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Inside the Lyon Estate: A 137-Acre Private Compound in Orange County, California

by | Jun 26, 2025

Set within the gated Coto de Caza community in Orange County, The Lyon Estate is one of Southern California’s most distinctive residential offerings. It’s truly a self-contained, private compound.

Front view of the Georgian-style Lyon Estate in Coto de Caza, Orange County, California, featuring a white-columned portic and elegant white exterior.

Represented by Mauricio Umansky in collaboration with The Agency’s Zach Goldsmith, Douglas Elliman’s Josh Altman, Matt Altman, and Doug Skoro as well as Jon Grauman, the Lyon Estate spans 137 acres with a stately, three-level, 21,000-square-foot main residence plus three separate guest homes for extended family or for hosting guests.

Built in 1986 by US Air Force Reserve Commander and real estate magnate Major General William Lyon and his wife Willa Dean, the stately Georgian-style main house enjoys mountain views, and encompasses 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. A stunning, dark wood-paneled library is one of its many highlights, with coffered ceilings and beautifully ornate millwork.

Luxurious outdoor area at The Lyon Estate in Coto de Caza, showcasing a large blue swimming pool with fountains, red brick patio, yellow and white striped lounge furniture, lush green landscaping, mature trees, and scenic rolling hills under a blue sky with white clouds.

For health and wellness enthusiasts, there’s a resort-style pool and sauna, as well as a championship tennis court. For the adventurer, there are full-scale equestrian facilities, including a 10-stall barn and riding arena. A private helipad sits on the upper grounds, offering easy access to L.A. and nearby airports.

For the green thumb, enjoy 41 acres of producing citrus orchards—with more than 4,500 Valencia and Navel orange trees—plus a greenhouse, two irrigation lakes, and a scenic pond.

Spacious museum gallery or private car collection showcasing vintage luxury automobiles from the Auburn Cord Duesenberg era, featuring a prominent blue convertible, taxidermy displays including a lion, and a cozy seating area with brown leather Chesterfield sofas and a wooden coffee table.

For the wine aficionado and collector, there’s a lower level, brick-clad wine cellar in the main home, but if engines and paint jobs are more your style, the standout 24,000-square-foot car museum is one of the largest private facilities of its kind—built to house up to 70 vehicles. With a recessed lift turntable, auto shop, and detailing bay, the space functions as both a working garage and a showroom.

For the investor, a 64-acre parcel on the southern end of the Lyon Estate is approved for the development of 25 additional homes in a new gated enclave.

Aerial view of the expansive Lyon Estate in Coto de Caza, Orange County, California, featuring manicured grounds with multiple large ponds, winding roads and pathways, lush green lawns, orchard-covered hills, and a grand residence nestled within the scenic landscape.

Experience privacy and serenity with convenient access to Coto de Caza’s members-only amenities and two golf courses, while enjoying proximity to Laguna Beach, Newport Coast, and the best of Orange County coastal living.

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