Discover the Hidden Gem: Malibou Lake Agoura Hills, California

Malibou Lake in Agoura Hills, California, is a private lake and club in the Santa Monica Mountains. Numerous movies and commercials have been filmed in and around Malibou Lake, including the 1931 Boris Karloff movie “Frankenstein.” One of the most famous residents of the area was President Ronald Reagan. He was named the Malibou Lake honorary mayor in 1953. The President once owned a ranch in the nearby hills. Unless you are a Malibou Lake Mountain Club member or a resident, access to the lake is limited to a quick drive-by on Lake Vista Drive. You can pull over for a quick picture and take in the fantastic scenery.

Malibou Lake History

In 1922, George Wilson and Bertram Lackey purchased 350 acres of land near Cornell to establish a remote residential community around a lake. The new landowners formed the Malibou Lake Club, later known as the Malibou Lake Mountain Club. That November, they began construction on the Malibou Lake Dam. Over the years, Malibou Lake has endured fires, droughts, and developers’ attempts to build a massive condominium complex. The lake is also said to be haunted by “The Lady of the Lake,” a former resident who would swim daily to the lake’s island.

Lake Community and Lifestyle

The area around Malibou Lake is private and is not open to the public without an invitation from a resident or club member. The community comprises about 250 residents living in custom homes, ranch houses, and cabins on a 350-acre property with rugged mountain terrain. The lake measures around 1.9 miles in circumference and is private property, so no swimming, fishing, or boating is allowed at the lake for non-members. However, visitors can drive by or stop for a brief look at the lake from Lake Vista Drive.

Malibou Lake in The Movies

The lake has been a filming location for over 100 Hollywood movies, contributing to its cultural significance. The list of films and shows that have also utilized this scenic location include:

• The Postman Always Rings Twice* (1946) featuring Lana Turner and John Garfield.
• The silent film era classic “Frankenstein” (1931).
• How to Stuff a Wild Bikini* (1965) starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.
• Coneheads (1990) with Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin.
• The Story of Us* (2000) featuring Bruce Willis.
• Monk (TV series, 2005)

Malibou Lake Mountain Club

The Malibou Lake Mountain Club offers various amenities to its members, including a clubhouse with a ballroom, guest rooms, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and more, reflecting a lifestyle deeply integrated with nature and community activities. The club also hosts weddings and special events. Website.

Where is Malibou Lake

It is adjacent to Malibu Creek State Park and within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It lies between Malibu Beach and the Conejo Valley. The lake is roughly three miles north of the Ventura (101) Freeway, making it accessible yet secluded.

Nearby Points of Interest

This area of the Santa Monica Mountains is called the Three Magical Miles. Nearby attractions include:

Peter Strauss Ranch Regional Park

Peter Strauss Ranch Regional Park is in the Santa Monica Mountains near Agoura Hills, California. The ranch has a rich history dating back to its purchase by automobile manufacturer Harry Miller in 1923. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including as a weekend retreat and a children’s amusement park called Lake Enchanto. Additionally, it was the home of actor Peter Strauss from 1976 to 1983. Website.

Paramount Ranch: Historic Film Location

Paramount Pictures purchased this land in 1927 to serve as a “movie ranch” where countless films and TV shows have been filmed over the decades. The ranch has been a backdrop for Westerns, dramas, comedies, and more, featuring stars like John Wayne, Bob Hope, and Jane Seymour. It was particularly known for its Western Town, which unfortunately burned down in the Woolsey Fire in November 2018.

Mulholland Highway Santa Monica Mountains

Mulholland Highway stretches from the Hollywood Hills through the Santa Monica Mountains, linking Los Angeles to the coastal areas. Its western terminus is located near Leo Carrillo State Park. The drive provides stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Los Angeles Basin, and the rugged landscapes of the Santa Monica Mountains.