Dr. Seuss' La Jolla Home Hits Market for $10 Million

The famous author's longtime residence offers stunning SoCal views.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:07pm

The nearly 5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom estate in La Jolla, California, where Dr. Seuss wrote 42 of his 68 published works, has hit the market for nearly $10 million. The home, once owned by the famous author and his wife Audrey, sits on 1.51 acres and comes with a pool and pool house. Renovated in 1995, the observation tower and office where Geisel created dozens of his published works remain unchanged from when the couple lived there.

Why it matters

This historic property offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the most beloved children's authors of all time. As the University of California San Diego puts the home up for sale, it presents an opportunity for a new owner to acquire a piece of literary history with unparalleled views of the Southern California coastline.

The details

Built in 1950 by famed architect Thomas Shepherd, the home was 'thoughtfully built around a pre-existing Spanish Revival observation tower dating back to 1923-24, created to showcase the site's remarkable outlook.' The observation tower and office where Geisel wrote many of his famous works, including 'The Lorax,' 'The Cat in the Hat,' and 'Green Eggs and Ham,' have been designated as historic by the San Diego Historical Resources Board and cannot be altered through future renovations.

  • Dr. Seuss lived in the home until his death in 1991.
  • His wife, Audrey, died in 2018, after which the home was donated to the University of California San Diego.
  • The university put the home up for sale in 2022, but none of the bids were accepted.
  • The home must be marketed for a certain amount of time, from now until April 15, 2026, before it can be sold.

The players

Theodor Seuss Geisel

The famous children's author, better known as Dr. Seuss, who wrote 42 of his 68 published works at this home.

Audrey Geisel

Dr. Seuss' wife, who lived in the home with him until her death in 2018.

University of California San Diego

The current owner of the property, which was donated to the university after Audrey Geisel's death.

Thomas Shepherd

The famed architect who designed the home in 1950, incorporating a pre-existing Spanish Revival observation tower.

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What’s next

According to the Stull Act, the home must be marketed for a certain amount of time, from now until April 15, 2026, before it can be sold. During this period, the university will not accept any offers to purchase the property.

The takeaway

The sale of Dr. Seuss' longtime La Jolla home presents a unique opportunity for a buyer to own a piece of literary history, with the added benefit of stunning views of the Southern California coastline. As the University of California San Diego prepares to sell the property, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of America's most beloved children's authors.