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.

Corona del Mar

Located a block away from Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar is this stunning modern home. Sure "modern" has a definition that is constantly evolving, but I do like it in moderation. This home has the clean lines that I crave and still satisfies my need for warmth and a pleasing environment.

I love the stark juxtaposition this house has when compared to its shingle style neighbor.

This patio is sheer perfection! Its elevation enables more privacy from the street, the tiles laid on a diagonal enliven a square space, the fire pit is awesome, and you can never go wrong with drought tolerant plants!

My favorite room isn't even technically inside! The disappearing doors blur the lines between the outside and the kitchen and the hanging heaters make my day!

Vacationing on a Greek island? Nope, it's just my roof deck.

This home recently sold for $3,595,000 and was worth every penny. Corona del Mar (Spanish for Crown of the Ocean) is a beautiful little village that is bisected by PCH; its small town vibe is a rare treat and should be valued for what it is. All the streets are named after flowers and are alphabetical so it starts with Avocado and ends with Poppy (but there's a random street named Hazel after Poppy, for reasons unknown). If your in the area head over to Corona del Mar Plaza, they have a Sprinkles cupcake store! YUM.

Quaintness to the Max

As we make our way down PCH we'll make a stop at the Emerald Bay community in Laguna Beach. Known for its artsy-ness, Laguna has long been a favored vacation getaway. Can you get anymore picturesque than this? A small artists cottage draped in vines and surrounded by blooming white roses is beyond perfection!

This painted floor is seriously the first one I have ever liked, and of course it had to be lime green. I think it adds a totally new dimension to the cottage by making it light and airy from top to bottom. Also notice the steel doors and windows! There are two dueling dinning areas that both vie for attention, one indoors and the other is situated in its own outdoor room.

Stainless steel. White cabinets. White marble countertops. Subway tile. HALLELUJAH.

This house, just steps away from the private community beach, just sold this past January for a cool $4,100,000. It seems beauty has a price and those in the know are willing to pay for it.