What tops buying a luxury home with a view of the Pacific Ocean? That’s easy. Finding one that’s newly built. Three of the five Orange County homes recorded in the Multiple Listing Service as selling for the heftiest sums in the first half of 2015 were completed this year or in 2014. Their vintage aside, each home on the list is exceptional. Consider a glass-wrapped Laguna Beach residence set on its own rock promontory above the crashing waves – with a private path to the beach. Top that? Didn’t think so.
8 Coral Ridge, Newport Coast
SIZE: 13,329 square feet; five bedrooms, nine bathrooms
THE DIGS: Built in 2014 and set on a half acre at the top of guard-gated Crystal Cove, the three-story house includes formal living and dining rooms, a gourmet kitchen, a family room opening to a covered loggia through electronically operated pocket doors, and an upper-level master retreat with his and her bathrooms and walk-in closets. Highlights include an elevator, an infinity-edge, saltwater swimming pool and spa, home theater and a game room with a temperature-controlled wine cellar. The home has a library, coffered ceilings and fireplaces throughout. Sweeping views span the Pacific Ocean.
LISTED FOR: $23.7 million
SOLD BY: Rex McKown and Marcy Weinstein of Surterre Properties were the listing agents; Danny Huynh of National Broker Group represented the buyer.
15 Shell Beach, Newport Coast
SIZE: 12,241 square feet; six bedrooms, eight bathrooms
THE DIGS: The listing touted this Crystal Cove home, completed last year, as “decadent elegance,” with a subterranean entertainment area boasting a 1,045-bottle, glass-display wine cellar and state-of-the-art home theater, an elevator, and a courtyard appointed with a fire pit and waterfall. The backyard has a glass-tiled, infinity-edge pool and spa. Most bedrooms overlook the Pacific.
LISTED FOR: $19.9 million
SOLD BY: Rex McKown and Marcy Weinstein of Surterre Properties were the listing agents; John Stanaland of HOM Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer.
182 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
SIZE: 5,700 square feet, six bedrooms, five bathrooms
THE DIGS: This house, built in 1961, was designed by renowned architect Paul Williams, whose clients included Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Set at the tip of Emerald Point, the home has extensive views of the coastline. The recently remodeled home includes great rooms on each of the two levels, both with a fireplace and wet bar. Limestone decks on each level span the house. The listing noted sophisticated lighting, “with art connoisseurs in mind.” Residents of guard-gated Emerald Bay are privy to a private beach.
LISTED FOR: $17.8 million in July 2014, $15.9 million in September 2014
SOLD BY: Rod Daley of Coldwell Banker Previews International was the listing agent. The buyer represented himself.
1901 Ocean Way, Laguna Beach
SIZE: 3,267 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
THE DIGS: This Mediterranean-style villa is set on a quarter of an acre at the tip of an oceanfront promontory known as Arch Point. The home is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, with vast entertaining rooms opening through receding walls to limestone terraces. The master suite occupies a full floor and has a spacious, private terrace with a 270-degree view. Other highlights include a waterfront great room, two guest suites and a wine cellar with a tasting room. The property has its own gate, motor court and a private path to the beach, with an overlook set above the sand and tide pools.
LISTED FOR: $15.4 million
SOLD BY: Rob Giem of HOM Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller and the buyer.
3320 Ocean Blvd, Corona Del Mar
SIZE: 7,130 square feet, six bedrooms, nine bathrooms
THE DIGS: Built this year by Spinnaker Development above the cliffs of Corona del Mar, the turn-key, three-story house boasts a rooftop deck and a master suite with a retreat and private balcony, with views of Big Corona, the Pacific Ocean and the Newport coastline. A state-of-the-art movie theater, gym, game room, walk-in wine cellar, wet bar and elevator are among the amenities. Outdoor spaces include covered loggias, balconies, a fire pit and a courtyard with a barbecue and water feature.
LISTED FOR: $14.9 million
SOLD BY: Ron Millar of HOM Sotheby’s International Realty was the listing agent; Adrienne Brandes of Surterre Properties represented the buyer.
