The Lyon Estate was built in 1986. Gavin Cater The Lyon Estate in Orange County, California feels more like a private resort than a residence. The extravagant property was built in 1986 by US Air Force Reserve Commander and real estate magnate Major General William Lyon and his wife, Willa. The former Air Force major was the founder of William Lyon Homes, a homebuilding company acquired by Taylor Morrison in 2020. The estate is located in Coto de Caza, one of Orange County’s oldest guard-gated, master-planned communities, which features more than 4,000 homes and a golf and racquet club. Not only is the Lyon Estate the largest in all of Coto de Caza, but the most expensive. It was recently listed for $125 million by Josh Altman of Douglas Elliman and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency. The Georgian mansion. Gavin Cater The price might seem outlandish, but it’s outfitted with every amenity you could imagine and those you never thought you’d need, like a private gas station. The property’s main residence is a 21,000-square-foot Georgian estate, which has welcomed esteemed guests like former president Ronald Reagan and wife, Nancy Reagan. The regal, three-level home is fronted by a manicured circular driveway and has a grand front entrance. The home’s classic architecture and interior design was inspired by the family’s former residence in Virginia. Inside, there are eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, as well as elegant living spaces, a wood-paneled library, chic formal dining room, and an oversized primary bedroom larger than most New York apartments. Coffered wood ceilings, intricate crown moldings, detailed light fixtures, and ornate ceiling details can be seen in nearly every room of the house. There’s also a brick-clad, lower-level wine cellar. The regal wood-paneled library. Gavin Cater MORE FOR YOU Of the numerous standout features is the main residence’s backyard, complete with a massive pool rivaling most resorts, hot tub, and a standalone pool house with a dry sauna, bathrooms, and changing rooms. The backyard also features Italian villa-style gardens at every turn. The property has three additional guest homes on the property. One has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a full kitchen, and the remaining homes have a bedroom and a kitchenette, offering a grand total of 12 bedrooms, 15 full bathrooms, and five half bathrooms and an incredible total square footage clocking in at 47,044 square feet. The resort-style pool. Gavin Cater The property’s amenities are second to none and include a private helipad, state-of-the-art equestrian facilities with a 10-stall barn and riding arena, a tennis court, and a playhouse. If that’s not enough, there’s a spectacular 23,679-square-foot car museum that hosts up to 70 vehicles, plus a professional auto shop (the aforementioned gas station is part of this), recessed turntable for displaying cars, and a car wash station. The car showroom. Gavin Cater Those who enjoy nature and the Southern California sunshine can enjoy it near the two lakes, which are used for irrigation, pond, greenhouse, and 41 acres of orchards with Valencia and Naval orange trees. If you don’t know what to do with the entire plot, there is an approved 64-acre development for 25 homes on the southern end of the property. This once-in-a-generation compound is considered one of the most prestigious estates in California, if not the country. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions