Hacienda with sweeping views of LA

The Life: Hacienda de la Paz in southern California is selling for $53 million, just short of the most expensive homes in the entire state.

Hacienda de la Paz is yours for a mere $53 million. Mark Singer / Christies

California's long association with the Spanish-speaking world is reflected in much of its architecture along with other ways of life.

Hacienda de la Paz in Southern California's Palos Verdes Peninsula in the Rolling Hills is typical of the Spanish style.

The hacienda (Spanish for estate), comes with a price tag of US$53 million and reflects a well-heeled neighbourhood.

The residential Rolling Hills has a per capita income of $111,031, according to the 2000 census.

With a population of around 8,000, the area has a history that dates back to the first Spanish rancho land grant in California in the late 18th century.

Perched on a hill, Hacienda de la Paz's infinity pool offers a sweeping view of Los Angeles below, across to the San Gabriel Mountains and Santa Monica Bay's white beach.

While the property itself covers 8 acres of land, the residence spans more than 50,000 square feet.

The entrance is through an open courtyard as in traditional Spanish homes and comes with attached stables that have been fashioned as guest quarters. Mediterranean plants and flowers add to the atmosphere of open spaces.

There is another guest house - in adobe - with Spanish grass sashes outside the windows.

The property, including the nine-bedroom and 25-bathroom house, is decorated with materials and by craftsmen from Spain, Portugal and Italy giving rise to the details on the murals and frescoes, inlaid tile work and vaulted ceilings.

Rafael Manzano Martos, a curator for King Juan Carlos of Spain, oversaw the work, which took 17 years to finish. Artisans who restored the Spanish missions in California were roped in for the tile roofing of the house, which also has a private chapel and customised door and window fixtures.

Wood from heart pine trees reclaimed from southern Georgia's rivers were used for the flooring. Similar wood was used in George Washington's residence Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, according to Christie's real estate website, which lists the property.