it is highlighted by hand-troweled plaster walls embedded with straw, marbleized painted finishes, and antique windows and doors—many of which are European, dating back as far as the 15th century.

There are period details from floor to ceiling, including a 15th-century entry door, reclaimed 19th-century pine floors, and antique French tiles.

The gardens were originally crafted by Florence Yoch—the renowned landscape designer behind Tara’s iconic grounds in “Gone With the Wind.” She created them to resemble original and intimate outdoor rooms. The now-mature trees, hedges, flowers, and plants have been meticulously cared for and curated to this day.

Other garden highlights include two Gothic aviaries filled with singing birds, a French spire that was turned into a fountain, a swimming pool, al fresco dining spots, and rose bushes gifted by the Duchess of Windsor.

The enclave experienced a Renaissance of sorts when prominent Southern California designer and antique dealer Gephard Durenberger acquired it in 1969. He paid a mere $30,000 for the small, original house. Durenberger, who was the founder of the Decorative Arts Center, soon acquired the rest of the property, using his expertise to build an additional house on the other side of the grounds.

Known as an “Evangelist for Good Taste,” Durenberger built the two-story 18th-century Gothic Revival “guesthouse,” which became known as Folie Gep, in 1981. The French word “Folie,” or “Folly” in English, is a decorative building that was not built as a residence but for entertaining, or as a place to rest while hunting or enjoying vast gardens.

The two-bedroom, two-bath dwelling draws from European architectural traditions and was built in the shape of a cruciform, anchored by a 24-foot-high tower crowned with a pyramidal roof.

It was here that Durenberger hosted lectures and gatherings with celebrated designers and celebrities including Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Lady (Slim) Keith, and Desmond Guinness, chairman of the Irish Georgian Society.

Together the two homes span 4,406 square feet of living space, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

In 2005, interior designer Eric Guenther purchased the compound after admiring it for years. He tells Realtor.com that he paid close to $3.45 million for all three lots, which had been marketed separately.

“I was very respectful of the intention of the property,” Guenther says. He made a few changes, like converting a downstairs bedroom into a formal dining room, adding a butler’s pantry and ceiling details, and upholstering bedroom walls.

“I like to say I supplemented everything,” he explains. “I didn’t rip anything out and start over, but I aired it out and finished it up.”

He took great care with the garden to preserve its original intention, while adding vintage pots, a fountain, and a koi pond; pruning and repositioning overgrown plants and trees; and making sure there was a beautiful view from every window.

Because of the sylvan nature of the gardens, you’d never know the property is close to the freeway.

“Once inside, you have no sense of the freeway at all,” said Guenther. “The foliage is dense enough that it keeps the sound out. There are two aviaries filled with singing birds. Four fountains on the property are always running.”

The compound is also a quick stroll from a Sprouts market, cafes, and various stores.

Photos of the home show it artfully decorated in period piece furnishings and art.

“When you enter, it’s like walking through a time machine. There’s a minimal amount of modern day that would wake you out of the dream. There are no microwaves on the kitchen counters, the glass is old and has ripples. It transports you to a different place,” the listing states.

Buyers who want to immerse themselves in the fantasy will appreciate the fact that many of the interior pieces and priceless antiques are also available for sale.

Guenther says the only reason he’s willing to let go of the beloved property is because he has opportunities on the East Coast.

But, he’s not going to let his historic California wonderland go to just anyone.

“It’s not just about someone having a big wallet and writing a check,” he explained. “I’ve worked so hard on it; it needs to be shared with someone who will enjoy it. I want the right person to have this gift.” It’s about the next custodian of this special home that says, “Please don’t go, just stay here.”