LUXURYLIVING
remarkable steele canyon estate
3307 wentworth drive, jamul
See pAGes 10-13
always moving forward: yabu pushelberg design
Around The World: samara, costa rica
remarkable steele canyon estate
3307 wentworth drive, jamul
See pAGes 10-13
always moving forward: yabu pushelberg design
Around The World: samara, costa rica
1852 SCENIC VIEW PLACE
4 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,936 ESF
$1,260,000
MLS# PTP2404384
ALPINE
2620 BIG WAGON ROAD
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,348 ESF
$1,250,000
MLS# 240016636
2857 VIA DEL ALLAZON
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,632 ESF
$1,885,000
MLS# PTP2402869
6572 SAN MIGUEL ROAD
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,907 ESF
$1,499,900 - $1,699,900
MLS# PTP2403389
459 CAMINO ELEVADO
5 BR | 3 BA | 2,948 ESF
$1,399,900 - $1,499,900
MLS# PTP2404032
1553 COUNTRY VISTAS LANE
5 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,818 ESF
$1,349,000 - $1,399,900
MLS# PTP2404377
5636 GALLOPING WAY
3 BR | 2 BA | 2,107 ESF
$1,300,000
MLS# PTP2404323
30270 MONTRACHET STREET
4 BR | 6 BA | 5,618 ESF
$2,165,000
MLS# 230023915
1828 DORA DRIVE
6 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,562 ESF
$3,785,000
MLS# NDP2406075
CARLSBAD
7531 MAGELLAN STREET
4 BR | 3 BA | 3,000 ESF
$2,650,000
MLS# NDP2405682
7141 SITIO CORAZON
4 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 4.5 BA | 3,563 ESF
$2,350,000
MLS# 240017068
2016 SALIENTE WAY
4 BR | 3 BA | 3,069 ESF
$2,199,000
MLS# NDP2406615
5252 AVENIDA CANTARIA
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,842 ESF
$2,650,000
MLS# NDP2406108
415 HILLTOP DRIVE
4 BR | 5 BA | 5,067 ESF
$2,399,900 - $2,499,900
MLS# PTP2305399
1125 JOSHUA CREEK PLACE
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,005 ESF
$1,369,000 - $1,399,000
MLS# PTP2404265
CHULA VISTA
1288 SILVER HAWK WAY
5 BR | 4 BA | 3,462 ESF
$1,350,000
MLS# PTP2402894
CHULA VISTA
1252 INDIAN CREEK
4 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,906 ESF
$1,169,000
MLS# PTP2402255
CHULA VISTA
1226 BARTON PEAK
4 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,980 ESF
$979,000
MLS# PTP2403898
Remarkable Steele Canyon estate! Renowned as one of the largest and nicest homes in the neighborhood, this Mediterranean-inspired villa is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a premium 1/3+ acre lot and consists of 5 en-suite bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, an impressive grand foyer, elegant formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with center island and breakfast nook, an inviting living room, large family/game room with full-size wet bar, executive office, movie theater, fitness center with sauna, saltwater pool/spa with slide and rock waterfalls, gazebo with outdoor kitchen, two putting greens, stocked koi pond, and garages for 4 cars and golf cart.
The property has been extensively updated and meticulously maintained, both inside and out, featuring luxury wood, stone, and painted tile surfaces, stainless-steel Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, Holland’s custom cabinets, superior-quality electric/plumbing fixtures, built-in storage, window shutters, ornamental iron work, pre-wired surround sound, multi-zone HVAC, Savant whole-home control system, and many other extravagant finishes throughout. The residence is located along the fringe of Jamul and Rancho San Diego, within Steele Canyon Golf Club — a championship 27-hole course, awarded “Top 10” of Best Public Golf Facilities in Southern California. This is an exceptional opportunity to own one of East County’s finest homes, in a gated first-class community with easy access to reputable schools, shopping, dining, casinos, numerous golf courses, lakes, trails, and a variety of other nearby amenities and outdoor activities.
