NEIGHBORHOOD
Emerald Bay
N
oriega of HOM Sotheby’s International Realty, says word has gotten out about the enclave of 550 ocean-view homesthat boasts California’s only private beach. “More and more it is becoming known throughout the world as a destination point,”says Noriega.
AN EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS
Harold Noriega HÔM SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
949.400.9905 harold@homgroup.com
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Established in 1929 when El Camino Real, now Pacific Coast Highway, was the only road into Laguna Beach, Emerald Bay has become home to entrepreneurs, senior executives, sports stars and celebrities who value exclusivity, privacy and world-class amenities of this guard gated community. Noriega, a former NCAA Division 1 collegiate volleyball player, says he moved there more than 30 years ago because it has one of the best volleyball beaches in Orange County and because so many other collegiate volleyball players also live there. The community is one of the few with sand-level access—no long flights of stairs to the beach—and is open only to residents and their guests. But there are many other activities. “It’s very family-oriented with community-sponsored programs for all ages from tiny tots to adults offering with a wide variety of sports and activities,” says Noriega.
C O A S T :: M A R C H 2 015 :: S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY
The community is comprised of a variety of homes, both beach and hillside, that vary in size and value. “Every house and location is uniquely different from every other property,” says Noriega. Architectural styles range from traditional to contemporary, European and Eastern Seaboard. The 25 homes that sold last year ranged in size from 1,600 square feet to 6,800 and the highest value was $15,075,000. Nearly all the homes have a view of crescent-shaped Emerald Bay, which Noriega says lives up to its jewel-colored name.
A LIMITED SUPPLY
Noriega notes last year was busy for property sales. The average annual number of sales is usually closer to 16 transactions. “Turnover is low with a lot of residents leaving their home in their estate for their children or purchasing additional homes for their children,” says Noriega. As of early February, there were 17 homes on the market. Prices ranged from $3,395,000 to $26,500,000, of which three have sold in 2015. “Living in Emerald Bay is truly an incredible experience” says Noriega. “Almost every day you see neighbors driving by or going to the beach because every day is like a vacation.”