Katie Larwa | Home Simplicity, February 2022

F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 2

homeofthe

month o bs e rvato ry

HOUSE

Finding Homes

FOR HOME’S BEST FRIEND Paradise,

3031 Kalmia Street

katie larwa REALTOR® | DRE# 02052640

DESIGNED

SOLD IN 2021 BY LISTING AGENT, KATIE LARWA

Meet

KATIE L ARWA

Welcome! Ready to make some memories in a new home, or looking for the perfect buyer for yours? Being San Diego born and raised, no one knows this community better! When we work together, you get a mix of marketing maven, key problem solver, and concierge. You need a plumber, roofer or a restaurant recommendation? I know the professionals.

I’m a San Diego State University graduate and very connected to the community. I’m fortunate to have had a 25+ year career in marketing and community relations before enjoying this thriving, fun real estate business. My entrepreneurial spirit runs wild, and I’m relentless, so finding you the perfect home or handling all the details with the sale of your home, you can lean on me.

Thanks to my background in business and an impressive group of clients who are like family, I’m proud of my reputation for getting the job done and exceeding expectations. I’ll be in your corner every step of the way. I’m enthusiastic and committed to looking out for your best interest.

Outside of real estate, I’m so grateful to share my home in East County with my husband and three sons, and time well spent with our amazing group of friends.

Not ready to buy or sell yet but eager to know more about the area or interested in what’s going on in the market? I’m available for any questions you have. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Warm regards, Katie Larwa Member, Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors Member, California Association of Realtors Member, National Association of Realtors

Highly Likely to RECOMMEND

“

My family and I loved working with Katie. She was knowledgeable and personable and was there to help us with any questions we had day or night. She always kept

communication with us and never had to worry how the buying process was going

because she was so on top of it! Thank you so much for helping us get the perfect house for our family!

- Nicole Wasson

“

This is my formal thank you

for your hard work, support and friendship during the sale of my home and

purchase of my new home.

I couldn’t have a better

agent! Thank you so much!

Thank you also for your patience and kindness.

– Sondra Courter

”

“

Katie is an outstanding agent. I

”

recently sold my home with her and while this can be a very stressful

process, I felt 100% confident with her from day one. She’s a great problem solver and listener and kept my best interest in focus throughout the sale.

Best part,

she marketed my home really well and we were able to sell it quickly. She really knows her stuff and I would recommend her to friends and family looking for a true professional.

- Francisco Gonzalez

CONTENTS 4-16 8-11

18-19

GLOBAL LUXURY HOME OF THE MONTH PARADISE, DESIGNED

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OCEAN BEACH

23

PACIFIC BEACH

23

POINT LOMA

23

RAMONA

23-26

SAN DIEGO

24-25

FINDING HOMES FOR HOME’S BEST FRIEND

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BIG BEAR

20

BOULEVARD

20

CHULA VISTA

26

SANTEE

21

CORONADO

27

SCRIPPS RANCH

21-22

EL CAJON

27

SPRING VALLEY

22

IMPERIAL BEACH

22

JAMUL

22

LAKESIDE

22

NATIONAL CITY

Information current as of 1/27/2022

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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C H U L A V IS TA 821 SHADOW RIDGE PLACE 5 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,483 ESF $1,599,900 - $1,700,000* MLS# PTP2108057

CHUL A VI S TA 851 FIRST AVENUE 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,724 ESF $779,900 MLS# PTP2200560

C L A IR E M O N T 4997 LONGFORD COURT 3 BR | 1 BA | 1,014 ESF $879,900 MLS# 220001700

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DEL CERRO 6525 DEL CERRO BOULEVARD 3 BR | 1.75 BA | 1,395 ESF $925,000 MLS# PTP2200435

E L CAJON 1223 BURRIS DRIVE 5 BR | 3 BA | 3,780 ESF $1,800,000 MLS# PTP2200013

JAMUL 15437 PALLUX STAR COURT 7 BR | 5 FULL, 3 HALF BA | 6,122 ESF $3,475,000 MLS# 220001801

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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K E N S IN G T O N 4836 VISTA STREET 2 BR | 1 BA | 944 ESF $1,095,000 MLS# 220001821

