Browse
Log in / Register
Share
A landmark Sausalito, CA, estate, renowned for its Prohibition-era history as the Valhalla restaurant and speakeasy owned by former mayor Sally Stanford, is on the market for $28 million. The meticulously renovated 8-bedroom compound offers a rare combination of preserved historical detail and modern luxury, with direct waterfront access.
What is the history of this Sausalito property? Built in 1893, the structure originally operated as a beer garden and dance hall named Walhalla. With the onset of Prohibition (the nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933) in 1920, it became a "soft drink parlor." A raid in 1921, however, uncovered 478 quarts of illegal liquor, or hooch. The speakeasy famously employed gangster Baby Face Nelson as a bartender. Post-Prohibition, it became a popular bar and hosted Hollywood elites; a segment of Orson Welles' "The Lady from Shanghai" was filmed there in 1947.
Who was Sally Stanford and what was Valhalla? In 1949, Sally Stanford (born Mabel Busby), a former San Francisco madam, purchased the property. She reinvented herself as a restaurateur, renaming it Valhalla. It quickly became a sensation, known for its bordello-style decor and famous clientele like Marlon Brando and Lucille Ball. Stanford held court from a dentist's chair, a detail preserved by the current owner. She later transitioned into local politics, serving as Sausalito's mayor from 1976 to 1978. Her legacy is a significant part of the property's appeal.
How was the property transformed into a private residence? After years of vacancy, the property was purchased in 2012 for $3.45 million by Dr. Alex Kashef. A planned hotel conversion was opposed by neighbors, leading to a decision to create a private estate instead. A $20 million renovation followed, carefully preserving historical elements. Workers discovered a trap door used by bootleggers and hidden bottles of whiskey. Original features, including the Valhalla bar and powder room doors, were restored. The renovation blended this history with Riviera-style architecture.
What are the key features of the estate today? The compound spans a 6,925-square-foot main house and a 1,845-square-foot guesthouse. The main residence features a grand atrium, chef's kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, and an office. The primary suite includes a lounge, spa-like bathroom, and a large terrace with an outdoor kitchen and fire pit. The estate offers rare direct beach access, a significant value factor in the Sausalito market. The property is presented as a turn-key opportunity for large-scale entertaining or as a primary residence.
Who is the ideal buyer for this unique property? Based on our experience assessment, this property is suited for a buyer with an appreciation for historical preservation and a desire for a premier entertainment space. The listing agent suggests it could serve as a venue for events or fundraisers. The buyer will own a piece of California history, with direct ties to a colorful chapter of the Bay Area's past. The $28 million price point reflects the property's unique historical significance, extensive renovation, and unparalleled waterfront location.