3 THE POINT
7 BR | 8 FULL & 3 HALF BA | 11,715 ESF
$43,000,000
MLS# SW23197501
CORONADO
823 I AVENUE
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 2,900 ESF
$4,975,000
MLS# 240015558
269 EL CHICO LANE
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,104 ESF
$2,695,000
MLS# PTP2404269
6215 CAMINITO PLATA
5 BR | 6 FULL & 3 HALF BA | 6,209 ESF
$3,400,000 MLS# PTP2403695
6610 DWANE AVENUE
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,878 ESF
$1,649,000
MLS# PTP2403991
198 CROYDON LANE
5 BR | 3 BA | 2,162 ESF
$1,050,000 MLS# PTP2402152
1669 BURGUNDY ROAD
6 BR | 3 FULL & 2 HALF BA | 5,424 ESF
$5,495,000
MLS# NDP2404432
194 NEPTUNE AVENUE
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,282 ESF
$2,975,000
MLS# NDP2402656
10138 SAGE HILL WAY
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,920 ESF
$999,000 - $1,099,000
MLS# NDP2405490
246 YUCCA ROAD
5 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,787 ESF
$2,150,000
MLS# NDP2405753
832 24TH STREET
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,487 ESF
$1,295,000
MLS# 240017369
1075 32ND STREET #17
3 BR | 3.5 BA | 1,600 ESF
$1,099,000
MLS# 240017299
3649 6TH AVENUE
3 BR | 3.5 BA | 1,790 ESF
$1,329,999
MLS# PTP2403413
JAMUL
3307 WENTWORTH DRIVE
5 BR + 3 OPTIONAL
6 FULL & 2 HALF BA | 7,373 ESF
$4,595,000
MLS# 240015305
2340 MOUNT ELENA WAY
3 BR | 3 BA | 2,438 ESF
$1,250,000
MLS# PTP2403886
George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg founded a design studio back in 1980 that focused on interior design but has since transformed into much more. With an emphasis on mood, function, and overcoming challenges, the studio now designs everything from places and experiences to products and goods. These designs are meant to elevate where we live, love, eat, work, and play.
“Design is a compact word for possibility,” says Pushelberg. From experience working on hotels, resorts, restaurants, landscapes, and more, the team believes that problem-solving obstacles are an opportunity for creative solutions and the possibilities are truly endless.
The design duo fell into place after both growing up in Canada and attending Ryerson University in downtown Toronto, which has since been renamed Toronto Metropolitan University. The pair commented, “School is where we met, but we didn’t connect until after graduating and we were both on the hunt for studio space. We ran into one another on the street and decided to share one to cut costs.”
The cosmic twist brought about co-founding Yabu Pushelberg Design, a combination of their two last names, which has since gained a sound reputation for creating authentic designs that go beyond looks. “Our
work stems from thinking about the shared emotions people experience,” explains Yabu. “Conceptualization begins with a mood or attitude that we create in dialogue with the world. The reason we practice design is to make life look and feel more effortless for individuals.”
How a person feels entering a space can carry a lot of weight in terms of function as well as aesthetics, and Yabu Pushelberg Design inherently understands the importance of both. The team’s dedication to design has earned several honors and can be traced back to early inspirations.
Yabu notes, “I grew up surrounded by design thinking. My father was a boat builder and my mother was a seamstress. They taught me the importance of precision, tailoring, and creating with intention and integrity.” These early notions hold true throughout his work today. Similarly, Pushelberg draws on longtime influences that continue to motivate his designs.
“Our work stems from thinking about the shared emotions people experience.”
“What I have always gravitated toward is people, how they think and move through life. This almost led me to pursue hospitality, but I realized early on that design is the gateway to change. It is still what drives me to move forward.”
With their impressive collection of authentic work, the pair has been recognized among the world’s most influential design studios by Wallpaper*, Elle Decor, the Business of Fashion, and more. Along with these honors, the designers were also inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2002.
When asked about where and how the team begins a new project, the pair commented that it starts with a story. “Everything we touch begins with a narrative that ties each element of a project together. Usually loosely based on one or two characters whose personal attributes guide the energy of the design language.”
