Fifty-five homes closed above the $4 million mark in the first quarter, with a week still to go at press time, bringing a total of $371.2 million. That easily bests the full first quarter of last year, when 35 sales took place in the same price point, bringing $200.3 million, according to data by online real estate aggregator Redfin.
The three areas with the most high-end sales were Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, with 11 each, and Newport Beach, with eight.
The highest price paid for a home so far this year is the $20 million brought by the Cape Cod-inspired oceanfront estate at 47 Strand Beach Drive in Dana Point.
Work of Art
The oceanfront contemporary home at 2049 Ocean Way in Laguna Beach sold on March 11 for $6.3 million, coming in under the August 2014 list price of $6.5 million.
Los Angeles-based architect John Lautner designed the residence, which was honored as home of the year in Architectural Record Magazine in 2014. The four-bedroom, 3 ½-bath home is just north of the Montage resort.
The home, situated on a 0.15-acre lot, offers floor-to-ceiling views of Lover’s Cove and the ocean below. Koa wood plank floors, Italian Brescia Travertine, and rosewood-clad cabinets and doors highlight its open floor plan. The home features Lutron Vierti architectural lighting and Vola-Grohe fixtures, closed circuit security monitoring, and an elevator with disability access serving all floors. Halogen lighting illuminates outdoor rock formations.
Cynthia Ayers of Laguna Coast Real Estate was the seller’s agent, and Patrick Dailey of HÔM Sotheby’s International represented the buyer.
Beauty Renewed
The five-bedroom, five-bath beach chic-style home at 677 Mystic Way in Laguna Beach sold on March 11 for $5.7 million, meeting its February list price.
The 4,353-square-foot home sits on a 0.21-acre ocean-view lot. It was completely renovated last year from the foundation up. Its highlights include imported limestone, marble and walnut features, and Thermador appliances. Other features include polished nickel fixtures; new AC, furnace, water heaters, electric, plumbing, ductwork and metal roof; surveillance cameras; smart-home technology; video intercom; custom cabinetry; insulated walnut floors; wood/aluminum windows; and a solid cedar garage door.
Shauna Covington of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices represented the seller, and Lisa Mackey of Engel & Voelkers Newport Beach was the buyer’s agent.
French Charm, Modern Luxury
The custom French-inspired home at 5 Oakmont Lane in Newport Beach sold on March 18 for $5.6 million, under its November list price of $6 million.
The 6,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath home blends traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience.
It’s situated on a third of an acre on a cul-de-sac lot and has custom millwork throughout, as well as coved and open-beamed ceilings.
Living spaces include a formal living room, office, gym, and library-billiards room.
The landscaping highlights the swimming pool and spa. There is also an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, dining areas, and a well-appointed outdoor kitchen.
The transaction was represented by seller’s agent Brad Hinman of HÔM Sothebys International and buyer’s agent Li Fu.
Harmony
The inland Orange County home at 9971 Highcliff Drive in North Tustin sold on Feb. 24 for $3.8 million, under its October list price of $4.5 million.
The 8,381-square-foot, Italian-inspired estate was christened Villa de Bella Armonia when it was completed last year.
The seven-bedroom, six-bath home sits on a 0.83-acre, professionally landscaped lot that includes a loggia with a 70-inch flat screen television, a fully equipped kitchen, separate 1,196-square-foot pool house with a full bathroom, and covered seating area with fireplace.
Inside, the home offers a grand living room, a family room with pub-style bar, an office-library, and a gym.
“North Tustin offers exceptional home values—elegant homes, ocean views, large private lots, and award-winning schools,” said seller’s agent Laura Blatchford of Surterre Properties. “High-end buyers are recognizing the great value in this hidden gem.”
Ed and Laura Blatchford of Surterre Properties represented the seller, and Lesslie Giacobbi of Seven Gables Real Estate worked on behalf of the buyer.
