Serra Retreat

Serra Retreat

Discover a quiet, wooded, and luxurious sanctuary

Welcome to Serra Retreat
The Serra Retreat is often confused with the Serra Retreat itself, a Catholic retreat center in the
middle of this picturesque neighborhood. The Serra Retreat is this area’s focal point and
spiritual center, hidden in the majestic, chaparral-covered hills on Malibu's coastline. This
property and mansion were sold to Franciscan friars in 1942 and later converted into a Catholic
retreat using the estate for retreat guests. The mammoth property includes tiled roofing, a
stucco facade, and Meditteranean and Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture.

The Serra Retreat still sits atop the Santa Monica Mountains and beckons those seeking
spiritual guidance. The homes surrounding the retreat enjoy similar seclusion, gated
neighborhood entrances, and phenomenal views.

What to Love
● Life near a major spiritual center hidden in Malibu
● A quiet, private community
● Homes both in the mountains and along the coastline
● Walking and biking access to Cross Creek
● Proximity to beaches, restaurants, and stores

Local Lifestyle
While many travel to Serra Retreat as part of a personal, religious journey, this neighborhood is
not religiously exclusive. The hillside and canyons overlooking the ocean make it easy to see
why it is such a coveted area. Inhabitants of the Serra Retreat neighborhood participate in a
modern lifestyle, such as shopping in town or visiting the riveting beaches only a footpath and
trail or two away. The Serra Retreat area is quiet since this is a private, wooded area exuding
spiritual importance.

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
The Serra Retreat is at the end of the circular, gradual Serra Road and is intentionally
surrounded by only a few commercial organizations. However, it's still possible to leave the
26-acre retreat site and explore. Not far from the retreat and area homes is the famous 1905
Malibu Pier, where the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe serves breakfast and lunch to patrons along the
sea. Near the pier, Malibu Farm Restaurant has resplendent cuisine and spacious seating on
the deck with oceanfront views. Down the beachfront, Nobu Malibu is where Chef Nobu
Matsuhisa prepares Japanese dishes with mastery. Local residents can also find a Whole Foods
Market within Malibu Park at Cross Creek.

Things to Do
The Serra Retreat is a religious site run by the Franciscan friars in this gated community. The
retreat has much to offer locals, including a stone garden, a grotto, and many gardens for
reflection. The facility is open to the public for ceremonies, weddings, and even unguided tours
with the proper notice. Many homeowners can be seen horseback riding on the trails around the
retreat.

Not far from the retreat is the well-funded Malibu Library, replete with new collections and places
to charge electric vehicles. The Malibu Lagoon State Beach has ideal surfing conditions, a
fishing pier, and guided tours around the state park.

Schools

Students in this area belong to the reputable Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

• Our Lady of Malibu Catholic School (K-8), Coed College Preparatory School
• Webster Elementary - California Distinguished School (K-5)
• Malibu Middle School (6-8)
• Malibu High School (9-12)
• Prestigious Pepperdine University

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