La Suvera

Based on the design of the La Suvera Estate in Tuscany, this Shady Canyon home is truly a one of a kind home. This home was listed with Orange County's super agent John McMonigle yet I cannot find a record of this home ever selling. This home had an original price tag of $15,000,000 but was incrementally lowered to $9,995,000 before being removed from the market.

Let's just marvel at this homes perfect location, shall we? It's situated above the entire community and a wonderful infinity pool completes that view. I am one of the biggest view proponents out there but I think that once you own a view you get tired of it; it's like a trampoline or a pool, you get used to it and can only truly appreciate it when someone new walks through your front door and marvels at it.

The true stars of this home are the superiors materials and details!

Isn't this such a nice and substantial island? I love islands that seem to go on for days because they are perfect for prep work and all types of gatherings.

The HUGE great room is quite expansive. I am enamored with the wrought iron chandeliers but I feel the color palette has room for improvement.

All the small details are what make this very large home! The attention to how each and every little detail commingle throughout the house is what strikes a cord with me.

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.

Sandy at the Strand-y

Now let's venture down to Dana Point and its brand new The Strand at Headlands development. The Strand at Headlands is the LAST community to be built on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway EVER in Orange County. There has been a total of 6 homes available in the community and we shall take a peek at my favorite.

29 Strand Beach was recently withdrawn from the market, yet it is by far the gem of the community. Designed by John McMonigle's Monarch Estates, this home boasts 6,100 square feet of living space and it is located on the FRONT ROW of the community. This could have been all yours for $16,995,000.

Oh John McMonigle, you know me so well. Give me a natural shingle house with white trim, plenty of outdoor areas, and an azure pool and I will be a happy camper.

Lantern. period.

This is a kitchen for the ages. Just look at the backslash! I'm not too terribly crazy about the bar height island though. Oh well, I'll get over it (highly doubtful).

This TV room is full of texture and I think it all works together swimingly.

Even the laundry room offers laid back sophistication!

However, there is a slight drawback to this home as well. Notice how there is quite a lot of open space to the left of the house? That is where the community club house is being built. But is that a major concern for me? Never! Just get me behind that gate!