A Dover Shores Icon: 1336 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach

Iconic design, unbeatable views, and a coastal lifestyle you’ll never want to leave — discover 1336 Galaxy Drive.

If you’re dreaming of a home that’s more than just beautiful—it’s legendary—then welcome to 1336 Galaxy Drive in Newport Beach’s prestigious Dover Shores. Listed at $12,000,000, this nearly 5,000-square-foot Mediterranean Modern estate is where architectural pedigree meets high-style coastal living, perched on a bluff with panoramic views of Newport’s Back Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and Fashion Island®.

Whether you’re sipping coffee while the sun rises over the water or hosting golden hour dinner parties with Fashion Island sparkling in the distance—this is a home that lives like a five-star resort in Dover Shores.

Where Story Meets Style: A Home with History

This home isn’t just luxurious—it’s storied. Designed in 1965 by Harold Levitt, the renowned architect behind estates for Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra, it was originally created for Virginia Knott Bender, daughter of the nationally acclaimed Knott’s Berry Farm founders.

Back then, it was a mid-century modern marvel, with 12-foot ceilings, a central courtyard pool, and sweeping viewsthat turned everyday living into a cinematic experience. For years, it was a private retreat for the Knott family, then passed to a family friend, Marie Tepper, who preserved its character through the decades.

In 2006, the Givens Family Trust took the reins, launching a visionary 20-year renovation journey that honored the home’s heritage while transforming it into a breathtaking Mediterranean Modern sanctuary. From Levitt’s iconic U-shaped layout rose a reimagined masterpiece—whitewashed plaster walls, floating glass doors, radiant travertine, and unmatched indoor-outdoor flow.

Sculpted for the Good Life

Stroll through the dramatic 6’ x 9’ glass pivot door and you’re greeted by an atrium oasis—complete with a glass-tile pool, Kalwall retractable skylight, and 14-foot cascading waterfall. This is where architecture melts into nature and every detail is designed for serenity.

The open-concept chef’s kitchen is a dream come true. Outfitted with Gaggenau, Thermador, Dacor, and Askoappliances—including a teppanyaki station and built-in steamer—it connects seamlessly to the indoor-outdoor living area for easy entertaining or laid-back family meals.

Each of the four spacious en-suite bedrooms is a retreat unto itself. Three open directly to the atrium, creating a daily spa-like experience, while the primary suite offers a front-row seat to the ocean with a gas fireplace, spa bath, and walk-in wardrobe that feels like a boutique.

Want more flexibility in Dover Shores? There’s a stylish home office, a bonus room (perfect for a gym, yoga studio, or guest suite), and a full laundry suite—because luxury should always be practical too.

Live Like You’re On Vacation, Every Day

Outside, 1336 Galaxy Drive is the definition of lifestyle-rich:

  • Ocean-view fire lounge with cozy seating

  • LED-lit bocce court perfect for game nights

  • Al fresco dining terrace for sunset meals

  • Surf shower + board storage for beach days

  • EV charger + gear garage for all your toys

  • Smart tech integration for lighting, skylights, security, and more

Every space, from the entry courtyard fountains to the skylit pool, invites you to slow down, soak it in, and savor the view.

The Dover Shores Advantage

Living at 1336 Galaxy Drive means joining one of Newport Beach’s most exclusive communities. Dover Shores offers private access to three bayfront beaches, proximity to top schools, and a front-row seat to the best of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle.

Minutes from your door, enjoy:

  • Fashion Island® – High-end shopping with ocean views

  • Balboa Island – Quintessential SoCal charm

  • The Wedge & Corona del Mar – Surf, sand, and dramatic cliffs

  • Newport Back Bay – Paddleboarding, birdwatching, and scenic trails

  • Lido Marina Village – Waterfront dining + luxury boutiques

  • John Wayne Airport – Just 15 minutes away for seamless getaways

  • Top-Tier Schools – Including Mariners Elementary and Newport Harbor High

Whether you’re working from home, raising a family, or hosting friends from around the world, this location delivers both elegance and ease.

A Home That Tells a Story—and Starts Yours

1336 Galaxy Drive isn’t just another Newport Beach listing. It’s a rare architectural icon reimagined for modern luxury. From its roots in California’s design history to its present-day glow-up, this home represents everything that makes life on the coast extraordinary.

Whether you’re a local looking to level up your lifestyle, moving from LA for more space and sea air, or relocating from out of state to experience the magic of Orange County—this is your chance to own the view, the legacy, and the lifestyle.

Schedule Your Private Showing Today

Looking for a four bedroom, five bathroom coastal retreat with panoramic views? Let us guide you through this once-in-a-generation estate. Contact us for a private tour or to explore more of Newport Beach’s finest properties.

Your sanctuary awaits. Come live the view. To schedule a private tour or learn more, contact Brian and Jennifer Thomas today.

Brian Thomas | 949.422.6409 | DRE#01320898

Jennifer Thomas | 949.422.6407 | DRE#01396350

Explore 1336 Galaxy Drive in Newport Beach with Brian Thomas and Jennifer Thomas of The Thomas Group at Surterre Properties—top Orange County real estate agents specializing in high-end properties, luxury estates, gated communities, and the OC lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1336 Galaxy Drive, Newport Beach

What makes 1336 Galaxy Drive a unique luxury home in Newport Beach?

1336 Galaxy Drive is one of Newport Beach’s most iconic luxury properties. Originally designed by renowned architect Harold Levitt for Virginia Knott Bender of the Knott’s Berry Farm family, this estate blends rich California architectural history with Mediterranean Modern design. With panoramic ocean and bay views, a private pool atrium, and over 4,900 square feet of reimagined living space, it’s a rare gem in Dover Shores.

Is 1336 Galaxy Drive located in a good neighborhood?

Yes, 1336 Galaxy Drive is nestled in Dover Shores, one of the most desirable and exclusive neighborhoods in Newport Beach, California. This coastal enclave offers residents private beach access, blufftop views, top-rated schools, and close proximity to Fashion Island®, Balboa Island, and world-class dining and shopping.

What kind of views does this Dover Shores home offer?

This luxury estate offers unobstructed views of Newport’s Back Bay, Fashion Island®, the Pacific Ocean, and Newport Dunes. Thanks to its elevated blufftop location, nearly every room captures stunning coastal panoramas—perfect for sunrise coffees and sunset wine on the terrace.

Who was Harold Levitt and why is his architecture significant?

Harold Levitt was a celebrated Los Angeles architect known for designing homes for celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His work is marked by open layouts, dramatic glass elements, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. 1336 Galaxy Drive is a prime example of his vision, making it a highly collectible architectural property in Southern California.

Is this Newport Beach home good for entertaining?

Absolutely. The layout was built for entertaining with an open-concept chef’s kitchen, retractable glass walls, a pool atrium with a skylight, and spacious outdoor areas like a fire lounge, bocce court, and al fresco dining space. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a laid-back summer soirée, this home delivers unforgettable experiences.

How close is 1336 Galaxy Drive to top Newport Beach amenities?

The home is less than 10 minutes from Fashion Island®, Balboa Island, Corona del Mar Beach, Lido Marina Village, and the Newport Aquatic Center. It’s also only 15 minutes from John Wayne Airport, making travel easy for business or leisure. Dover Shores is known for its central, upscale location within Newport Beach, Orange County.

Are there good schools near 1336 Galaxy Drive?

Yes, the home is zoned for Mariners Elementary, Ensign Intermediate, and Newport Harbor High School—some of the most sought-after public schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Nearby private options include Harbor Day School, Carden Hall, and Sage Hill School.

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