$53-million mega-mansion in Rolling Hills is fit for a king

If the $53-million price tag doesn’t stand in his way, President Obama need look no further than Hacienda de la Paz on the Palos Verdes Peninsula as a place to settle down after life in the White House.

Set in gated Rolling Hills, behind gates of its own, the ranch estate includes 8 acres of edible landscaping and five bunker-worthy subterranean levels beneath its ground-floor living space. There are back-up generators, a system to turn the indoor pool water into oxygen, a state-of-the-art security system, thermal generated power and enough wine cellar space to lay in a supply for years to come -- everything a head of state needs to weather a national or worldwide emergency.

There are also good public and private schools, an active equestrian community, ocean kayaking and hiking trails nearby.

A star architect to celebrities

Governors, senators and even one former U.S. president have been to the property. When Jimmy Carter stopped by for a 15-minute appearance at a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, he stayed more than three hours, homeowner John Z. Blazevich said. Carter ended up leaving when his entourage misinterpreted his rising for a bathroom break as the signal to end the visit.

Despite its size, Hacienda de la Paz has the feel of a family home too – as does the White House. And it’s only slightly smaller, at about 50,000 square feet.

“This house is unique – no other seems to combine a sense of intimacy,” said listing agent Marcie Hartley of Hilton & Hyland/Christie’s International Real Estate, “and yet a vast hidden grandeur.”

The $53-million property is the sixth-most expensive home in California being marketed through the Multiple Listing Service, according to Realtor.com.

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