There is a precious 21-mile stretch of shoreline just north of Los Angeles that has long captivated artists, writers, celebrities and billionaires—from Joan Didion to Cher and Larry Ellison. Locals call it “the ‘Bu,” but most people know it as Malibu, made internationally famous for its sunny weather, rugged cliffs, private beaches and multi-million-dollar real estate. It’s where L.A.’s talent go to build their dream homes in relative anonymity. Where Jackie Collins writes her novels and Bob Dylan records his music. Where Mel Gibson and Pamela Anderson can slip into the neighborhood yogurt shop (“Malibu Yo’”) unbothered. Where generations of sun-kissed families pass down the traditions of surfing and success. Those who settle here usually stay for good. A home for life in flip-flopped paradise.
The latter is true for mother-and-son real estate team Irene Dazzan-Palmer and Sandro Dazzan. Since 2000, they have made their real estate business a family affair as the No. 1 producing agents in the Malibu Colony office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Dazzan-Palmer, hailed as “the queen of coastal real estate,” and Dazzan, named on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list in 2012, certainly have their pulse on the coastal way of life. Dazzan-Palmer has lived in Malibu since 1980, raising her son from birth along its sandy shores. Previews® Inside Out recently caught up with mom and son to find out if life really is, well, a beach.
Irene Dazzan-Palmer
Luxury is: Living in Malibu, skiing in Aspen, and traveling in Italy, especially Capri and Positano to St. Barts, my favorite islands.
My idea of perfect happiness is: A healthy and happy family, which I have now.
I love Malibu because: My favorite people live here, the nature, beaches, canyons…SoCal life is beyond!
Dream home: My house overlooking Surfrider Beach.
Favorite Malibu activity: Power-walking on the beach and hiking in Solstice Canyon. Dining with friends in “the Bu” at world-class restaurants like Nobu and Nikita. I also love to help out my husband, Jim Palmer, in my spare time. He owns and runs Malibu Vineyards right here in Malibu.
Currently Reading: Biography on Frank Sinatra.
Last film watched: The original “Godfather,” have seen it at least 20 times!
If I wasn’t a real estate agent, I’d be: Producer or director of movies.
Best piece of advice for buying a beach house: To just buy it! You will never regret it!
Sandro Dazzan
Person I most admire: My mother. She has taught me so much, not only as a mother but also as my business partner.
Greatest extravagance: Helicopter skiing in British Columbia.
Greatest necessity: My iPhone.
If I could buy any three coastal homes in the world, they would be in: Malibu, of course! Cabo San Lucas and St. Barts.
Favorite beach: In Malibu, it would be Escondido Beach for the abundance of wildlife and views of Paradise Cove. Away from home, it would be Cala Mitjaneta beach on the island of Menorca, Spain.
Best part about living on the coast: Having so many amazing outdoor activities at my fingertips every day, like hiking in the mountains, surfing, paddle boarding, fishing or simply going for a sunset walk on the beach.
If I wasn’t a real estate agent, I’d be: Involved with wildlife and wilderness preservation somewhere in a rural beach community or in the mountains.
Preview the Malibu lifestyle: Modern beach house with 60 feet of frontage on the elite Carbon Beach, with interiors designed by Trip Haenisch for $14,500,000 USD.
Irene Dazzan-Palmer and Sandro Dazzan have sold more than $1 billion in luxury coastal real estate. More information on Irene Dazzan-Palmer can be found here. Information on Sandro Dazzan is available here.
