xanabu

Xanabu is a private property nestled in the western Santa Monica Mountains, previously part of the historic Duquette Ranch. Restored by Laura and David Hertz, the property was renamed Xanabu—a portmanteau of Malibu and Xanadu, the mythical pleasure palace immortalized in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 1797 poem.

Originally created by legendary set designer Tony Duquette, the grounds are dotted with theatrical structures and follies constructed from salvaged materials, many sourced from the film and aerospace industries. A 1930s Adirondack-style hunting lodge anchors the landscape, surrounded by surreal, cinematic elements that reflect Duquette’s signature vision. Laura and David Hertz received the 2025 Historic Preservation Award from the County of Ventura Cultural Heritage Board for their work in preserving and protecting the Tony Duquette Historic District. In addition to preserving its cultural heritage, they’ve transformed Xanabu into a living laboratory for regenerative design and fire resilience.

The property is home to Xanabu Farms, where Malibu’s first regenerative coffee orchard is now under cultivation.