Point Dume is the natural climax of the Malibu coastline. Its prime location features secluded, large lots, and beautiful homes in locations from peaceful canyons to panoramic bluffs. Many of these properties also have deeded rights to beach easements. These “rivieras” provide access to some of Malibu’s most private beaches. Below is a map, outlining the general layout of the neighborhood and assignment of beach rights to the various access points.
Point Dume Beach Key Map (1)-compressedThe Basics
No beach in Malibu is private; however, the limited access here makes this beach about as private as you will find in Malibu. Decades ago, owners were subdividing their large lots and selling them. To put a halt to this, the City of Malibu cut a deal. Their offer restricted the owner’s right to subdivide properties on Point Dume and in return, granted property owners deeded access to private easements leading to the beach. This was done on a street-by-street basis and some did not accept.
What makes the beach so special? Most importantly, privacy. Public access points to the east and west are far enough to deter most beachgoers from walking around various points and rocks, sometimes too hazardous to traverse depending on the tide and swell. With its excellent southern exposure, it is also sheltered by Point Dume from the westerly winds that are very common on sunny California days. Last but not least, it has several surf breaks that are excellent for beginners and expert surfers. These spots are some of Malibu’s most localized, and knowledge and respect are a must when entering the lineup.
Today there are three rivieras, the private easements that owners with deeded rights can use to access the beach. From east to west, they are:
- Riviera I: The most exclusive gate for property owners on the ocean side of Zumirez. This access is the nearest to Paradise Cove. Most owners can drive down to a private lot just above the beach.
- Riviera II: This gate is the most heavily secured and also one of the most sought-after. Streets including Wildlife, Portshead, Boniface, Whitesand, and Selfridge have access here. It is a beautiful trail that leads to the sandiest portion in the middle of the beach.
- Riviera III: This is the most direct route to the beach. It has one gate and stairs that lead residents down to a rocky outcropping near the point. The condos on Heathercliff, some of Dume Drive, Grayfox Street, Fernhill, Bison, and some of Cliffside have access here.
The mobile home park at Paradise Cove also has private access to the beach at the western end of Paradise Cove. Some of the homes on Cliffside have deeded beach rights via Riviera III, while a handful of others boast private staircases leading down to the sand in Point Dume Cove. Some of the homes on Birdview also have private staircases leading down to the sandy Point Dume State Beach below.
Streets Without Beach Keys
There are several streets on Point Dume that do not enjoy the same deeded beach rights. Among these are Wandermere, some of Dume Drive, some of Cliffside, Birdview, Sea Lion, Bluewater, Greenwater, and Grasswood.
Many of these streets originally had rights as well. When the Point Dume Natural Preserve was created along with Point Dume State Beach through eminent domain, these deeded access points were made public.
Still, this does not diminish the value of these streets. Many of the oceanfront homes on Cliffside and Birdview boast private staircases to the beach and the views along these bluffs are unparalleled.
The Value of Beach Keys
There is no absolute value for beach keys. Many of the homes on Cliffside and Birdview, even without the coveted rights, represent the highest sale prices in all of Point Dume. Some of these homes are massive bluff-top estates and have incredible views, some with their own private access to the sand.
We often estimate that the value of a beach key at approximately $1.5 million in addition to the home, lot size, views, and additional features. The property itself is the key factor in price and there is a large variation since every home is unique.
The Point Dume Condominiums
The condominiums on Heathercliff are also extremely sought after both by residents and as investment properties for owners who would also enjoy the private beach access. For this reason, they rarely trade and go quickly when they do.
Condos with beach keys:
- 8 sales in the past two years
- An average sale price of $1,307,688
- An average selling price per square foot of $939
- An all-time record sale price of $2,275,000
See What Point Dume is All About
Interested in seeing what draws people from all walks of life to this pristine locale? We’d love to show you!
Tony Mark is a Point Dume resident and our team has sold and leased properties all over the point, from the condominiums to sprawling private estates. We are proud to be a resource for residents, both current and future.
View our listings on Point Dume here.
For questions, property tours, consultations, or just to say hello, contact us at 310.230.5771 / russellandtony@compass.com
