Avila Beach estate owned by Rod & Hammer’s Whiskey founder is for sale. Get a look inside
A gorgeous Spanish-inspired estate tucked among lush hills and vineyards on California’s Central Coast is for sale for $7.4 million.
Filled with charm and luxury, the Avila Beach property — dubbed Casa Contenta — lies within San Luis Obispo County on six secluded acres.
It’s “a private sanctuary beautifully sited on nearly six acres of pure paradise,” according to the property listing.
Casa Contenta features a two-acre pinot noir vineyard, which produces sparkling rosé, and a 6,000-square-foot residence.
The residence has six bedrooms and six full bathrooms.
The property, 6370 Verdugo Ranch Way, lies within what’s known as the “Hole in the Sky” microclimate, a nickname given to Avila Beach because of its temperate weather.
“It’s rather infrequent that I walk into a home or estate and whisper to myself, ‘wow, this is perfect,’ ” listing agent Lindsey Harn of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno said in an email.
The eye-popping grounds, designed by acclaimed landscape designer Jeffrey Gordon Smith, contain outdoor fire pits, a pool, Jacuzzi, wood-burning grill, meandering trails — and stunning views. An outdoor spiral staircase leads to a tower with breathtaking panoramas.
There’s also a lavish detached two-bedroom guest house.
“This is your own retreat,” Harn said. “The perfect place to get away from the world or to host friends and family.”
Business opportunities
More than a residence, the property offers significant business opportunities.
As a vacation rental, Casa Contenta generates up to $2,400 per night, with proven income potential exceeding $450,000 annually, according to marketing materials. It’s a licensed VRBO property. In addition, a fully operational wine label comes with the purchase, a chance for the owner to undertake private winemaking ventures.
Sellers Rod and Robin Cegelski, founders of San Luis Obispo-based Rod & Hammer’s Whiskey, are selling the property because they plan to downsize as their children leave the family home, according to a representative for Christie’s International Real Estate. They bought the home for $2.1 million in 2006, according to public real estate records.
The craft whiskey maker was founded after Rod Cegelski, a California surfer, met Hamish “Hammer” Marshall, an Australian jackaroo. They shared an appreciation of spirits and the Central Coast area. Wine Enthusiast named the craft whiskey among the “Top 100 Spirits of 2020.”
Dramatic mezzanine
Behind a gate, a circular drive winds through the landscaping up to a masterpiece of a home created by a variety of designers and architects from California, Australia and Mexico, according to the property listing.
The single-level main residence is defined by soaring beamed ceiling and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. A dramatic mezzanine overlooks the living space below.
The stylish chef’s kitchen is packed with amenities, such as a Wolf range, oversized island, wet bar and butler’s pantry.
The bonus room comes with its own stone fireplace.
The primary suite also has a fireplace, as well as dual walk-ins, a spa-like bath and a soaking tub with pool views.
Other possibilities for the residence include a private retreat, multi-generational home or exclusive event venue, the listing states.
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
