Sea Crest

Located in the Sea Crest neighborhood of the guard gated community Crystal Cove (which really means 'I drive a Hummer and a black Mercedes with black rims, black leather, and tinted windows') this tract home provides a breath of fresh air as it sets itself apart from its neighbors.

The "Versailles" pattern travertine, or should I say travertine in general is very 2005. Whenever I see it I think of the Real Housewives of Orange County - a little dry and very tired looking. What about some beautiful terra cotta as seen here? It's the same old terra cotta but in provincial patterns!

Let us note the glass fronted refrigerator; I would prefer arranging the food inside to having a wall of stainless steel any day of the week.

There is ONE reason I remember this house and it is because of it's flooring. The stark white walls allow you to enjoy the unique stain and because this house is on the wrong side of the street to enjoy a full ocean view, the flooring provides a nice distraction and bring your eye to the rear canyon view.

Another reason this house is special is because of it's massive second story terrace! This house is a perfect example of how proper massing is important. This house is vary large as it is approximately 5,517 square feet, but from the street it seems much more manageable. The plan is long, low, and lean - perfect for taking advantage of the cool coastal breezes.

Crystal Cove

Located midway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach is the Irvine Company's latest seaside development. Crystal Cove is located on the hillsides of Newport Coast above Pacific Coast Highway and offers SPECTACULAR ocean views. Upon entering the guard gated community you will pass the tract developments and as you ascend Reef Point Drive you will eventually reach another set of gates that signify the Custom Homes. These homes must adhere the the architectural styles the Irvine Company deems acceptable.

1. Tuscan

This home is located in Shady Canyon but defines the Tuscan style the Irvine Company requires. The beautifully simple, low slung walls and the informal combination of masonry and stucco are the heart of this style of architecture. This home, named Val Verde, was previously the home of John McMonigle until he sold it in December of 2008 for $10.9 million.

2. Santa Barbara

Also located in Shady Canyon, this home is a prime example of the Santa Barbara style. A previous post about this house can be found here. The architect George Washington Smith pioneered this style by designing houses with thick stucco walls and calling on the architecture of North Africa, Andalusia, and Mexico. This style offers a relaxed sophistication that is the back bone of California style.

3. Provence

Inspired by the farmhouses of Provence, this style is blends the informal with the formal. Notice the use of a pediment above the door in this example and how it is used with the shutters and weathered wood doors. My favorite part of this style is how the terra cotta tiles are bought down into the exterior walls, effectively blurring the roof line and creating a very romantic effect. This home is located in the neighboring community of Pelican Hill.

4. Northern Italian

This style is inspired by the hillside villas that dot the Northern Italian countryside. The defining element of all these compositions is their use of roof tiles and the use of stucco. Northern Italian is the most formal of all the styles and can turn out the most heavy handed houses. However, when this style is executed by a true architect its effect is sensational. The home used as an example is located in the front row of the Pelican Point Community, the only Irvine Company community located below PCH.

As a whole, these four architectural styles provide the Mediterranean atmosphere that the Irvine Company so desires. When the concept is firmly grasped the results are unparalleled. It is a sad reality that many of the homes created in the community lack that architectural pedigree that these four examples exude. However, with the opening of a new custom home section in the community, new homes will be created that will hopefully exceed all stylistic expectations.