For nearly a century, Malibu Colony has been one of California’s most iconic stretches of coastline — a place where Hollywood’s Golden Age met small-town beach living, and where generations of families (including the Lyons) have created a timeless community.
Today, Malibu Colony remains a rare blend of history, privacy, and oceanfront luxury. In this third installment of our Malibu Colony series, we’re taking a look at how the Colony has evolved — from its early days in the 1920s to the architectural beachfront neighborhood we know today.
This “then and now” journey also sets the stage for our new Flashback Friday series, featuring rarely seen images from Malibu’s past.
🌅 The Early Days: 1920s–1940s
The original Malibu Colony gate — marking the entrance to one of California’s most iconic beachfront communities.
What we now know as Malibu Colony began as a handful of rustic beach cottages leased by May Rindge in the late 1920s. Early Hollywood stars — writers, directors, actors — flocked to this quiet strip of coastline for a breath of freedom away from the studios.
Homes were simple, the sand was the front yard, and neighbors lived more like extended family than residents of a gated enclave. Surfers paddled out from their back porches, kids played barefoot until sunset, and the Colony quickly became a creative haven along the water.
🛠️ The Mid-Century Years: 1950s–1980s
Norman M. Lyon (center) at the Marblehead Land Co. office — part of Malibu’s earliest development story.
By the 1950s, Malibu Colony was evolving — slowly, but noticeably. New architectural styles emerged. Cottages were expanded or rebuilt. The neighborhood’s relationship with the beach stayed central, but the homes grew more substantial.
The Lyon family was part of this chapter in Malibu’s story. With deep ties to Marblehead Land Co., Andy Lyon’s grandfather Norman M. Lyon played a role in the growth of Malibu’s early residential areas.
These were years defined by community events, surf culture, and the first glimpses of Malibu becoming a destination.
As Andy often recalls:
“Growing up in the Colony felt like having the world’s most beautiful backyard — but with neighbors who became extended family.”
🏡 Malibu Colony Today: 1990s–Present
Mid-century Malibu Colony retained its beach-town charm while gradually modernizing.
Today, Malibu Colony is more coveted than ever — a gated beachfront street lined with contemporary estates, architectural homes, and beautifully reimagined versions of original cottages.
What hasn’t changed is what makes the Colony special:
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The sound of the waves breaking at your doorstep
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The walkability to the Malibu Country Mart
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The privacy of a guard-gated community
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The intimate neighborhood feel
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The legacy families who still call the Colony home
For Andy, who grew up walking these streets, the Colony’s evolution has been remarkable — yet its soul remains the same.
“Even as the homes have changed, the community feeling has lasted. The Colony still has that magic — the sense that you’re living somewhere truly rare.”
— Andy Lyon
🗂️ A Visual Timeline: Malibu Colony, Then & Now
A modern Malibu Colony architectural home previously sold by Andy Lyon.
As part of our upcoming content series, here’s a preview of a visual “timeline” — the first of many in our Flashback Friday collection:
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1930s: Driftwood porches + sandy front yards
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1950s: Expanded homes + early mid-century design
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1970s: Surf culture & community gatherings
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1990s: The rise of modern beachfront architecture
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Today: Luxury estates blended with legacy homes
Each chapter tells a story — and together, they form the Malibu Colony we know today.
❓ Malibu Colony Q&A
Q: When was Malibu Colony first developed?
A: The Colony began in the late 1920s when the Rindge family leased beach cottages to early Hollywood creatives seeking a private coastal retreat.
Q: How has Malibu Colony changed over the decades?
A: While the original cottages have evolved into modern architectural homes, the Colony’s beach-town charm and private, community-centered feel have remained constant.
Q: Why is Malibu Colony considered one of Malibu’s most exclusive neighborhoods?
A: The combination of direct beachfront access, 24/7 guard-gated security, scarce inventory, celebrity history, and nearly a century of legacy ownership makes it one of California’s most coveted enclaves.
Q: What types of homes are found in Malibu Colony today?
A: A blend of renovated vintage cottages, contemporary homes, Cape Cod–style residences, and custom oceanfront estates — all steps from the sand.
Q: What is Andy Lyon’s connection to the Colony?
A: Andy is a third-generation Malibu native who grew up on the Malibu Colony beach. His family’s history dates back to his grandfather’s work with Marblehead Land Co., giving him unmatched insight into the neighborhood.
🌀 What’s Next: Flashback Friday Series Launch
Starting this week, we’re rolling out our Flashback Friday series — a weekly look at Malibu’s past through rare historic photos and stories.
Our first feature:
“Malibu Colony: The Gate Through the Years”
A visual timeline of the Colony’s historic entrance and how it evolved through the decades.
Stay tuned — this will be a special one.
📍 Explore More Malibu
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Blog #1: A Legacy in the Colony — Three Generations of Malibu History
- Meet Andy Lyon — Malibu Colony Specialist
Ready to Learn More About Malibu Colony?
If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want deeper insight into Malibu Colony’s history, lifestyle, and current market, connect with Andy Lyon — third-generation Malibu native and Malibu Colony specialist.
Andy’s lifelong ties to the neighborhood, combined with his expertise in legacy properties and oceanfront homes, give clients a rare insider perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
View Andy’s Featured Malibu Colony Listing →
Meet Andy Lyon →
Contact 4 Malibu Real Estate →
- Written by the Team at 4 Malibu Real Estate.