Iconic Cambria home with panoramic ocean views to go to market next month
A classic coastal California home with unmatched panoramic ocean views is going to the market next month.
Six decades ago, architect Warren Leopold was one of the hottest names in coastal home development in San Luis Obispo County.
By the 1970s, Leopold, a student of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his signature “organic” style, was responsible for some of the most iconic coastal homes in Cambria, including several on Sherwood Drive, which runs along the ocean on the southern end of town.
Now, one of Leopold’s finest works is going for sale for just shy of $4 million — and it could be a hot commodity for year-round occupants or vacation rental managers.
Represented by Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno Realtor Lindsey Harn, Leopold’s 1968 creation at 2431 Sherwood Drive will go to market in February and is expected to draw plenty of attention, she said.
“I think having (Leopold’s) architecture here on the Central Coast, when a lot of times these homes are in bigger cities like Berkeley, Southern California and things like that ... is very unique and very special, and we can appreciate everything he’s done,” Harn said.
Iconic SLO County home immerses residents in coastal nature
Sitting on just 0.11 acres on Sherwood Drive, the 2,788-square-foot home’s adherence to the organic design philosophy meshes the building with its natural environment, with some parts of the home connected by outdoor patios instead of hallways, Harn said.
Harn called the home’s scale “generous without being oversized,” allowing the home to unfold almost like a maze with unexpected nooks and crannies as a guest moves from one room to another.
The centerpiece of the home, a sprawling living room with large windows looking out to the ocean, allows residents relax in comfort even as the tides sweep up to their back deck, she said.
Those signature open windows extend to the primary bedroom on the floor immediately above the living room, providing an ever-perfect sunset view as the day winds down, Harn said.
Though the home went for sale last year at $4.25 million, Harn said she believes the lowered asking price will be more attractive to buyers who want great value for a unique home.
One of the biggest drivers of the home’s value is the fact that it carries a vacation rental license, which are in short supply in Cambria, Harn said.
But even the allure of operating a lucrative vacation rental was not enough for the current owners, who never used the license in their two years owning the property and chose to live in an architectural masterpiece rather than use it as a part-time home, Harn said.
That’s not uncommon on Sherwood Drive, which tends to attract more long-term residents than second home dwellers, she said.
“With an active vacation rental license, a buyer could offset the costs of purchase — with some rental income,” Harn said in an email. “However, a home of this quality and architectural uniqueness is really a prized possession.”
Sherwood Drive home to go on sale next month
Harn said the home will go on sale in February, with more information to come through her website.
The starting price is expected to be $3.875 million — $375,000 lower than its listing price last year — and is expected to draw attention quickly, Harn said.
“When you think about going up and down the entire coast of California, where else can you find oceanfront living at what’s still considered to be a reasonable price?” Harn said. “If this was down in Montecito, it would probably four to five to six times the cost, and so I think it really appeals and attracts to someone who desires the ocean beauty and views, but also still wants peace, quiet and that sense of retreat.”
This story was originally published January 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
