Shane Smith, co-founder of Vice Media, is selling his gorgeous estate, Villa Ruchello, an entirely self-contained, tree-lined compound on L.A.’s westside. This Mediterranean-style stunner is one of Santa Monica’s largest residential properties and has been beautifully restored and enhanced by Smith and his wife, showcasing exquisite design by Kerry Joyce.
Originally built in 1932, the ultra-private estate is romantic and glamorous, set amidst 3.35 acres of extraordinary, lush gardens. Three structures—a main house and two guest houses—offer a combined 14,000 square feet of living space with 13 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and dual chef’s kitchens hidden behind antique gates. Complete with its own private water wells, water filtration system, and full generator system, everything residents need is onsite; it is a true retreat in the Santa Monica Canyon.
Santiago Arana, who sold the property to Smith in 2015 and represents it now, spoke to Mansion Global about the compound’s transformation: “When I sold it to him, the property was very dilapidated… he brought the gardens to life and almost gutted the whole house.”
Inside, each room is bespoke and carefully curated with open beamed ceilings, carved mantels, custom mosaic floors, and arched glass doors and windows. A remnant from the prohibition era, the home still includes a hidden bar, accessible through a secret bookshelf. Private patios and soaring windows look out onto the grounds, which are a natural paradise.
From the picturesque, 74-foot pool to the cedar soaking tub hidden among the palms, the abundant outdoor spaces each have poise and character. The pool house boasts a wood-burning pizza oven, Argentine grill and full guest bath, while a stunning entertainer’s bar is nestled beneath a bougainvillea-laden trellis.
Beside the rolling grass lawns ideal for large-scale events, find the children’s play area and bocce court, the property’s edible gardens include orange, lemon, lime and avocado trees, herb and vegetable beds, and vineyard vines.
“You feel like you go a little bit back in time,” Santiago told Mansion Global. “But with the comfort and standard of today’s living.” The estate feels worlds away on a quiet cul-de-sac, but offers the convenience of top-rated schools, scenic beaches and world-class dining and shopping of Montana Ave. and Third Street Promenade as well as nearby access to the Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica Municipal Airport and LAX.
See more images of the home below and on the listing page here. Contact Santiago Arana for details.