LA JO L L A 5639 DOLPHIN PLACE 4 BR | 4 FULL, 2 HALF BA | 5,375 ESF $5,740,000 MLS# 210030270

LEMON GROVE 2026 DARTMOOR DRIVE 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,239 ESF $689,000 MLS# 220001585

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M IS S IO N H IL L S 4246 TRIAS STREET 3+ BR | 3 BA | 2,295 ESF $2,299,000 MLS# 210028611

NOR T H PARK 3644 33RD STREET 3 BR | 4 BA | 1,642 ESF $1,750,000 MLS# 220001531

N O R T H PA R K 3031 KALMIA STREET 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,792 ESF $1,850,000 - $2,100,000* MLS# 220001279

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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OBSERVATORY

HOUSE BURLINGAME

3031 Kalmia Street San Diego, CA 92104 8

homeofthe

month

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 3D TOUR

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO TOUR

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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3 0 3 1 K A L M I A ST R E E T SAN DIEGO, CA 92104 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,792 ESF, Listed at $1,850,000 - $2,100,000 Designed by renowned architects; a fascinating and historical legacy; 100% unique character and overflowing personality; plus, its own officially published name: Welcome to the Observatory House!

Located in Burlingame, this one-of-a-kind home was originally built in 1922 as a craftsman bungalow. Today, 3031 Kalmia Street is known as the Observatory House for its stunningly unique 26’ stucco and marble clad tower. Recently painted inside, the home retains many original characteristics, including built-ins, a wood-burning fireplace, gumwood crown moulding, maple hardwood floors (recently refinished), and five sets of gumwood French doors that encircle a courtyard. The kitchen features Birdseye maple cabinetry, granite counters, slate tile, and a conversation bench with storage. The hall bathroom has been updated with the same cabinetry and tile, while the primary ensuite bathroom has most of its charmingly 10

original elements, including a cast iron pedestal sink and vintage tile. Every window is original to the home.

Distinguished architects Rene Davids and Christine Killory (the homeowners at the time) constructed the tower in the late 80’s as a library/reading room and observatory.

A dumbwaiter moves items from the ground floor up to the reading room/office and continues all the way up to the top of the tower. There is even a skylight in the ceiling that perfectly frames the North Star! A steel staircase leads you up to the cozy reading room with a built-in desk and neighborhood views. Just outside of the Dutch door are two observation decks! Breathtaking vistas abound, the taller of the two decks providing a complete 360˚ panorama. It’s no wonder the Observatory House has won five national and regional awards, including an AIA Honor Award and San Diego Home & Garden Home of the Year.

The 19’ foot tall library portion has 145 floor-to-ceiling cubbies and enough room for 5,000+ books, plus small windows to admit light without compromising privacy.

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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N O R T H PA R K 2657 BOUNDARY STREET 4 BR | 3 BA | 3,510 ESF $1,799,000 - $1,899,000* MLS# PTP2200255

OCEANSID E 1727 S PACIFIC STREET 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,872 ESF $3,999,000 MLS# NDP2200329

PA C IF IC B E A CH 818 EMERALD STREET 4 UNITS: 3 BR | 2-2.5 BA $4,875,600 MLS# NDP2112720

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PA C IF IC B E A CH 1672 MISSOURI STREET 4 UNITS: 2-3 BR | 2-2.5 BA $3,491,888 MLS# NDP2112717

S AN DIEG O 5154 34TH STREET 3 BR | 3 BA | 2,364 ESF $1,700,000 MLS# PTP2200484

S A N D IE G O 4702 68TH STREET 3 BR | 1 BA | 980 ESF $760,000 - $799,000* MLS# PTP2200519

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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SAN DIEGO B AY H O 3340 JEMEZ DRIVE 2 UNITS: 3 BR | 1 BA $1,099,000 MLS# 220001799

SAN DIEGO B AY HO 3725 BALBOA TERRACE, UNIT E 2 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,285 ESF $699,000 MLS# 220001781

SAN DIEGO E L C E R R IT O 4180 58TH STREET 4 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,773 ESF $929,000 MLS# PTP2200338

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SAN DIEGO E M E R A L D H IL LS 945 ALVIN STREET 4 BR | 2.75 BA | 1,594 ESF $750,000 MLS# PTP2200517

SAN DIEGO PAR A DI S E H ILLS 1109 MANZANA WAY 4 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,990 ESF $696,000 MLS# 220001758

TEMECULA 43996 CALLE DE VELARDO 4 BR | 3 FULL, 2 HALF BA | 4,596 ESF $1,820,000 MLS# 220001023

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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V IS TA 929 CHUMASH TRAIL 6 BR | 4.5 BA | 4,308 ESF $1,300,000 - $1,500,000* MLS# PTP2200444

GREAT FUTURE IS IN GOOD CHARITY.