Yabu Pushelberg Design works in a collaborative way that focuses on how the design will function down the line as well as even the smallest details. The duo is drawn toward partners and projects that push the envelope and can go beyond what’s been done before. “We have approached every single project since the studio’s beginnings this way. It works for us,” says Yabu and Pushelberg.
“Everything we touch begins with a narrative that ties each element of a project together.”
Source: https://www.coldwellbankerluxury.com/editorial/always-moving-forward-yabu-pushelberg-design
Recently, Yabu and Pushelberg worked on the unique dual-hotel property, Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. The property is 600,000 square feet and boasts over 700 rooms for guests while offering two distinguishable experiences in a single hotel. “We wanted to introduce the Moxy state of mind to California and develop the language of the AC brand,” they said.
This property is an example of how these designers rely on a clear narrative when working, especially on larger projects that are a slow burn and can take years to bring to life.
“It was a unique opportunity to create two parallel ways of seeing Los Angeles in style and spirit. [California] is a special place that has taught us how to dream, unwind, and nurture ourselves,” says Yabu and Pushelberg. “There is a sense of freedom here that makes life sweeter, and we wanted to capture this spirit and infuse these moments throughout the design language of both hotels.”
Another demonstration of the team’s storytelling through design is the Salvatori Showroom in New York City. This award-winning Italian design company utilizes natural stone to create unique textures on walls, floors, products, and more. The 600-squaremeter showroom was designed by Yabu Pushelberg, and features multiple themed areas that showcase Salvatori pieces. The marriage between the space and products is a work of art highlighting Yabu Pushelberg Design’s collaborative efforts.
Working on unique projects often brings about individual challenges and a specific set of needs for each space. This explains how the team came to create products as well as experiences. When asked to explain their product designs, about whether they are custom items created for individual projects or part of their own line, Yabu responded, “When we conceive of products, the initial design process is often a parallel journey to interior design.” The inclusion of products is often a way to overcome a particular design obstacle.“We formulate concepts for products when we come across a common challenge, goal, or missing piece in our interior or building design projects. There is a purity to this, a blank space for innovation. It is an opportunity to blend function with form, and beauty with intention,” says Yabu.
Pushelberg agrees, “When designing a hotel, we’re often looking at an eight-plus year timeline. When designing products, we can concept, design, prototype, and then bring the product to life in a year or two.” Each product is a mini design process with a shorter production time but is equally satisfying. “It moves closer to the present moment while responding to needs in the project we work on that can launch
“We formulate concepts for products when we come across a common challenge, goal, or missing piece in our interior or building design projects. There is a purity to this, a blank space for innovation. It is an opportunity to blend function with form, and beauty with intention.”
almost a decade out. It is deeply satisfying to be producing work in both timelines and have them speak to one another,” says Pushelberg.
The nature of design is ever-changing, though each of the studio’s projects has a genuine feel that continues to shine through over the years. Their designs stay true to the team’s unique style of always moving forward. With many projects on the horizon, the designers commented on current design trends that excite them.
“We are heading into an era that values simplicity. Sophistication is embodied through natural, subtle materials that blend or complement nature. For example, plaster rather than drywall for texture, wood, and stone,” says Yabu and Pushelberg. Strongly believing the world is their oyster, the team hopes to one day work on even larger projects, such as an airport or museums, and other experiences that cannot be defined.
“The responsibility of a designer is to lead through thought and action,” says Yabu. “To see change not as a positive or a negative but as an opportunity. A designer is responsible for thinking about how the changing world can adapt and grow through time to make objects, environments, and buildings that represent change.”
