The New California Lifestyle: ocean vistas, uncrowded beaches, nearby forests and freedom from congestion, hullabaloo and the stress of urban centers. It’s centering, scenery, family, a sunset walk with your dog as the Pacific quenches a twilight sun, small town rhythms, work/life balance and finally having the time to enjoy the attractions and weather that drew you west.
Exemplifying this are five stellar properties in central and northern coastal California, all just a few hours’ drive from the annual events of Monterey Car Week this August. During your automotive visit, coast along scenic Highway 1 to experience these blue-ribbon opportunities, one or more of which might be your new full-time home, a getaway retreat or an investment holding.
The Retreat at Cambria: Lifestyle Heaven, Car Lover’s Haven
Midway along the coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles in quiet Cambria, San Luis Obispo County, is this grand-scale estate in the spirit of Hearst Castle, the National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark nine miles away on the hills of neighboring San Simeon.
On 80 oceanfront acres, the 32,500-square-foot Retreat at Cambria, 7292 Exotic Garden Drive, comprises an elegant main residence, two event/entertainment spaces, guest and staff quarters and spacious outdoor venues. Altogether are 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.
Adjacent to the home are six acres planted with Pinot Noir from Paso Robles, one of the state’s premier wine regions. And, when you break from tending the vines, the expansive sanctuary offers walking, biking and horseback-riding opportunities.
Showcasing a tasteful eclecticism of Old World and contemporary design styles, the luxurious main house includes five ensuite bedrooms and five bathrooms and handcrafted gathering spaces that can comfortably accommodate small or large groups. For your guests and family, oceanfront lodging offers resort-level accommodations.
The Retreat at Cambria is not only a lifestyle heaven; it is an automotive haven, with showroom and work space for as many as 60 vehicles in the 4,800- and 13,000-square-foot event halls. And, with the area’s year-round mild Mediterranean climate and one of the world’s most scenic highways close by, every day is a perfect day for a car cruise from this home.
The one-level custom combines privacy, security and convenience. Surrounded by trees, ocean and vineyards, your own nature preserve has no viewable neighboring homes, security systems are in place, and Cambria, population about 6,000, is one of the state’s safest places to live.
A stroll away are quiet beaches to the north and south, including famous Moonstone Beach and the ocean cliffs at San Simeon. Enjoy whale and elephant seal watching, surfing, sailing, tidepooling, kayaking and other beachcombing joys.
Perhaps the nation’s most scenic roadway, Highway 1 is easily accessible from the property. And, nearby airports such as San Luis Obispo County Regional and Santa Barbara offer flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix and other cities. In addition, the property has a helipad.
In May 2018, Expedia called Cambria one of the Top Rated Vacation Destinations in North America, and Forbes says it’s one of “America’s Prettiest Towns.” Downtown has restaurants, artist studios, boutiques and gift stores, a Friday Farmer’s Mart, winery tasting rooms and a Center for the Arts. In addition, there’s hiking at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and in San Simeon, movie-famous Piedras Blancas Light Station and the Coastal Discovery Center.
“It’s all about the location and the lifestyle,” says Mary Ann Carson, executive director of the Cambria Chamber of Commerce. “Cambria runs at a relaxed pace. People love the fact that we are tension free and friendly all the time, yet we have all the necessary amenities, from grocery stores to doctors and lawyers, and there’s never a lack of activities.”
“This home is for the most discerning buyer who must have it all: entertaining, serenity, the coastal lifestyle, even wine-making,” says Frank Aazami, principal of the Private Client Group of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Scottsdale. “And, because it’s close to a destination attraction, Hearst Castle, it’s a concept income property, too: as a corporate retreat, equestrian facility or even a private car museum.”
VISION at 200 A Street, Crescent City: Luxury, Beach Condos
The four northern California coastal parcels, offered at $2 million to $50 million, are development ready and will be sold without reserve in August by Concierge Auctions in conjunction with Aazami and Donna Zorn of Ming Tree Real Estate, Crescent City.
Bidding opens August 8 and closes August 14 through the online marketplace at ConciergeAuctions.com. “We are pleased to offer these facts provided to us by the seller, who knows these four properties intimately,” Aazami says, adding that anyone interested should verify all details before bidding. “Now is the time to do your due diligence– and then paddles up!”
