Olde Del Mar property recreates a luxurious resort feel

It resembles the montage in Laguna Beach and it feels like you are walking into a lobby of an exclusive boutique resort,” says realtor Brett Combs. “It captures that vacation vibe.” 

If anyone should know the nuances, it’s Combs. This house is truly second nature for the native San Diegan, who has built a reputation on knowing the details. Five years ago, he first sold this four-bedroom, five-bathroom property — set on a half acre — when it was a traditional Pasadena Craftsman. This time around, the newly transformed, 5,525-square-foot home is brighter and breezier, embracing the multiple decks throughout. 

The coastal stunner, commanding $14,495,000, mixes modern amenities with traditional elements. The design is courtesy of Chateau by Dano, founded by French Canadian creative Dano Spooner, who worked in tandem with Ann Sneed and Hanley Construction to develop the highest caliber of design. Here, she enlisted wood paneling, a neutral palette, and walls free of art so as not to distract from the true showpiece. 

“I try to bring the luxury resort experience into the privacy of the home, and achieve that through the calmness, elegance, and soothing effect of the design,” says Spooner, who lived in the property while honing her vision. “The house is pure, pure luxury.”

It’s also really, really rare. Set at the end of a cul-de-sac on a large parcel in Olde Del Mar, the house affords immense privacy along with its panoramic views that stretch from Encinitas to La Jolla. It’s extremely walkable; a hop-skip to the village and beaches.

Outdoor living is of the essence. The backyard features a divine lap pool, a spa, and two entertaining areas with a full outdoor kitchen. A stone fireplace serves as a warming centerpiece and beacon to embrace the outdoors year-round. Meanwhile, the terraced garden carves out intimate areas to kick back and survey the view. 

“It has a seamless flow primed for indoor-outdoor living,” says Combs. 

Also seamless? Being master of your domain in the master suite, a study in natural light with a private balcony that welcomes relaxation. The enormous master bath is clad in white herringbone tile by Thassos Marble and the deep-soak tub is picture perfect, surrounded by windows that showcase nature. On view: the verdant native landscape and stone chimney. There’s also a double vanity that reflects light from the chandelier. 

Other perks include an open-air kitchen with a built-in banquette for ten, a media room with cooling wine walls, and a guest/nanny suite. Two bedrooms, each with their own patios, share a large Carrara marble bathroom while the third bedroom suite boasts a kitchenette.  seaviewdelmar.com

Buyers are seeking: Privacy, security, and space. 

The North County allure: It has that flip-flop, T-shirt, laid-back lifestyle that promotes relaxed,  healthy living.

Last 7 clients: Were from San Francisco and work for Pinterest and Google. The shackles of having to live near your job are gone. There’s lots of interest from LA and Portland as well.

Trending: Adding an ADU or guest house for a home gym or office. And landscape upgrades to maximize outdoor time and enjoy our perfect weather. 

Crystal Ball: We predict North County’s low inventory with high buyer demand will remain through 2021.