All About Newport Beach

Newport Beach’s Best Kept Secret – Cherry Lake

Cherry Lake is located in Newport Beach. This lake is spring fed, and is bordered by Heather Lane, Lake Park Lane and 23rd Street.

 There are nineteen Newport Beach homes located on Cherry Lake. These homes all have views of the Lake and enjoy the secluded and serene lifestyle of this area. The lake is spring fed and is professionally maintained. These homes in Newport Beach have views of Cherry Lake from their homes, balconies, and docks.

These homes located on Cherry Lake feature docks which are used for swimming, fishing, paddle boats, and kayaks. In this area of Newport Beach, it almost feels like you are in the mountains at a lake as opposed to the beach. However, this is still extremely close proximity to the ocean, boardwalk and beach lifestyle.

 There is a walking trail around the lake, and it is not accessible to the public. It is for the resident’s use. There are also beautiful lily pads that are growing in the lake as well. 

There are so few homes located on Cherry Lake in Newport Beach (19), they rarely become available for sale. However, at this time, there one active listing with a lake view:

2414 23rd Street, Newport Beach – offered at $1,699,000

Cherry Lake is a unique and secluded area and the homes are nestled in the trees.

  If I can answer any questions about homes for sale in the Newport Beach area, or  Cherry Lake, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Jasmine Creek in Corona del Mar, CA

Jasmine Creek, located in Corona del Mar is a private gated community. Originally developed by M.J. Brock and designed by Architect Walter J. Richardson in the early 1970’s. Jasmine Creek was designed with height restrictions so that the homes on Harbor View in Corona del Mar would maintain their views. Jasmine Creek was originally planned to have 379 homes, however, Jasmine Creek was downsized to 324 home sites.

Jasmine Creek is located off Marguerite in Corona del Mar, and many of the homes have Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island views.

Jasmine Creek in Corona del Mar has two pools, and tennis courts for the exclusive use of the residents. There is also a community clubhouse for the residents of Jasmine Creek.

There are both condos and single family residences located in Jasmine Creek. There are six floor plans ranging in square footage from 1857 to 2582. Three of the floor plans have a main floor bedroom. Jasmine Creek has green belts and walking trails.

Currently, there are four active listings in Jasmine Creek in Corona del Mar, and there have been four sales since May 1, 2010.

1 Jetty Drive, Corona del Mar, CA – offered at $1,199,000

125 Jasmine Creek Drive, Corona del Mar, CA - offered at $1,250,000

1 Sea Faring, Corona del Mar, CA – offered at $1,599,000

1 Mainsail Drive, Corona del Mar, CA – offered at $1,765,000

There have been four sales since May 1, 2010 ranging in price from $897,500 to $1,400,000.

If I can answer any questions about Corona del Mar property for sale, or property in Jasmine Creek, please contact me:

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Disclaimer: Info taken from SoCalMLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Information on market reports is time sensitive.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

An Adventure in Trabuco Canyon – Part III & Butterflies Too

I wrote an earlier post about an adventure in Trabuco Canyon last weekend. If you are planning an off road adventure in Trabuco Canyon, be sure to obtain a day pass and display it in your car. For information contact (909) 736-1811. The fee is $5 you can obtain a day pass at Trabuco Canyon General Store (714) 858-1711. Trabuco Canyon is located in eastern Orange County and in the Cleveland National Forest.

In my first post, I shared photos of the Trabuco Creek and waterfalls.

This is my third post of the series regarding Trabuco Canyon.  Trabuco Canyon is a tremendous wildlife area that offers an opportuity for fun and entertainment, and great photo opportunites.

The road is canopied with foliage and trees in Trabuco Canyon and is incredibly green as a result of all of the rain.

There was so much beautifiul foliage and flowers to view. Below is a Yucca plant. 

Below is a Gazania which is a perrenial plant which many landscapers utilize. This one was alone and growing right along theTrabuco creek.

We saw several lizards sunning themselves on the rocks. This guy didn't run away too quickly!

And we found a several butterflies, and this one held still long enough for some photographs. It was so beautiful.

I hope to see you at Trabuco Canyon area, and if I can answer any questions, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

One of Newport Beach’s Best Kept Secret  

Cherry Lake

Cherry Lake is an area of Newport Beach which is located in the upper Newport - back bay area of Newport Beach. Cherry Lake is bordered by Lake Park Lane, Heather Lane, Lake Park Lane and an extension of Tustin which is a Private Road. It is not a gated community.

There are nineteen Newport Beach homes located on the lake. These homes all have views of  Cherry Lake and enjoy the secluded and serene lifestyle of this area.  The lake is spring fed and professionally maintained. These homes in Newport Beach have views of Cherry Lake from their homes, balconies, and docks. These homes have docks which are used for swimming, fishing, paddle boats, and kayaks. In this area of Newport Beach, it almost feels like you are in the mountains at a lake, all within close proximity to the ocean, boardwalk and beach lifestyle. Cherry Lake is located in the Newport Mesa School District.

