Late General Dynamics Chief’s Montage Estate Listed at $29 Million

The Laguna Beach home of the late defense executive James Mellor is on the market for $29 million. The 6,906-square-foot residence at 15 Montage Way is one of 14 homes located within the Montage Laguna Beach luxury resort, whose services and amenities homeowners in the development can use.

Mellor, the former chairman and chief executive of defense contractor General Dynamics, died in February 2025 at age 94. His wife, Suzanne, died the previous November at 91. Mellor and his wife bought the home in July 2009 for $17.7 million, in the early days of the Great Financial Crisis, according to public records.

An aerial view of the Montage Laguna Beach resort, with 15 Montage Way among the 14 private residences inside the enclave.

Listing photographs via Robb Report · Source

In 2012 the Mellors undertook a renovation that added another living area, a spa and several skylights. The primary suite has multiple walk-in closets and its own stone fireplace and sitting area with direct access to the backyard, and the primary bathroom has a soaking tub and steam shower, the Real Deal reported.

The entry level holds an art studio, and the lower level, reached by elevator, has a wood-paneled office, a media room and a billiards room with a wet bar. There is also a 690-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar with a tasting area and fireplace. Outside, the property offers an infinity-edge spa and a lanai with a fireplace, outdoor shower and heaters overlooking the ocean.

The kitchen at 15 Montage Way, part of the residence listing materials describe as reimagined by builder Jim Burningham and designer Chris Light.

Listing photographs via Robb Report · Source

The listing, held by Shauna Covington and Leita Covington of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties under MLS number LG26135878, remained active into September with an asking price of $29,000,000, according to MLS data.

Listing data puts the home at $4,199 per square foot on a 0.32-acre lot, built in 2006, with monthly homeowners association dues of $2,500. The MLS listing was updated Sept. 10, 2026 and continued to show an active status, according to the listing pages.

The lanai at 15 Montage Way, with its fireplace, outdoor shower and heaters overlooking the ocean.

Listing photographs via Robb Report · Source

Listing materials describe a residence reimagined by builder Jim Burningham and designer Chris Light, with hand-finished walnut flooring and Venetian plaster walls. The copy calls it an incomparable Montage ocean estate where Pacific and Catalina Island views define the setting.

Mellor retired from General Dynamics in 1996 and settled in Laguna Beach, where he later served on the boards of the Laguna Playhouse and the Laguna College of Art and Design.

The primary suite at 15 Montage Way, with multiple walk-in closets, its own stone fireplace and sitting area with direct backyard access.

Listing photographs via Robb Report · Source

The listing lands in a Montage-adjacent luxury market that has been rewriting records all summer, after the $110 million Emerald Bay sale in June reset the bar for Orange County. Note: reports differ on bedroom and bath counts for 15 Montage Way (MLS data shows three bedrooms and four baths); the article uses the MLS figures.