249 Lambert Road is a rare estate of cultural, academic, and architectural significance. Originally built in 1924 for philanthropist and industrialist Max Fleischmann, among countless other major contributions, was heir to the Fleischmann Yeast fortune. The residence was designed by the esteemed firm Johnson, Kaufmann, and Coate, reflecting their timeless commitment to excellence.
A century later, the estate has expanded tremendously under the profound stewardship of Pacifica Graduate Institute, having evolved into a dynamic campus of higher learning with five administrative buildings, organic producing orchards, lush gardens, water features, paths and tranquil vignettes throughout the property. Steeped in a rich, storied legacy this 13-acre estate spans gracious land, and generations, creating a future of endless possibilities. With exceptional potential as both a residential and commercial opportunity, this landmark property is well-positioned as a unique, exceptional asset on the Central Coast.
Residential and Commercial
Five Buildings
±15,317 Total Sq. Ft.
±12.22 Acres
Zoning: A-1-20
Coastal Zone
Conditional Use Permit: 265 operational days/year. Capacity -135 people maximum at one time (excluding 300 people twice per year for graduation) Pacifica Graduate Institute (current tenant) operating onsite since 1988.
Commercial Kitchen
Generac Standby Generator
Landscaper’s Garage & Workshop
Parking Lots
Mediterranean Gardens
Organic Orchards, Herb Gardens, Art & Sculptures
Air Conditioning
Two Acres of Organic Gardens with Biodynamically Cultivated Soil
Whether restored to its original residential glory or reinterpreted through a modern lens, this property presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a piece of California’s coastal heritage.
A lush, stately courtyard is a tranquil entry. Currently serving as the heart of the campus, having preserved the exquisite architectural character, the Main House is home to adaptable rooms and offices, a commercial kitchen, dining, terraces, fireplaces, and a basement ideal for an impressive wine cellar. In what was Fleischmann’s Trophy Room, original wood detailing, beamed ceilings, a fireplace, and generous interior volume beckons large-scale entertaining opening to an expansive terrace, vast lawns, and garden views.
Functioning today as administrative offices and a classroom, the Townhouse wing was added onto the main residence and features multiple rooms well-suited for quiet study, lectures, and collaborative gatherings. For future residential use, it offers ideal flexibility and the ability to transform into an ideal attached guest wing, offices, and multi-generational living.
It’s believed these were the stables for the original estate. Later used to accommodate visiting faculty and students, the Guest Quarters offered comfortable lodging with independent entrances. These spaces could seamlessly return to their residential origins, serving as charming guest suites for extended family or guests, living/work quarters for estate staff or private consultants, or reimagined as a multiple-bay garage.
Perfect as a wellness venue, a detached 2-bedroom guest house is cloaked in mature shade trees casting filtered light upon the attached redwood deck. With ultimate privacy, the cottage is a serene retreat with a tranquil outdoor space that extends the reach of this cottage into the lush, surrounding gardens.
Currently housing a grand hall, offices, and seminar rooms, South Hall is the largest of the academic-use buildings. Its scale and flexible floor plan make it an exceptional candidate for conversion into a fabulous multipurpose entertaining space, receptions, and large-scale events, with office space to manage it all from the wings.
Imagine grand celebrations, concerts, receptions or business meetings in this stately place
Once the cherished Fleischmann conservatory with the world’s largest pipe organ at the time, Pacifica transformed the building into The Joseph Campbell and Marija Gimbutas Archives and Library, preserving and showcasing scholarly collections in two distinct libraries. Again, multitudes of opportunity to be reimagined, expanded, and utilized with modern vision.
Once inhabited by Chumash Native Americans, the land has evolved over the centuries. As stewards with an eye on conservation and preservation, Pacifica Graduate Institute has maintained an ecology-minded philosophy, bringing it into the modern era. Throughout the property are organic, curated Mediterranean gardens, art, sculptures, water features and winding paths to allow each visitor a unique experience. Majestic Santa Ynez Mountains, ocean vistas, blue skies, and cool ocean breezes lay the foundation for this property to thrive. A lush, producing citrus orchard adds additional profitability with ocean and Channel Island Views adding the final punctuation to these memorable grounds.
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