Listing of the Day
Location: Laguna Beach, California
Price: $51 million
Southern California is known for its spectacular coastal areas, with sunny beaches and fragrant oceanic air. And Laguna Beach, a small and affluent beach town just south of Los Angeles, is no exception. Irvine Cove, a gated neighborhood within Laguna, consisting of five homes including Villa Dei Tramonti ("Villa of the Sunset"), is about as exclusive as a beach can be in California.
Legally, the public is not prohibited from enjoying the area. But, because it is located between two large promontories—points of high land that jut into the Pacific Ocean—and because it’s only accessible to residents, it’s practically private. Furthermore, the home itself is protected by a private driveway and security gate.
"In all of Laguna Beach, there are only three private beaches," said John Veytia, the real estate agent for the home, "California probably has five."
"There’s a [traditional Mexican-style] palapa right outside of the house," Mr. Veytia added. "You can sit and watch the sunset. You can see Catalina Island. I’ve been there when the whales come close in. You can see the dolphins swimming."
Despite its relative seclusion and built-in privacy, Villa Dei Tramonti is perfect for the Southern Californian socialite. A host could easily entertain 150-to-200 people on the terraces that cascade down to the quiet beach. A dining room inside could serve as a more intimate gathering spot, with room for 16 guests.
More:Click to Tour a Laguna Beach Palazzo Eight Years in the Making
The Stats
The 10,000-square-foot house has six bedrooms, seven full-bathrooms and two half-bathrooms. It’s situated along 180 lineal feet of beachfront.
Design Pedigree
Villa Dei Tramonti features Italian Mediterranean Revival style throughout. Artisanal iron and bronze, millwork, and limestone floors give the mansion a warm and inviting vibe, while cathedral vaulted ceilings, a dedicated library, and a nearly 1000-square-foott great room are evidence of its luxurious expansiveness.
Amenities
The kitchen features a six-burner stove, double oven, gas stove, grill, warmer oven drawer, and granite counters. There are six fireplaces indoors and one outdoors. Elsewhere, the home features a bar, barbecue, cabana, balconies, a deck, mature garden, home theater, home security system, elevator and a spa. The home is wired for data and sound. There are three garages and six parking spaces.
The home is situated on an almost half-acre beachfront plot, with mature gardens adding to the overall privacy.
More:Warren Buffett Lists Longtime Laguna Beach Home for $11 Million
Neighborhood Notes
Irvine Cove has a volleyball court, a playground, and showers to complement its beach, which is only accessible through the private community. Only two-and-a-half miles from town, Irvine Cove is directly off the scenic Highway 1 and the 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
"The current homeowner is a businessman, and a lot of movie makers and politicians live in the area," Mr. Veytia said. "Several people see their homes as trophy homes." Many artists also call Laguna Beach home, and the town is home to Pageant of the Masters, an annual theatrical festival.
Agent: John Veytia, Engel & Volkers, Laguna Beach
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