1473 HOLLOW GLEN ROAD
4 BR | 3 FULL & 2 HALF BA | 3,538 ESF
$1,250,000 - $1,300,000
MLS# PTP2401783
4641 LUNETA VIEW
3 BR | 2 BA | 3,006 ESF
$995,000
MLS# 240017588
9216 BRIER ROAD
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,698 ESF
$1,250,000 - $1,400,000
MLS# NDP2405014
4380 STANFORD PLACE
3 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 2.5 BA | 1,691 ESF
$989,000
MLS# 240016007
731 YARMOUTH COURT
3 BR | 3 BA | 1,411 ESF
$2,799,000
MLS# 240014588
845 FORT STOCKTON DRIVE #105
3 BR | 3 BA | 2,671 ESF
$1,850,000
MLS# 240010102
35132 INDIAN GRASS DRIVE
4 BR | 3 BA | 2,955 ESF
$749,000 - $789,000
MLS# PTP2403507
NORTH PARK
2720 GREGORY STREET
3 BR | 3 BA | 1,844 ESF
$1,695,000
MLS# 240012867
NORTH PARK
3735 31ST STREET
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,473 ESF
$1,279,000
MLS# 240015445
4537 NEWPORT AVENUE
4 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 3.5 BA | 2,465 ESF
$2,790,000
MLS# 240014619
OCEAN BEACH
4138 CATALINA PLACE
4 BR | 3 BA | 1,860 ESF
$1,985,000
MLS# 240015497
1453 SUNSET CLIFFS BOULEVARD
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1,549 ESF
$1,999,999
MLS# 240016797
5234 VICKIE DRIVE
3 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 3 BA | 2,204 ESF
$2,750,000
MLS# 240016074
690 GAGE DRIVE
4 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 3 BA | 2,661 ESF
$3,895,000
MLS# 240017006
3631 OLEANDER DRIVE
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 2,266 ESF
$2,450,000
MLS# 240016440
3951 ATASCADERO DRIVE
5 BR | 4 BA | 2,757 ESF
$1,975,000
MLS# 240013884
3219 MADRID STREET
4 BR | 2 BA | 1,854 ESF
$1,575,000
MLS# 240017148
18810 OLYMPIC POINT
7 BR | 8.5 BA | 10,527 ESF
$4,995,000 MLS# PTP2402313
In our quest to uncover hidden gems, we stumbled upon Samara—a small, charming beach town nestled on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Peninsula. What makes this place truly enchanting? We sat down with Shannon Mika, Owner at Coldwell Banker Samara, to unravel her captivating journey. “We spent several years traveling in Costa Rica,” Shannon shares. “When we stumbled on Samara, we knew it was the place for us! We started looking for homes for sale, bought a place as a vacation home, and eventually bought a business and moved our family there. It was a dream come true!”
Samara has evolved substantially since Coldwell Banker Samara’s opening. We also spoke with Nick Ruhlow, Shannon’s Coldwell Banker Samara coowner. Nick’s roots run deep—he grew up in Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo. “I’ve seen its incredible transformation
over the years,” Nick reflects. “From a quiet, small, remote beach town to a vibrant multicultural community, it’s been amazing to see how Samara has evolved while maintaining its natural beauty and charm. I’m lucky to call this place home, and being part of its growth and evolution has been a truly rewarding experience.” While many parts of Costa Rica have experienced a surge in visitors since the pandemic, Samara is rich in ecotourism and wellness experiences, with wildlife refuges and reserves nearby. Its a perfect place to explore the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica. Read on to learn more and start planning your own visit to Samara.
Costa Rica is a country rich in on many levels. The people of Costa can trace their ancestry to the Indigenous people of Central America and the settlers and Jamaican immigrants descended many years later. gained independence in 1821, Rica’s economic roots are in agriculture, primarily coffee. As the country has strong tourism and technology have developed. This diversification contributed to a solid economy throughout the years, which has attracted from around the world.
In 1948, Costa Rica dismantled military and invested in education, and social infrastructure. Today, Rica is recognized as one of the the Americas in terms of literacy educational coverage, and public on education. This focus on infrastructure has led to ongoing peace a mature democratic system.
diversity Costa Rica Indigenous the Spanish immigrants who Having 1821, Costa agriculture, has grown, sectors diversification has throughout investors dismantled the education, health, Today, Costa the best in literacy rates, spending on social peace and
Costa Rica has been at the forefront of conservation and has made significant efforts to protect its rainforest and wildlife. The country boasts one of the highest percentages of protected land globally and is home to an estimated 5-6% of the world’s biodiversity. Remarkably, in 2019, Costa Rica generated 99% of its electricity from renewable sources due to significant investments in geothermal and wind energy.
