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Malibu Mansion Tied to Frank Zappa and E.T. Screenwriter Lists for $28.5 Million

architecture-design · 2026-08-19

A villa in Malibu's Point Dume, inspired by Moorish architecture and formerly owned by Gail Zappa and Melissa Mathison, has been relisted at $28.5 million. Sonny Astani, the current owner, acquired the property in 2013 for $9.6 million after Mathison bought it in 2003 for $5.8 million. Zappa originally purchased it in 1997 for $2.4 million. Astani collaborated with HGTV designer Leanne Ford to renovate the estate, adding a lap pool and spa in the courtyard. The home, which was initially listed in 2022 for $32.5 million, boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and retains unique features from Zappa. It also offers 84 feet of ocean-bluff frontage and access to Little Dume Beach. The listing agents are Lily Harfouche and Chris Cortazzo from Compass.

Key facts

  • The Malibu villa at Point Dume is listed for $28.5 million by Sonny Astani.
  • Previous owners include Gail Zappa (widow of Frank Zappa) and Melissa Mathison (screenwriter of E.T.).
  • Gail Zappa bought the estate in 1997 for $2.4 million, four years after Frank Zappa's death.
  • Melissa Mathison purchased the property in 2003 for $5.8 million and sold it in 2013 for $9.6 million.
  • Sonny Astani undertook a two-year renovation with HGTV designer Leanne Ford, adding a pool, spa, and lily pond.
  • A serpent mosaic in the conversation pit, designed by Frank Zappa, was retained.
  • The home has 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, approximately 4,200 square feet, and 84 feet of ocean-bluff frontage.
  • The property was listed in 2022 for $32.5 million, rented at $85,000 per month, and now relisted for $28.5 million.

Entities

Artists

  • Gail Zappa
  • Frank Zappa
  • Melissa Mathison
  • Leanne Ford

Institutions

  • Astani Enterprises
  • HGTV
  • Compass

Locations

  • Malibu
  • United States
  • Point Dume
  • Beverly Hills
  • Little Dume Beach

Sources