The first, “VISION at 200 A Street” in Crescent City, is a 1.24-acre investment opportunity with beachfront access and unobstructed ocean views, listed at $5 million. Currently a one-level office building, the parcel has a state coastal commission permit in place. Architect’s renderings and CADs for a condominium development are available.
Just five minutes from Del Norte County Regional Airport and 20 minutes from Oregon, the property is near Battery Point Lighthouse, A National Historic Place, Pebble Beach for surfing, fishing and walking, as well as parks, forests and preserves such as the 10,000-acre Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Named after the sandy, crescent-shaped beach just south of the city, Crescent City has a small- town vibe and comfortable weather for year-round outdoor activities.
“Beachside luxury, mountain views and natural preserves come together to create this investment opportunity,” Aazami says. “Don’t let other investors acquire this shovel-ready luxury complex in an opportunity zone pass you by.”
Coastal Heights, Smith River: Mountain Views, Oceanside, Luxury Homes
Previously offered for $2 million, Coastal Heights (#12538-12420) includes seven two-acre mountainside parcels in a subdivision ready for your architect to submit plans and begin building your vision.
With multiple beaches, parks, and reserves nearby, the woodlands setting is an ideal space to create a luxury community with scenery and serenity. Year-round local activities include hiking, biking and camping.
Here again, the Oregon state line and the Del Norte County Regional Airport are under 20 minutes away. Smith River is a coastal Northern California escape: Enjoy the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and nearby Pelican State, Crescent and Pebble beaches. The Lucky 7 Casino is also close, if you’re, well, feeling lucky.
“This is the Northern California investment property you’ve been waiting for: breathtaking California and Oregon coastline and mountain views, robust redwoods and beach proximity,” Aazami says. “Coastal Heights is truly the ideal spot for any and all who value leisure as much as adventure.”
1 Pelican Heights Drive, Smith River: Mountains, Redwoods, Beaches
On 35.85 RR-2 acres, these are four two-acre parcels ready for development.
“Astounding mountain views, and robust redwoods combine with beachy bliss to create this California utopia in highly south-after Del Norte County,” Aazami says. The regional airport and Oregon are just 20 minutes away, he adds.
Listed at $10 million, the subdivision backs up to another real estate opportunity, the 198-acre Pelican Vista, 101-021-034-000. Both have easy-to-access Ocean View Drive frontage and county water and electricity.
Smith River epitomizes Northern California beauty with rocky beaches as well as sandy Pelican State Beach and Crescent Beach and forests and preserves. And, the Lucky 7 Casino is minutes away.
“These picture-perfect parcels are just waiting to transform into your vision,” Aazami says. “Purchasing both gives you endless options for building, investment and growth.”
Pelican Vista, Smith River: Opportunity Oasis
Previously offered for $50 million, the largest of the offerings, also in Del Norte County, is Pelican Vista (#01-021-034-000). The 198 mountain acres could be developed as a five-star resort, restaurant, gated community, PGA golf course, therapeutic retreat or assisted living center. With extensive redwood and Douglas fir trees, 158 of these acres offer the potential for timber harvesting.
Approximately 79 percent of the land in this area is under protection, so this property has some of the last developable acreage in the region. “Considering that one aged redwood goes for $10k to $100k, this investment will set generations up for a life of luxury,” Aazami says.
Nearby are the many Del Norte County recreational sites. And, for another kind of green, just 30 minutes from Pelican Vista and Pelican Heights is Kings Valley Golf Course.
“Whether you spend your days sunbathing on the sand, wandering among the majestic redwoods or you choose to travel to nearby Oregon, Del Norte County is the coastal community you’ve been yearning for,” he adds.
“The auctions of these stunning coastal properties present rare opportunities for developers scouting the location of their next project,” Aazami explains. “With landscapes pre-approved for many types of developments, Concierge Auctions is presenting a lineup with limitless potential.”
For more information on visiting the Retreat at Cambria or the four northern California properties, call Frank Aazami at 480.266.0240 or email him, frank@pcgagents.com and, for the Del Norte County properties, Donna Zorn, donnazorn@mingtreerealestate.com, 707.951.0857. For auction information, visit www.ConciergeAuctions.com or call +1.212.202.2940.
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