Local homes on the market offer the best of beach living at different price points.
By Tanya A. Yacina
Known for beautiful coastline views, art festivals and beaches, Laguna Beach encompasses some of the best surfside living in all of California. This beachside community’s homes embrace a range of design styles and architecture to fit many different tastes and preferences in both location and cost. The following properties are a sample of the exclusive homes on the market in Laguna, showing the types of amenities available in various price ranges.
$20 Million and Above
31401 Mar Vista Ave.
$28,995,000
The size and scope of this luxurious compound alone can be considered a rare find in Laguna Beach, according to Sean Stanfield, owner of Stanfield Real Estate Group, affiliated with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty. Built in 2010, the property features native California landscape and is designed with sizable terraces, an entertaining veranda and expansive pool.
“It is an over-12,000-square-foot compound on 12 acres of land, which is unheard of in Laguna Beach,” Stanfield says of the five-bedroom, eight-bathroom estate. “Literally, a one-of-kind opportunity.”
The home is completely automated and includes a multimillion-dollar fire suppression system and a state-of-the-art theater. Countless formal and informal living areas are placed throughout the property, each of the large bedrooms include en suite baths and the kitchen is designed with the modern chef in mind. Notably, the spaces were planned and finishes selected by an Architectural Digest Top 100 designer. The property is also desirably close to the beach town’s amenities.
“Laguna Beach is known for its picturesque beaches, hiking trails, walkable downtown with amazing restaurants and unique shops,” Stanfield says. “The art festivals bring a specific culture as compared to other beach cities, especially in Orange County.”
+ Sean Stanfield
Stanfield Real Estate Group
949-392-5600
stanfieldrealestate.com
$12 million to $19.99 million
1165 Gaviota Drive
$17,900,000
A brand-new construction in 2022, this oceanfront property is not to be missed. The home features designer finishes and is also offered completely furnished, bringing new meaning to turn-key and move-in-ready for the lucky buyer.
“Rarely does an oceanfront residence of this quality come on the market, let alone a brand-new oceanfront residence,” says Mike Johnson, owner of the Mike Johnson Group, part of Compass real estate agency. “The design and build team are renowned, the sand is at one doorstep and the best of Laguna Village is at the other. This is a very special location and a very special home.”
Never occupied, the 4,288-square-foot California coastal home’s private courtyard with outdoor kitchen accesses the main living level with a great room concept. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom design features a kitchen and living area with fully retractable glass doors overlooking the surf. A detached suite offers space for guests, and the rooftop deck is a rare find on an oceanfront property.
“People are attracted to Laguna Beach for what they see as a visitor—beautiful coastline, the museums and festivals, amazing restaurants, abundant parks and outdoor spaces,” Johnson says. “What many come to learn after spending some time here is the incredible depth of community. This is a town full of caring residents.”
+ Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson Group
949-207-3735
mikejohnsongroup.com
$6 million to $11.99 million
900 Gainsborough Drive
$10,995,000
This 4,069-square-foot “modern masterpiece” sits on a half-acre lot, which is five times bigger than most in Laguna Beach, according to John Stanaland, owner of his eponymous John Stanaland Group, part of Villa Real Estate. The street-to-street lot offers extensive privacy from its cul-de-sac positioning, as well as two garages, unimpeded views from two balconies and the surrounding garden. The home also has a private guest suite complete with a kitchenette on the lower level, which could be used as an office, gym or theater.
“It’s unique to have such privacy in Laguna—a lot of the homes sit a lot closer together,” Stanaland says. “This legacy estate feels like you have a section of cliff side all to yourself.”
The four-bedroom, six-bath hillside estate underwent a full remodel in 2015, and features high ceilings, glass fireplaces, many windows and sliding glass doors to take full advantage of the expansive views. The three-story home features a spiral staircase and elevator, providing options for accessing the various levels, and the main living area extends onto an ocean-view terrace. The open-concept kitchen is highlighted by a center island, beautiful cabinetry and countertops as well as Miele stainless steel appliances.
“The Laguna Beach housing market offers a rare opportunity to purchase a dream estate in a small, highly sought beach community,” Stanaland says. “Laguna is so highly sought that it will always hold its value and the demand remains to be very high.”
+ John Stanaland
John Stanaland Group
949-689-9047
johnstanaland.com
$3 million to $5.99 million
463 Myrtle St.
$3,750,000
Located in north Laguna Beach in the highly sought-after Tree Streets, this move-in ready property underwent a major renovation completed in 2019.
Real estate agent Meital Taub, owner of Meital Taub Luxury Group, which is affiliated with First Team Real Estate and Christie’s International Real Estate, says that while most homes in Laguna require “some love,” this home feels brand-new. The ocean-view abode in walkable north Laguna offers the ultimate modern cottage style.
Approximately 1,661 square feet, the home features ample indoor and outdoor space on a street-to-alley lot. Vaulted ceilings, high-end lighting fixtures, wide-plank white oak flooring, and countless windows and glass doors configure the space to be open and bright. Plus there are Shaker cabinets throughout. The main level of the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home includes a great room and dining area that moves into the kitchen fit for the best of chefs and also an ocean-view deck.
“It lives like a single-level [home], as the primary suite is located on the main level,” Taub says, adding that having a fourth bedroom is key. “… [Plus,] you can see the ocean from the kitchen and the deck and generous outdoor space. The Laguna Beach housing market offers an incredible lifestyle. You are not just buying a home; you are buying into a community and a lifestyle that is unique.”
+ Meital Taub
Meital Taub Luxury Group
949-922-9552
taubproperties.com
$1 million to $2.99 million
2140 Temple Hills Drive
$2,295,000
A special find, this single-story home built in 1958 boasts views of Catalina Island past the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Located in the hills, the midcentury house sits on a large lot and exudes a family feel in light, bright airy rooms and ample outdoor space.
“This listing stands out because of the popularity of single-story homes. It is rare to find a property which has never been on the market for 65 years in such wonderful condition,” says Shauna Covington, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Special features include: a spacious floor plan, front exterior courtyard with gate, whitewater ocean and Catalina views, oversized attached two-car garage and large backyard.”
The three-bedroom, 1,836-square-foot home features an open floor plan, recently refreshed with new paint and flooring. The living area is highlighted by high ceilings and a brick fireplace, and the dining area showcases a dual-sided fireplace. The kitchen features a breakfast nook overlooking Main Beach, a perfect way to start the day.
“Laguna Beach has some of the world’s most beautiful coves and beaches, plus renowned resorts, art galleries, festivals, restaurants and shops,” Covington says. “With median pricing over $3,200,000 in Laguna Beach at this time, purchasing a timeless property at $2,295,000 is an exceptional find.”
+ Shauna Covington
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
949-395-8786
shaunacovington.com
