A sprawling 137-acre compound in the ultra-private community of Coto de Caza in Orange County has hit the market with a headline-grabbing $125 million price tag — and it’s not just the acreage that makes this estate stand out.
Known as The Lyon Estate, the grand property was built in 1986 by the late Major General William Lyon, a decorated military officer and real estate mogul, and his wife, Willa Dean Lyon.
Over the years, the estate hosted many prominent figures, including President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, and became synonymous with both luxury living and American legacy.
Now, this once-in-a-generation estate is looking for its next steward.
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Set behind the gates of one of Orange County’s most exclusive enclaves, The Lyon Estate blends romantic Georgian Revival architecture with next-level amenities designed for collectors, entertainers, equestrians, and anyone with a flair for living large.
All that in the scenic Coto de Caza community, known for its privacy, natural beauty, and luxury real estate. Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, this master-planned enclave spans over 4,000 acres and offers a rare blend of equestrian charm and upscale suburban living.
Homes here range from sprawling estates with private stables and tennis courts to elegant custom residences tucked behind guarded gates. The community is anchored by the members-only Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club and bordered by the protected wilderness of Riley Wilderness Park, giving residents both resort-style amenities and direct access to nature.
With views that stretch across the surrounding mountains and manicured grounds that rival a Tuscan villa, the estate feels almost like its own private country — complete with a helipad, 3 guesthouses, a professional-grade auto museum, and even a citrus orchard with 4,500 trees.
At the heart of the estate lies a 21,000-square-foot Georgian Revival-style mansion spanning 3 levels and encompassing 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
Built with timeless materials and eye-catching craftsmanship, the main residence features intricate crown moldings, coffered ceilings, elegant woodwork, and walls of windows that let in natural light and frame sweeping vistas of the grounds.
Formal living and dining areas, ornate chandeliers, and richly detailed interiors evoke old-world glamour, while modern updates and thoughtful touches provide comfort and convenience throughout.
The Lyon family’s passion for hospitality is evident in every inch of the home, from the grand entertaining rooms to the more intimate spaces that overlook the gardens and pool.
The Lyon Estate wasn’t just built to be lived in, it was clearly designed to impress.
Among its many entertainment spaces is a resort-style pool area, complete with a freestanding pool house that includes a dry sauna, two bathrooms with changing rooms, and space to unwind with a view.
Elsewhere on the grounds, you’ll find a brick-clad lower-level wine cellar, a whimsical playhouse wired with electricity and a TV, and garden seating areas that bring to mind a European villa.
To host weekend guests, the property’s 3 guesthouses offer ample accommodations, including a two-bedroom, one-bath cottage with a full kitchen and two additional one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes.
Car enthusiasts, take note: one of the most remarkable features of The Lyon Estate is the on-site car museum.
Spanning nearly 24,000 square feet, the custom-designed space holds up to 70 vehicles and includes a recessed turntable, wash station, and a fully equipped professional auto shop.
This one-of-a-kind facility was tailor-made for William Lyon, who had a passion for classic cars and spared no expense in creating the ultimate collector’s garage.
Beyond the mansion and museum, the estate is packed with high-end amenities that cater to a range of lifestyles. Equestrian facilities include a 10-stall barn and a full-size riding arena, while a private helipad allows for seamless arrivals and departures.
A championship tennis court rounds out the estate’s recreational offerings.
Nature lovers will appreciate the estate’s two irrigation lakes, scenic pond, and greenhouse. But perhaps most impressive of all is the 41-acre orange orchard filled with 4,500 Valencia and Navel orange trees, a living legacy that’s more than 30 years in the making.
While The Lyon Estate is already a fully realized dream home, it also comes with a rare development opportunity.
A 64-acre portion of the property on its southern end has already been preapproved for a 25-home gated enclave, giving the next owner the option to shape a new luxury community within Coto de Caza.
As one of the largest and most expensive residential listings in Orange County — second only to the $150 million Porcupine Hill estate in San Juan Capistrano — The Lyon Estate has a stellar representation team.
Josh Altman, Matt Altman, and Doug Skoro of Douglas Elliman are repping it alongside Mauricio Umansky, Jon Grauman, and Zach Goldsmith of The Agency.
Its scale and scope place it in rare company — not just locally, but nationally — among only a handful of private estates that combine legacy, land, and development potential at this level.
With its approved plans for 25 additional homes on the southern end of the property and a long-standing connection to California’s real estate history, The Lyon Estate offers a uniquely expansive canvas in the heart of Orange County’s luxury real estate landscape.
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