Find out how you can help by visiting

cbwgives.com 16

IMAGINE the

POSSIBILITIES

Call us to purchase or refinance today.

619-475-4095 NMLS# 231073

www.pointmtg.com

Point Mortgage Corporation – Licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

H OLicense# M E S I M4130876.

PLICITY MAGAZINE Corporate address: 2421 Fenton St., Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91914. NMLS# 231073. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.

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Paradise,

Designed

By Alyson Pitarre

“If ever we needed paradise, especially

over the world — from the mountains

a paradise we can hold in our hands to

of Switzerland to the beaches of Fiji.

and mixed a sisal carpet with touches

revisit again and again, that time is now,”

Named as a Dean of American Design

like a custom-designed ebony table

writes Wendy Goodman, design editor

by Architectural Digest and a frequent

with bone inlay surrounded by Anglo-

for New York magazine,

Indian chairs, a glass-fronted display

in the foreword to a

of top designers, he has been inducted

cabinet from the Philippines, and a red

recently released book,

into Interior Design’s Hall of Fame and

Chinese console. The result is a relaxed

“Designing Paradise:

distinguished with the Legends Award

Juan Montoya.”

from Pratt Institute, among other honors.

In another Dominican

He is best known for creating “magical

Republic retreat, textural

Countless people from coast to coast

interior worlds for his clients” that are

exploration took on the

heeded these words as they searched

grounded in history, art and a respect

form of the combed

for homes of escape during much of the

for local artisanal talent, according to

plaster of dining room

pandemic. Vacation home sales rose by

Goodman. This particular skill served

walls, woven rope detail

16.4% in 2020, according to NAR’s 2021

him well when it came time to interpret

“Vacation Home Counties Report” —

table and bedroom

and they’re still surging this year. During

for his clients’ vacation homes in

headboard, and intricate

the January–April 2021 period, sales

tropical locations like Miami Beach,

beadwork on the sitting

of vacation homes jumped by 57.2%

the Dominican Republic and Mexico,

room ottomans.

year-over-year, more than twice the 20%

featured in the book.

growth in total existing-home sales during the same period.

World-renowned designer

For Mexico’s 1,500-acre Each home expresses a juxtaposition

resort and residential

of textures, colors and volumes while

community, Punta Mita,

balancing scale, lighting and spatial

Montoya “spent one and

Juan Montoya knows all

18

a half years traveling

about creating homes

an interest in a variety of cultures. For a

from town to town in Mexico, looking

built for pleasure,

home in the Dominican Republic’s Cap

for artisans to produce the furniture

relaxation and escape.

Cana, for example, he incorporated a

so it would have an authenticity to its

His work takes him all

painted 18th-century double front door

his appreciation for nature regional culture into the design “allows us

can be found throughout

to explore something new,” he explains.

his tropical portfolio, too.

“It gives you a sense of belonging. It

For the Cap Cana oasis,

also helps to support the local craft and

he designed the lush

artisans.”

jungle-like landscaping himself, nestling thatched

Montoya is no stranger to the idea of

palapas among palm tree

escapist fantasy. As a child, his family

groves or hidden at the

split time between Bogotá and a rice

end of walkways to create

farm in a remote town called Puerto

a sense of allure and mystery. Outdoor rooms,

importance of how design relates to

from an elegant dining

its physical location and geographical

palapa artfully arranged among verdant palms

icon himself divides his time between

and elephant ear plants

an apartment in New York City and a

to a monumental outdoor living room

sprawling 100-acre country estate in the

surrounded overhead by an open-air

Hudson River Valley, which he named

mezzanine, pay homage to the sun-

La Formentera after one of the Balearic

soaked landscape. In a Fisher Island apartment, Montoya played up the visual connection to the water by removing

