Rain, mud, wildfires and landslides are as predictable in Laguna Beach as the annual influx of summer tourists. None of those issues, however, has dissuaded eager buyers from getting a piece of the good life in the Orange County artists' colony over the decades.
That's because the pocket beaches, hot surf spots, laid-back attitude and leafy properties with drop-dead views are too great a lure, residents say.
Newport Beach architect Brion Jeannette capitalized on the unfettered views of downtown Laguna, the ocean and Santa Catalina Island from this property's hilltop perch by creating a modern, four-level steel-and-glass house with a terrace off of every room.
"The home has a very spacious feel," Jeannette said. He also "captured the sunlight for active and passive heating and cooling. There are a lot of green elements in the house."
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diane.wedner@latimes.com
To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution color photos with caption and credit information on a CD and a detailed description of the house to Diane Wedner, Real Estate, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012. Questions may be sent to homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
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BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX
Laguna luxury
Location: Mystic Hills neighborhood of Laguna Beach
Asking price: $12.5 million
Previously sold: The land was purchased for an undisclosed amount in 1991.
Size: There are five bedrooms and 6 1/2 bathrooms in 9,500 square feet. The lot is about 20,000 square feet.
About this home: Featuring natural granite, slate and marble, this home has a cool, seamless sensibility. The entry has a wide stone staircase descending to a spacious great room with 25-foot ceilings. Windows are made of curved azure light glass, which cuts down on heat and glare. Owner Arthur Bunzel installed a high-end sound system throughout the house and underwater speakers in the 74-foot lap pool.
Additional features: Every bedroom has a bathroom and walk-in closets. The great room consists of the living area, a den with a bar and the kitchen. The kitchen has double islands, each with a sink; two full-size refrigerators, two stoves and two dishwashers; and a glass-block wall. The master bedroom suite has a separate terrace, his-and-hers baths, a sitting room, a library and a kitchenette. The bottom level has a game room, full kitchen, sauna and steam rooms, gym, terrace and access to the pool and spa. A rooftop terrace is designed for entertaining. The home has an eight-passenger elevator.