With two gorgeous coasts (the Pacific and Caribbean) and the Cordillera Volcánica and Cordillera de Talamanca mountains splitting the country, Costa Rica has incredibly diverse geography and communities. What started as a small fishing village and vacation town for Costa Ricans, Samara has grown into a popular tourist destination while maintaining its charm and community spirit. Tourism primarily drives the economy, with many businesses catering to visitors. Like Costa Rica as a whole, Samara has become a popular destination for tourists and investors alike.
POPULATION: Costa Rica: 5MM, Samara: 3,000
LANGUAGE SPOKEN: Spanish, English in tourist areas
CLIMATE: Tropical climate, dry season: December – April, wet season: May – November
CURRENCY: Costa Rican Colones
TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE: Until the past few years, the architecture in Samara has been very much inspired by the local culture – lots of outdoor space, high ceilings, and the incorporation of local hardwoods. We’ve seen a shift to more modern architecture and eco-friendly designs in recent years.
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: Prices depend on location and property type but generally range from $100 – $300 per square foot.
AVERAGE SALES PRICE: The average sale price of a single-
family home in 2023 in Samara was $420,000, which is lower than many of the competing markets in Costa Rica and significantly lower than comparable beach locations worldwide.
INTERESTING FACT: Foreigners have the same property ownership rights as Costa Ricans, with one exception—beachfront property, which must be owned, in part, by a Costa Rican citizen. The majority of property in Samara is owned under “fee simple,” giving the owner complete ownership rights.
Source: https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/coldwell-banker-around-the-world-july-2024/
20194 DEERBEN ROAD
4 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,591 ESF
$1,575,000
MLS# PTP2403584
17881 CORTE EMPARRADO
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,909 ESF
$1,150,000 - $1,200,000
MLS# 240016579
12618 STELLA LANE
5 BR | 3 BA | 3,026 ESF
$2,195,000
MLS# 240014049
RANCHO SANTA FE
16715 CAMINO SIERRA DEL SUR
8 BR + 2 OPTIONAL
11 FULL & 3 HALF BA | 16,322 ESF
$15,995,000 MLS# 230020749
RANCHO SANTA FE
7809 COCONUT GROVE COURT
5 BR | 6.5 BA | 8,021 ESF
$5,599,999
MLS# PTP2401518
8022 ENTRADA DE LUZ EAST
5 BR | 5 FULL & 2 HALF BA | 7,233 ESF
$8,950,000 MLS# 240004341
15623 VIA SANTA PRADERA
5 BR | 5.5 BA | 4,968 ESF
$3,150,000 - $3,290,000
MLS# 240009014
14410 WHISPERING RIDGE ROAD
5 BR | 4.5 BA | 4,993 ESF
$2,699,900
MLS# PTP2404255
228 N HELIX AVENUE
4 BR | 4 FULL & 2 HALF BA | 4,295 ESF
$2,900,000
MLS# NDP2405934
3049 MILLAR RANCH ROAD
5 BR | 3 BA | 4,019 ESF
$1,599,000
MLS# PTP2403649
14440 RIDGE RANCH ROAD
4 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 5.5 BA | 5,839 ESF
$3,200,000
MLS# 240015070
29738 ROBLE VERDE
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 3,024 ESF
$1,249,900 - $1,299,900
MLS# PTP2404256
12681 LONESOME OAK WAY
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,550 ESF
$1,279,000
MLS# NDP2403823
31013 N SADDLEBACK ROAD
3 BR | 3.5 BA | 2,454 ESF
$899,000
MLS# NDP2405469
26658 SAN FELIPE ROAD
4 BR | 3.5 BA | 3,500 ESF
$1,999,990
MLS# PTP2403900