Home of the Week: The Fortress on the Bluff

Perched above the Pacific at 11824 Ellice in Malibu, Simka rises from the bluffs as both architectural landmark and personal manifesto. Listed for $34,999,000 with Jade Mills and Zach Quittman of Coldwell Banker Realty, the approximately 30,000-square-foot estate encompasses 10 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms within a structure conceived not simply as a luxury residence, but as a modern citadel designed for permanence. In a coastal market defined by glass pavilions and fleeting design trends, Simka distinguishes itself through intention, engineering, and vision.

Architecture Built for Endurance

Created by Kris Halliday, known as ‘God’s Architect,’ Simka was deliberately engineered to withstand fire, seismic activity, tsunami, mudslide and coastal erosion. Constructed with more than 7,300 cubic yards of super-reinforced concrete, the estate reflects a rare level of structural foresight. Halliday’s philosophy was rooted in studying ancient fortresses and temples that have endured for centuries. Rather than designing for a market cycle, he designed for longevity.

The home’s bold geometry of concrete and glass is balanced by sculptural landscaping and rare natural stone sourced from around the world. Halliday refers to this balance as ‘Brutality Vitality,’ a pairing of strength and serenity that defines the estate’s aesthetic. Arrival unfolds through a secondary gated entrance into a Zen courtyard, where a stone-lined pathway prepares guests for the dramatic transition inside.

Once indoors, floor-to-ceiling walls of glass dissolve the boundary between interior and horizon. The Pacific Ocean becomes a living mural, framed through long sightlines and expansive volumes. Concrete surfaces are refined to an almost tactile softness, lending warmth and calm to spaces that might otherwise feel monumental.

Sanctuary Above the Sea

Despite its fortress-like construction, Simka was conceived as a sanctuary. The nearly 1,800-square-foot primary suite floats above the ocean, offering sweeping views and complete privacy. Dual hot tubs, a fireplace lounge, and a spa-inspired bath create an environment that prioritizes restoration.

Additional suites mirror this intimate approach, blending organic textures, curated furnishings and precise geometry. Even the marble-clad powder rooms function as sculptural moments within the home’s broader architectural narrative. Throughout, natural light and proportion are carefully calibrated to create a rhythm of open expanses and quiet corners.

A tranquil Japanese tea room introduces contemplative stillness, offering a counterpoint to the estate’s larger entertaining areas. The screening room rivals private cinemas with a 235-inch LED display and Dolby Atmos sound, complemented by bespoke Italian leather seating.

Designed for Experience and Legacy

Entertaining unfolds across expansive terraces, shaded loggias and a commercial-grade kitchen capable of serving up to 200 guests. Outdoor living areas are integrated seamlessly into the structure, reinforcing the estate’s dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Japanese gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls, and meditation courts weave nature through the grounds. A private spa includes a sauna, cold plunge, treatment rooms, and a fitness center accented by underwater pool windows. A private nightclub and an underground garage accommodating up to ten vehicles complete the amenity offering.

Born and raised in the Australian outback, Halliday began working alongside his father at thirteen before pursuing a furniture-making apprenticeship. Without formal architectural training, he developed his craft through decades of hands-on building across Australia, the U.K. and Canada. At Simka, that accumulated experience manifests as a residence conceived not just as a home, but as a legacy structure, an architectural statement intended to stand for generations along the Malibu coastline.

Simka has been listed for $34,999,000 by Jade Mills, Beverly Hills’ leading real estate professional and Coldwell Banker Realty’s No. 1 California agent, and Zach Quittman, an agent affiliated with the Beverly Hills office of Coldwell Banker Realty. 

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