An Inside Look at Orange County’s Most Remarkable Tuscan Estate
Pristinely situated in the San Joaquin Hills and between Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, and Laguna Beach the oceanfront haven known as the Newport Coast is a robust hub for all things luxury. It is home to great surf spots, hidden gems, and miles of sophisticated charm. The surrounding areas just around the property offer remarkable hiking in Crystal Cove State Park or play 36-holes, all with views of the Pacific, at the breathtaking Pelican Hill Resort championship golf course. It is a short drive from the Laguna Beach downtown art and music scene, the ever growing Newport Beach nightlife, or a sunset at Corona Del Mar’s Lookout Point Park.
Cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway one finds everything they need. Beautiful ocean views for miles and miles, choice shops that house some of the most luxurious brands in the world, restaurants featuring five-star cuisine with globally recognized chefs, and of course, intoxicating one-of-a-kind homes that would make anyone envious.
Located at the highest point and nestled behind the double gates of Crystal Cove sits 12 Coral Ridge. This home brings a whole new definition of privacy and decadence. Modeled by world-renowned masonry Brad Gilbert, the home was built brick-by-brick from handpicked custom rock and reclaimed bricks, combined with coveted 300 year old reclaimed roof tiles from a castle in Italy, the estate creates a fresh and rustic contemporary one-of-a-kind feeling. It features 180 degree views of Catalina Island, Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean at daytime, and Monet like sunsets in the afternoon. However, at night, is where the magic shines brightest, with a full panoramic view of the downtown lights and painted stars in the crisp California sky.
The interior of the home is fitted with incredulously humbling 35-foot high ceilings, an elite Creston home system, state-of-the-art speakers, and LED lighting. The arched corridors make moving through estate seamless and smooth. The interior fits 6 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, each of the bathrooms specifically designed with hand picked colored tile, and three stories that can be accessed by stairs or by the spaciously ample elevator.
The top floor features 6 bedrooms including a master bedroom with spectacular amenities: a full walk-in closet, master bath with his and her, a wet bar, and a view of the Ocean. If you bring your work home, you have the option of one of two offices, a full laundry room, and a kitchenette.
The main level houses a large office and library, a courtyard worthy of royalty, an outdoor area set with a full bar, outdoor cabana with a BBQ and full kitchen. The chef’s kitchen features the following: a $35,000 pizza oven, double refrigerators, steamer, a warming drawer, and an espresso machine. On the main floor is the living room, warm sitting room, a separate dining room for exclusive parties, and of course, a man cave for the modern gentleman.
The lower level of the home is fixed with a decked out entertainment area with a full bar for those late night, high-stakes poker games, juxtaposed to a private home theatre with state-of-the-art technology and fully soundproof walls. A sophisticated wine cellar perfect for tastings is a necessity for a home of this caliber. Tellingly, a personal gym is next door to work off the previous night’s shenanigans in the cellar. This level also includes a spacious 8 car subterranean garage.
As expected, the materials and finishings used are only the finest, including: European hardwood floors, Italian marble and onyx, Rocky Mountain hardware, solid 2 1/4” Alder doors, Peruvian Mahogany, and a well known artist retained for 2 years to complete the aged railings, rain gutters and 5-step hand troweled wall finish. No detail or expense was spared in the creation of this marvelous, fearlessly organic, and authentic Tuscan manor perfect for a family or the galant Nobleman.
Words by Caleb Gomez
Photos by Chris Glenn
