It’s time to jump in a big yellow taxi and head for the beach! The former home of Joni Mitchell in Malibu has been listed, but you can’t get it for a song.

The former home of Joni Mitchell is on the market for $2,949,000. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

You can see the luxe beachfront home formerly owned by music legend Joni Mitchell from both sides now that it’s on the Malibu market for $26,995,000.

The rare Malibu Colony retreat was designed by prominent architect Ron Goldman in 1982, and meticulously updated since then. The current owner, a former Walt Disney Company board director, purchased the five bedroom, five bath, 4,016 square foot home from Mitchell herself.

Among the Cape Cod-inspired compound’s many virtues are a charming detached guest house that could also be used as an office or studio, and a grandfathered oceanfront pool and spa. They just don’t make ’em like that any more, as the beachfront water amenities are no longer permitted under current Malibu coastal development regulations.

The detached guest house could also be used as an office or studio. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

“This property is magnificent in every respect, from its refined architectural design and beautifully considered interiors to its rare beachfront amenities and irreplaceable Malibu setting,” said Joyce Rey, who has the listing along with Nanette Iggulden of Coldwell Banker Realty, Beverly Hills, and Jody Katz and Leona Katz of Estates and Trusts Realty.

“The grandfathered pool and spa would be extraordinarily difficult to recreate under today’s coastal regulations, making this a truly exceptional offering within the luxury coastal market,” Rey continued.

Expansive walls of glass across the back of the home allow for panoramic ocean views, with nothing but sand between the compound and the Pacific.

Expansive walls and doors of glass across the back of the home allow for expansive ocean views. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

The grandfathered pool and spa would be extraordinarily difficult to recreate under today’s coastal regulations, Photo by Anthony Barcelo

Those sparkling windows also fill the interiors with light illuminating the vaulted, wood-beamed ceilings over an airy open floor plan on the main level, that appear to features shiny flagstone floors.

The central great room on the main level and ocean-facing kitchen both feature artful open shelving, and are designed for both relaxed daily living and elegant entertaining, all framed by the constant backdrop of the Pacific.

Expansive windows illuminate a great room with wood-beamed ceilings over an airy open floor plan on the main level. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

The central great room on the main level features artful open shelving. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

Skylights help keep the kitchen bright and airy. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

Other highlights of the primary residence include an oceanfront primary suite, additional guest bedrooms with intoxicating views, and flexible office space.

From the street, little more than a garage with a second story is visible, a feature common to many beachfront homes that lends itself to privacy and security. Pass through a discreet gate on the side, however, and you’ll find a lush, spacious courtyard shaded by lofty eucalyptus trees, ideal for outdoor entertaining.

The home features convenient, light and bright office space. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

Pass through a discreet gate on the side, however, and you’ll find a lush, spacious courtyard shaded by lofty eucalyptus trees, ideal for outdoor entertaining. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

The primary suite has extraordinary and romantic ocean views. Photo by Anthony Barcelo

Former home of Joni Mitchell — One of Malibu’s best locations

Many of those familiar with the area consider this one of Malibu’s best, located on a desirable stretch of Malibu Road that is actually just a short stroll from premier restaurants, boutiques, cafes and everyday conveniences—even a farmers market.

“Malibu buyers consistently seek properties that deliver both privacy and convenience, and this residence offers the exclusivity of Colony Beach with effortless access to everything Malibu has to offer,” said Iggulden.

“What makes it especially compelling is the combination of design heritage, oceanfront setting, and irreplaceable features, which create a rare opportunity to acquire a true legacy estate in one of the world’s most recognized beachfront communities.”

Those like me who are especially interested in the Joni Mitchell connection with be happy to note that last summer it was announced that Cameron Crowe is directing a biographical movie based on her life, with the ethereal Anya Taylor-Joy  rumored to play a younger version of Mitchell, and Meryl Streep confirmed as the older version. Crowe noted that the project has been in the works for almost five years.

It’s time to jump in a big yellow taxi and head for the beach! The former home of Joni Mitchell in Malibu has been listed, but you can’t get it for a song.