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5 Beds
5 Baths
5,469 sqft

$1,399,000

20121 Highway 76, Pauma Valley CA, 92061

Price per sqft$255.81
Built in1993
Property size5,469 sqft
Property typeResidential

Overview

Active

Listed Jul 8, 2025

Updated 8 days ago

Discover the grandeur of the historic Mendenhall Estate, a fully restored and expanded home with Gold Rush-era roots located at the base of Palomar Mountain. Originally settled in 1879 as part of the Rancho Cuca Mexican land, this custom home features interior design elements that reflect the decor of the early 1900s. Once home to the Mendenhall cattle ranching family, the estate beautifully blends California history with modern luxury. Spanning 5,469 square feet and nestled on 1.81 acres, the property includes 5 bedrooms/5 bathrooms. The home has been completely remodeled and restored to its former glory, featuring top-of-the-line finishes throughout, including dazzling K9 crystal accents on chandeliers, doorknobs, and even hot/cold shower handles. Bathrooms feature Bluetooth-enabled sound systems and ambient overhead lighting with customizable color settings, bringing spa-like comfort into everyday living. In the upstairs primary suite, custom wall sconces add a warm, designer touch to both the bedroom and bath, elevating the ambiance and craftsmanship throughout. The poured concrete walls provide insulation and tranquility, while tons of windows offer an abundance of natural light and stunning mountain views. The main level features Brazilian travertine floors, 3 bedrooms (with a primary en-suite), 2 bathrooms, an office, a sunroom, 2 fireplaces, and direct access to the thermal-pane heated pool and a yard inspired by English gardens. The chef's kitchen impresses with natural quartzite countertops and premium appliances, including Miele, Bosch, Fisher Paykel, and appliance garages. Additionally, there is a spacious secondary kitchen that offers ample counter space for food preparation with plenty of cabinets for storage. The newly permitted top floor offers 1,752 square feet of living space, which includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a loft area. It features beautiful cedar ceilings and luxurious Italian marble vanities, and the flooring is luxury vinyl planks that are waterproof. The remodeled upstairs has a primary suite that boasts a spacious bathroom with a jetted tub, set in a custom-designed alcove. Additionally, there are roomy his-and-her walk-in closets that allow for personalized storage solutions. Plus, in the closet, you'll also find washer-dryer hookups along with space for a folding table. The primary bedroom is generously sized and showcases an antique stained-glass window from a church dating back to the 1800s. This top floor has its own dedicated water heater, ensuring instant hot water through a recirculating line to the guest bathroom. Additionally, the primary bedroom is equipped with a beverage refrigerator and a marble-topped coffee bar. All toilets throughout the home are from the Toto brand. The 605 square foot finished walkout basement comprises a living space, a bathroom, laundry facilities, 4 windows, AC/heating, and a private entry. There are two staircases on each side of the house to access the upper quarters. Other features include plantation shutters, coffered ceilings, and a French Empire Crystal Chandelier. The estate also features 55 paid-for and owned solar panels and a producing well that sources Palomar Mountain spring water. No more high utility bills! All these provide an eco-efficient estate living. Additional highlights include a new septic system installed in 2025 (with a 1,500-gallon tank and 150 feet of additional leech lines), a newer 3D Corning roof & Designer gutters that consist of custom copper-colored seamless gutters, including leaf guards, and antique downspouts. The upstairs has a new advanced HVAC system with 3 new split systems. The property is adorned with numerous fruit-bearing trees and includes an antique 40-foot Fruehauf trailer for storage. There is also an RV dump station. This estate is a rare and luxurious blend of history and modern convenience, awaiting a discerning buyer. It offers both seclusion and convenience. Enjoy the crisp mountain air, s

$9,308/mo

Est. mortgage payment based on a $1,399,000 home price.

All estimates are provided by Luxury Presence for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.

Additional information

MLS® ID
25561313

Interior Features

Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
5
Fireplace
Yes
Cooling
Yes
Heating
Yes
Basement
No

Exterior Features

Lot Size
1.81 Acres

Other Property Details

View
Yes
Pool
Yes

Listed by Debra Frolove with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Propert
Listing Contact: 310-993-3851 

Based on information from The MLSTM / Combined LA/Westside Multiple Listing Service, Inc. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use, it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently reviewed and verified. Property locations as displayed on any map are best approximations only and exact locations should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal, and may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Neither listing broker(s) nor Approach Properties Premium Real Estate Services shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. 

©2026 Combined L.A./Westside MLS. All rights reserved.

Data last updated 9/28/2026

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