There are lily pads which grow in the lake. Additionally, there is a movable dock with a slide for summer activities for children to enjoy the summer time weather, swimming and boating.

Enjoy living in Newport Beach and the beach lifestyle, and the lake  lifestyle living at Cherry Lake. With close proximity to the back bay and  biking, jogging and close to John Wayne airport this is a desirable location. Because there are so few homes in this location, properties rarely come available. There are other homes in Cherry Lake also, however there are only 19 located on the lake with lake views. It is such a uniqiue location that many residents of Newport Beach do not even realize that it exists. What better place to enjoy a spring fed lake and all within close proximity to the beach - Cherry Lake.

An Adventure in Trabuco Canyon - Part II

In my earlier post, Trabuco Canyon is located in eastern Orange County and is located in the Cleveland National Forest. Make sure to obtain a pass and prominently display it in your vehicle. For information contact (909) 736-1811. The fee is $5 you can obtain a day pass at Trabuco Canyon General Store (714) 858-1711. The Forest Service was issuing tickets if you parked your vehicle in the Cleveland National Forest area and did not have a pass.

Below are photos of our chariot for the journey, and I love the Hummer - it goes anywhere. But even though we were in a big, heavy vehicle, the ride can be rather bouncy. Trabuco Canyon is also a popular destination spot for off roaders during the wet season as well with mud bogs and and all kinds of hills to climb. Yesterday we saw a small off road vehicle flipped on its side, however fortunately no one was injured, and they were able to right the vehicle pretty easily. Experience would be a good pre-requisite, or at least going w ith someone who has experience would be a good recommendation before taking on some of the terrain.

And of course, people are pretty funny! I suppose this guy won the coin toss for who gets to ride on top! I am not so sure I would want to ride there, as it really is bumpy, and dusty! But I suppose they were having fun.

License plate removed to protect the . . . . innocent??

Approximately four miles in an off road vehicle, is the Holy Jim Falls area. This is an area where you can park and then take one of the many hiking trails to explore nature. There is a Falls area which we plan to explore next time we are in the area. The Holy Him Falls area has their own Fire Department.

We went up past the Holy Jim Falls area, and hiked in at the junction below - West Horsethief and Trabuco. It was a fairly easy trail, and the map shows which trails have what level of difficulty.

This is the trail that we hiked in on. Much of the trail was canopied by all the intense foliage and trees, however there was part of the trail in the direct sun light.

About 100 yards in on this trail was a rusty old car. It looked at though it had been shot up (and I was hoping that no one was continuiing to shoot it now) but we were surprised to see it there. There were clearly no roads nearby. It was pretty interesting though as you could see the springs in the seats, and I believe it was a General Motors, but what model was difficult to determine.

As you can see, it was an adventure, and a fun one indeed.

I will continue the series with more photos and description of the area.

Happy Easter Everyone!

An Adventure in Trabuco Canyon - Part 1

I am writing a series of posts on Trabuco Canyon because it is so diverse, beautiful and entertaining at the same time. I want to share the information and photographs. Trabuco Canyon is located in eastern Orange County, and it is an area where the wilderness is so beautiful and there is much to see and explore.

Trabuco Canyon is a small unincorporated area in Orange County which is located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Trabuco Canyon is located north of Rancho Santa Margarita, and within the Cleveland National Forest. Trabuco Canyon is a beautiful wilderness area, and there is an area where off roaders can enjoy the out of doors. I have been up to Trabuco Canyon before, but yesterday was amazing. The sun was in and out, and the area is so green because of all the rain fall we have had this past winter.

From four wheeling, motorcycle riding, hiking, mountain biking, and photography, it is a place where you can enjoy your day. There is a creek that runs through this one off road area of Trabuco Canyon, and due to the rainfall we have had over the past winter, it is incredibly green and the creek is definitely flowing with beautiful waterfalls through out. There are hiking trails as well and there are maps describing level of difficulty.

You do need some type of off road vehicle to explore this area of Trabuco Canyon. While we did see some conventional automobiles, I am not so sure it would be that comfortable of a ride, or good for the car!

There is so much area to explore the beautiful Trabuco Creek through out Trabuco Canyon. We drove in approximately four miles to the end of the road, and parked. From there we hiked in about another mile or so to explore. You do need to be prepared, water, etc. Cell phones don't have service in the area though. It is interesting because there are some homes off the road as well, and I was curious about utilities, however we did see satelite dishes on top of these houses. I suppose the people who reside in this area must really like seclusion.

 There is a fee of $5 before you enter the Cleveland National Forest. Please call (909) 736-1811 for more information. You can obtain a day pass at Trabuco Canyon General Store (714) 858-1711.

On A Clear Day . . .

The weather has been beautiful here in Newport Beach over the past few days. It has been cool, and incredibly clear and there was a great view of Newport Harbor, and in the distance Catalina Island. The photos were taken from a look out area on Kings Road in Newport Heights. It is so clear that you can easily view Catalina Island which is 26 miles from the Newport Beach area. Catalina Island is a destination area, and easy to get there via the Catalina Flyer. The Catalina Flyer is a high speed boat and it takes about an hour to get there. You can obtain tickets for the Catalina Flyer from Tickets2fun.com.

