The La Jolla estate where Dr Seuss penned dozens of beloved children’s books has returned to the market for US$9.95 million (AUD$15.8 million), marking the second attempt to sell the iconic property since 2022.
The approximately 5,000-square-foot home at 7301 Encelia Drive was owned by Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr Seuss, and his wife Audrey for four decades until his death in 1991.
The property is now owned by UC San Diego following a donation from Audrey’s estate after her death in 2018.
According to CBS, as many as 42 of Geisel’s 68 published works were written at the clifftop retreat, including classics like “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Lorax” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”
The home’s dramatic Pacific Ocean views and 1.51-acre setting on Mount Soledad provided inspiration for the author’s imaginative stories.
Built in 1950 by master architect Thomas Shepherd, the estate was designed around a pre-existing Spanish Revival observation tower dating back to 1923-24.
Both the tower and Geisel’s adjoining office have been designated as historic by the San Diego Historical Resources Board and must be preserved through any future renovations.
The property features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pool and a separate pool house.
Even the pool carries subtle nods to the author’s legacy, with design elements referencing “The Cat in the Hat.”
Due to UC ownership, the sale follows a unique sealed-bid process under California’s Stull Act, which regulates university property sales.
Prospective buyers cannot make traditional offers and must instead submit sealed bids by April 15. UC San Diego will open all bids on April 16 and decide whether to accept any offers.
The university previously attempted to sell the property in 2022 using the same process, but no bids were accepted.
Two surrounding lots were sold separately last year for a combined US$9 million.
Jason Barry has the listing.
