Not a Studded Belt in Sight: Former Hot Topic CEO Lists Upscale California Beach House

A contemporary house abutting the sandy shores of California’s Manhattan Beach has come to the market for a hair under $16.5 million.

The oceanfront property is being sold by Betsy McLaughlin, the former CEO of Hot Topic, who bought the home in 2003, according to records with PropertyShark, and her travels inspired its design, according to the listing agents.

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Spanning close to 3,500 square feet, the home “has an unconventional design that contradicts the neighboring residences and dominates the house skyline,” according to the listing with Lauren Forbes of Compass, who brought the property to the market at the end of September.

The home belies its connection to a retail chain specializing in rock, goth and other counterculture apparel, with a sleek, light-filled interior.

Natural materials, including mahogany, copper and travertine, have been used throughout the light-filled residence and have been utilized in stone feature walls, beamed cathedral ceilings and custom cabinetry. There are also floor-to-ceiling walls of glass that showcase the views out across the Pacific Ocean.

The home is “a unique combination of sophistication and serenity,” Ms. Forbes said. “It has an understated feel.”

The main residence is currently configured with two bedrooms—including a primary suite with 11-foot ceilings—three bathrooms and an office but could easily accommodate three or even four bedrooms, according to the listing.

Plus there’s a gourmet kitchen, a number of entertaining spaces, a wet bar, a temperature-controlled wine room and an in-deck spa.

There’s also a guest house that feels like a “five-star hotel,” the listing said.

Ms. McLaughlin, who couldn’t immediately be reached for comment, headed Hot Topic from 2000 to 2011 and currently serves on boards in the retail and restaurant sector, including BARK and Everlane. 

As of August, the median listing price of homes in Manhattan Beach hit $3.1 million, a jump of 7.7% year-over-year, according to data from Realtor.com.