Residents of Newport who have their own boats go to Catalina Island. There is a mooring area at Avalon. Also, it is very popular for anglers as well. There are different fishing tournaments through out the year.

The photo below is zoomed in, and you can even see the Cliffs in Catalina on the left side of the island.

Looking the other direction is a view of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. The Balboa Bay Club is a club located right on Newport Harbor. 

There are homes along Cliff Drive in Newport Heights and Kings Road that have this incredible view of Newport Harbor, the Pacific ocean, and Catalina Island.

If I can answer any questions about the Newport Beach area, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Sailhouse in Corona del Mar 
Welcome to Sailhouse

Sailhouse in Corona del Mar - Welcome to Sailhouse! Sailhouse is a community of homes in Corona del Mar which was built by John Laing Homes in 2002.  There are both attached and detached condos. Sailhouse is located right off MacArthur and Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. There are six different floor plans available in Sailhouse in Corona del Mar, and one model has a main floor bedroom. The models at Sailhouse range in size from 1367 square feet to 2383 square feet. All of the models have a two car garage with the exception of one, which has a one car garage. There is a home owner's association in Sailhouse.

These homes at Sailhouse are located in an ideal location in Corona del Mar as they walking distance to the Village of Corona del Mar  for dining and shopping. The Village has some amazing restaurants including the Bungalow, The Crow Bar, Quiet Woman, Banderas and highly sought after Five Crowns Restaurant. There is a new El Ranchito in the Village of Corona del Mar which will be opening soon.

The community of Sailhouse is very close walking distance to Harbor View Elementary School in Corona del Mar, and the children who reside there attend that school. Middle and High School Students attend Corona del Mar High School which is located at 2101 Eastbluff Drive in Newport Beach - this is off Jamboree.  

There have been three sales since November, 2009 ranging in price from $705,000 to $1,300,000 in Sailhouse in Corona del Mar. Currently, there are three active listings in Sailhouse in Corona del Mar.

If I can answer any questions about Corona del Mar homes for sale, or about Sailhouse, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Cape Code Style Homes in Newport Beach – The Castaways

The Castaways in Newport Beach is a guard gated community  located in Newport Beach. The Castaways is located near the Dover Shores area of Newport Beach, and is bordered by Dover Drive. The Castaways has 119 homes, and they were originally built in 1997 and 1998 by Taylor Woodrow. There are five different models ranging in square footage from 3292 square feet to 4208. There are variations of each model as well. Four of the models have main floor bedrooms, seven of the models have three car garages, and the remaining six have two car garages. The style of architecture of these homes is Cape Cod. The Castaways in Newport Beach is surrounded by a walking trail, it is a beautiful to take a walk or run while taking in the incredible view of Newport Harbor.

The homes in the Castaways that are located on the front row have spectacular Newport Harbor Views, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. There is also the Castaway’s Park to enjoy the outdoors.

 The residents of the Castaways in Newport Beach attend Mariner’s Elementary School which is a Blue Ribbon School. Middle School children attend Ensign Middle School and  high school students attend Newport Harbor High School. These schools are very close proximity to the Castaways.

The homes in the Castaways are impeccably maintained with beautiful landscaping.

I recall looking at the models when they were being built, and loved them. The prices have appreciated throughout the past ten years, and properties located on the front row had the highest value. Back in 2007, there were some sales above the $3 million mark. Currently there are three active listings ranging in price from $2,075,000 to $2,750,000.

The Castaways in Newport Beach is a highly coveted community in Newport Beach. 

If I can answer any questions about the Castaways in Newport Beach, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Springtime in the Desert – Desert Horizons in Indian Wells

Springtime in the desert is a very desirable time of year to visit the area. Indian Wells is located approximately 100 miles from the Newport Beach area. The Coachella Valley is a very beautiful area, with stunning mountains, clear blue skies, and it is a golf destination area. There are many golf courses located in the Coachella Valley, and there are also many professional golf tournaments as well including the Bob Hope Classic, and the Frank Sinatra Golf Tournament. The desert is an excellent place for a weekend get a way, and there are many hotels to stay in and enjoy this incredible climate.

Desert Horizons is a gated community in the Indian Wells area. During the springtime, the weather is incredibly  pleasant, not too warm, flowers are blooming and birds are out. Golf enthusiasts are returning to take advantage of this beautiful area. In Desert Horizons, there are both single family homes, and attached condos.

The Desert Horizons golf course is beautiful and very well maintained, and has many water features (hazards) through out the course. 

There are many differnet types of birds and ducks as well that reside in the area.

The spring time is an excellent time of year to visit the desert. There is also excellent shopping with upscale shops and wonderful dining opportunities as well. One of my favorites is Las Casuelas in Palm Springs - which is an indoor outdoor Mexican style restaurant.

If I can answer any questions about Palm Desert or Desert Horizons, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com