A distinctive Tudor-style estate, reminiscent of a storybook setting, melded with French provincial architectural elements, is perched atop a precipitous bluff commanding breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Laguna Beach’s striking coastline. This remarkable property, now available for purchase at $25 million, is represented by Arlen Raubach of Compass.
The seller, operating under the auspices of a Nevada-registered LLC, seeks a substantial return on investment, exceeding the recorded transaction of nearly $9.4 million indicated in tax records in 2018. The property is eligible for the Mills Act, a contractual agreement designed to reduce property taxes in exchange for the continued preservation of the vintage 1933 residence, which is nestled within the secure confines of the guard-gated Three Arch Bay enclave.
The estate’s wooden entry gates beckon visitors into a terraced oasis connected by a meandering brick staircase that gracefully descends to the front of the primary residence. Comprising approximately 5,300 square feet of living space, the property encompasses a four-story main house, a two-story carriage house, and a detached two-car garage. The main house comprises four ensuite bedrooms, along with a guest powder room, while the carriage house boasts two separate studio-style spaces, each equipped with a private bath, a kitchenette, and panoramic sunset views overlooking the ocean.
In 1983, the property underwent a thoughtfully executed expansion and modernization, preserving its timeless charm and character while seamlessly incorporating contemporary amenities and luxuries. Distinctive features such as oak floorboards, wood paneling, several fireplaces, a coffered ceiling in the formal dining room, and a vaulted exposed wood ceiling in the living room imbue the home with a sense of history. Simultaneously, a Lutron lighting system, updated digital-age wiring, and state-of-the-art plumbing installations ensure the residence caters to a modern lifestyle.
The ocean-view kitchen, appointed with granite countertops and Viking appliances, is strategically positioned half a floor below the main level, offering convenient access to the entertainment terrace. An elevated loft resembling a minstrel’s gallery overlooks the living room. The second floor comprises the primary bedroom and a guest bedroom, each with private terraces, while a third bedroom nestles beneath the eaves. The fourth bedroom is accessible via a discreetly concealed, spiral staircase, discretely concealed behind a door in the living room that could easily be mistaken for a closet.
A generous lower terrace features a built-in porch-style swing, inviting residents and guests to savor sunsets and stargaze. A sheltered area encompasses a built-in grill and bar, catering to outdoor entertaining. A marked wooden door leads to a zigzagging staircase that descends the steep ravine, ultimately granting access to the southern end of a picturesque crescent beach. While no beach in California can claim to be private beyond the high tide line, the Three Arch Bay community ensures there is no public access to the beach, affording residents the luxury of leaving their flip-flops and paddleboards on the shore while indulging in the surf, accompanied by their canine companions.