“Greenery is very important for your

doors that blocked views of adjacent

health and peace of mind,” he says. “On

rooms and expanded the space laterally

Indeed, Montoya’s visual language has transitioned “from the stark, monochromatic rooms with which he to the more opulent yet relaxed interiors of today,” observes Goodman. Even Montoya acknowledges his work is “more mature, more daring and more concise.”

our property [in Garrison, New York], we live amongst the wildlife, birds and back to the city to revisit your vendors, friends, craftspeople and people you work with.”

A connection to the outdoors is another Montoya calling card when creating an elevated

Still, Montoya’s tropical design is not all

At a time when everyone seems to be

sense of paradise. For La

palapas and sisal rope. In a Surfside,

looking — or at least dreaming — for

achieve a place of solace

example, he included glossier nods to the

new vision for living founded on beauty,

and splendor inspired

seaside surroundings like custom silver

creativity, functionality and sense of place.

Formentera, he aimed to

by the Mediterranean island’s rocky terrain.

Over many years, he

as backdrop to a bar and curvaceous

daringly intermixed stone sculptures, a captivating

sophisticated homage to Miami’s art deco

pool complex, rough-

tradition or an art deco twist on a residence

hewn shelters and a

inspired by an ancient Hindu temple. “The

rushing brook that empties into a pristine

needed and with such panache is part

lake, transforming them

of what has made Montoya a celebrated

into a beautiful natural

name in the world of design,” writes book

wonderland. Echoes of

author Jorge Arango.

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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BI G B E A R

C H ULA VISTA

42648 CEDAR AVENUE 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,015 ESF $540,000 MLS# PTP2200479

1539 SONORA DRIVE #255 4 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,460 ESF $569,000 MLS# PTP2200518

BOU L E VA R D

C H ULA VISTA

2567 LIVE OAK TRAIL 1 BR | 1 BA | 500 ESF $325,000 MLS# PTP2108115

814 CAMINITO FRANCISCO #6 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,141 ESF $528,000 MLS# PTP2200511

CHU L A V I S TA

C H ULA VISTA

2185 LAGO MADERO 2 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,304 ESF $589,999 MLS# PTP2200561

121 ORANGE AVENUE #29 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,493 ESF $212,500 - $250,000* MLS# PTP2108213

CO RO N A D O

EL C AJON

1116 3RD STREET 1 BR | 1.5 BA | 590 ESF $1,125,000 MLS# NDP2200694

146 W WASHINGTON AVENUE 2 BR | 1 BA | 740 ESF $525,000 MLS# 220001586SD

E L CA J O N

EL C AJON

13604 AVENIDA DEL CHARRO 4 BR | 2 BA | 1,421 ESF $692,500 MLS# PTP2107910

255 E BRADLEY AVENUE #70 2 BR | 2 BA | 944 ESF $124,999 - $144,900* MLS# PTP2108505

E L CA J O N

EL C AJON - RAN C H O SAN DI E GO

216 MINNESOTA AVENUE 2 BR | 1 BA | 754 ESF $549,900 MLS# PTP2200583

11965 CALLE LORENZANA 4 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,625 ESF $789,999 MLS# PTP2200532 HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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E L CA J O N - R ANCHO SAN DI E GO

JAM U L

11350 VIA RANCHO SAN DIEGO, UNIT F 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,246 ESF $529,000 - $549,000* MLS# PTP2200540

