David Duchovny lists longtime Malibu home for $12.5M — complete with a restored train caboose

New York Post - Apr 30th, 2025

David Duchovny, famed actor of 'The X-Files' and 'Californication,' has listed his Malibu home for $12.5 million. The property, which Duchovny purchased for $4.75 million in 2016, features a luxurious modern main house and a unique, renovated train caboose that serves as a guesthouse. The main house, set on an acre of land, boasts three bedrooms, polished cement floors, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow with amenities like a lap pool and an outdoor kitchen. Duchovny, who raised his two children on the property, decided to sell since they are now grown. Real estate agent Chris Cortazzo highlights the property's embodiment of the Malibu lifestyle, with its private beach access and proximity to town.

The train caboose, initially rented from 'The X-Files' creator Chris Carter, stands as a centerpiece of the listing. Duchovny invested approximately $1 million to transform it into a guesthouse, complete with a sleeping area, dining nook, and rooftop deck. As Malibu's real estate market anticipates a boost following the reopening of the Pacific Coast Highway, this property is expected to attract buyers drawn to its unique features and the lifestyle it offers. The sale occurs amid increased demand from residents displaced by recent wildfires, with insurance payouts spurring interest in the region.

David Duchovny Malibu Real Estate Luxury Homes Train Caboose Guesthouse Chris Cortazzo Pacific Coast Highway Wildfires Impact

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an informative and largely accurate account of David Duchovny's decision to sell his Malibu home. It effectively highlights the property's features and Duchovny's personal connection to it, while also touching on relevant market trends. However, the article could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency, particularly regarding financial details and market analysis. While the story is unlikely to have a significant public impact, it is well-written and accessible, making it engaging for readers interested in celebrity real estate. Overall, the article is a solid piece of reporting with room for improvement in source quality and balance.

Accuracy

The story about David Duchovny listing his Malibu home is largely accurate, with most claims supported by verifiable details. The article accurately states that Duchovny is selling his home for $12.5 million, which includes a main house and a restored train caboose. The purchase price of $4.75 million in 2016 and the $7 million spent on renovations are consistent with available records, lending credibility to these claims. However, the article should verify the cost of renovating the caboose ($1 million) and confirm the initial rental arrangement with Chris Carter. The claims about the market trends in Malibu due to the Pacific Coast Highway reopening and insurance payouts are plausible but would benefit from additional data or expert commentary to substantiate these trends.

Balance

The article provides a balanced perspective on the sale of Duchovny's home, focusing on both the property's features and the market context. However, it predominantly reflects Duchovny's viewpoint and the listing agent's perspective. There is limited exploration of potential buyers' perspectives or broader market analysis. Including viewpoints from real estate experts or potential buyers could enhance the balance by offering a wider range of insights into the Malibu real estate market.

Clarity

The article is well-structured, with a clear and logical flow of information. It effectively describes the property's features and Duchovny's motivations for selling. The language is straightforward and neutral, making it accessible to a general audience. However, some complex real estate terms could benefit from further explanation to aid comprehension for readers unfamiliar with such terminology.

Source quality

The article relies on information from the Wall Street Journal and statements from Duchovny and the listing agent, Chris Cortazzo. While these sources are credible, the reliance on a single publication and direct stakeholders limits the diversity of perspectives. Incorporating additional authoritative sources, such as independent real estate analysts or market reports, could improve the article's reliability by providing a more comprehensive view.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the property's history and the reason for its sale, but lacks detailed methodology or explanation of how certain figures, such as renovation costs, were obtained. The article does not disclose any conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between Duchovny and Chris Carter. Greater transparency regarding the sources of specific claims and potential biases would enhance the article's credibility and reader trust.