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Nestled behind three sets of gates, San Clemente’s La Casa Pacifica in Cotton Point Estates affords owners the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
If the walls of San Clemente’s La Casa Pacifica (4100calleisabella.com) could talk, they would relate stories of the days when President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat, not only lived at the grand Spanish Revival estate nicknamed “The Western White House,” but also hosted a who’s who list of VIPs during their tenure there. “Provenance aside, this is the largest oceanfront parcel in Orange County,” says Rob Giem (robgiem.com) of Compass, who is listing the property now owned by former Allergan Inc. CEO Gavin S. Herbert for a whopping $57.5 million. “Having 450 feet on the beach is both spectacular and irreplaceable.” Found on 5-plus acres atop a bluff in the exclusive, guard-gated community of Cotton Point Estates, the iconic compound was designed by architect Carl Lindbom in 1927 and has since been updated. Expect 15,000 square feet of elegant living space divided among several brilliant white structures, including a 9,000-square-foot main house, two-bedroom guest house, 3,000-square-foot poolside entertainment pavilion and staff buildings. Among the showstopping features: an ocean view office used by Nixon, along with a lighted tennis court, putting green, greenhouse, and lushly landscaped grounds boasting exotic palms and Monterey cypresses.
Horse around in Los Ranchos Estates, Coto de Caza at 23111 Maravilla Lane (23111maravilla.com), a stunning $15.9 million Georgian-style estate that serves as an equestrian’s dream, complete with some 5.8 fenced acres sporting a riding arena, six-stall barn and more. “This is now an equestrian property, but it could be a car collector’s or for any buyer who wants privacy and space,” says listing agent Mariann Cordova of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Think 10,758 square feet of luxe living space on three levels highlighted by a wood-paneled library; subterranean 1,000-bottle wine cellar; and a lavish family room with a metal-coffered ceiling and fireplace. There’s also a formal rose garden, pool and spa, and three-bedroom guest house—not to mention some pretty breathtaking views.
When it comes to panoramic vistas with prime access to Lido Marina Village, the new Lido Villas is top of mind. “It’s for the discerning buyer who envisions luxury, with location being of utmost importance,” says Kaylee Smith, Landsea Homes vice president of sales and marketing, Southern California (landseahomes.com). Also a plus? The enclave’s 23 trilevel townhomes themselves, with a quartet of two- and three-bedroom floor plans priced from the high $1 millions. “Lido Villas is an ideal location for individuals seeking all the benefits of luxury homeownership—whether it’s a second home or a downsizing house plan,” says Smith. “It’s truly understated luxury-by-the-sea in one of the most coveted addresses in Newport Beach.”
With help from Tiffany Hunter Home, this Newport Coast home sold for $19.92 million in April 2019.
Tiffany Hunter, of Costa Mesa’s Tiffany Hunter Home & Design (tiffanyhunterhome.com), is the queen bee when it comes to staging multimillion-dollar properties. “At a very basic level, staging helps buyers envision how furniture may fit into a room,” says Hunter. “At a more sophisticated level, it can move buyers emotionally to purchase.” Her process: guiding clients on details from paint color to landscaping all while emphasizing the property’s most important selling points. The result? A high percentage of Hunter’s homes fly off the market. “Two years ago, I staged a 12,000-square-foot new construction home in Crystal Cove using all-new furniture and custom pieces made for the property,” she says. “The home sold fully furnished in five days with multiple offers.”