18582 BEE CANYON ROAD 3 BR | 2 BA | 900 ESF $349,900 MLS# PTP2106558

IM P E RI A L BE ACH

LAKESIDE

1251 EAST LANE 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,500 ESF $945,000 MLS# PTP2200496

11949 RIVERSIDE DRIVE #83 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,368 ESF $155,000 MLS# 210032209

J A MU L

N ATION AL C ITY

17869 LYONS VALLEY ROAD 2 BR | 1 BA | 704 ESF $450,000 MLS# 210026252

1410 E 6TH STREET 2 BR | 2 BA | 876 ESF $495,000 MLS# PTP2200575

O C E A N B E ACH

POIN T LOM A

1641 SUNSET CLIFFS BOULEVARD #4 1 BR | 1 BA | 500 ESF $649,000 MLS# 220001621SD

3050 RUE D ORLEANS #368 1 BR | 1 BA | 547 ESF $399,000 MLS# 220001472SD

PA C I F I C B E A CH

RAM ON A

1760 DIAMOND STREET 10 UNITS: 2-3 BR | 2-2.5 BA $8,519,000 MLS# NDP2112718

25763 BELLEMORE DRIVE 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,700 ESF $665,000 MLS# PTP2200576

PA C I F I C B E A CH

SAN D IEGO

2050 GARNET AVENUE 8 UNITS: 3-4 BR | 2-2.5 BA $7,527,600 MLS# NDP2112719

1185 30TH STREET 4 BR | 2.5 BA | 192 ESF $859,000 MLS# PTP2107211 HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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Finding Homes for Home’s Best Friend With more than 20,000 dogs already adopted, Coldwell Banker continues its Home For Dogs Project

N

othing compares to the warmth and comfort of being at home. But for many dogs across America, this feeling is foreign.

According to The Humane Society, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter shelters each year. Plus, almost three million healthy shelter pets

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are not adopted annually, and only about 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters or rescues.

These sobering facts are what served as the inspiration for the Coldwell Banker Homes for Dogs Project. After more than

extended its mission to man’s best friend with its “Homes for Dogs Project.” By partnering with Adopt-a-Pet.com, North adoption website, the Coldwell Banker network has helped to furever homes.

homes, the real estate company

To increase awareness of the focused its latest advertising campaign called “Old Dog New Dog” to capture the heartfelt story of an agent giving back to her community by helping shelter

“I found him on Adopt-a-Pet.com as I was looking for a dog to rescue of that sort of breed and current parent. “As soon as I saw his picture, I just knew he was the pet for me.”

“Homes for Dogs Project.”

The commercial features rescue dogs, such as Max, who was adopted in 2014 after being spotted on Adopt-a-Pet.com.

Before he was put up for adoption, Max was picked up as a stray and delivered to a “high kill” shelter in San Bernadino, CA. The shelter only keeps them down, and after Max had been at the shelter for four days, a worker reached out to The Dexter Foundation, a local nonagency, which quickly rescued Max and found temporary foster care for him.

“We share Coldwell Banker’s view that nothing turns a house into a home more quickly than the addition of a loving pet”

Adopt-a-Pet.com currently has more than 15,000 shelters and rescues in its network, and it is thrilled to be partnering with Coldwell Banker.

“We share Coldwell Banker’s view that nothing turns a house into a home more quickly than the addition of a loving pet,” said Abbie Moore, executive director of Adopt-a-Pet.com.

“And we are so inspired by the desire of Coldwell Banker to launch this amazing program.”

Sourcer: HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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SA N D I E G O

SAN D IEGO

10742 CARIUTO COURT 3 BR | 1 BA | 1,185 ESF $739,900 MLS# PTP2200417

3340 DEL SOL #195 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,440 ESF $98,500 MLS# PTP2107468

SA N D I E G O

SAN D IEGO - OTAY M ESA WE S T

5321 CALLE ROCKFISH #91 2 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,340 ESF $529,000 - $549,900* MLS# PTP2200554

2950 IRIS AVENUE #8 3 BR | 2 BA | 940 ESF $155,000 MLS# PTP2105949

SA N D I E G O

SAN TEE

436 CARDIFF STREET 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,832 ESF $500,000 MLS# PTP2200616

9721 KENESAW COURT 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,353 ESF $699,000 - $729,000* MLS# PTP2200596

SC RI P P S RANCH

SPRIN G VALLEY

10652 TIPPERARY WAY 4 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,876 ESF $1,300,000 MLS# 220001782SD

1115 GRAND AVENUE 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,680 ESF $673,900 MLS# PTP2107821

HELPING YOU FIND HOME WHEREVER IT MAY BE

HOME SIMPLICITY MAGAZINE

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Exceence

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TY MAGAZINE

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GUIDING YOU HOME | SINCE 1906 coldwellbankerwesthomes.com ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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