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and local native describes as "the crown jewel" of the penin-
sula, owing to its bulls-eye mashup of build quality and singular
location, which spans over three-quarters of an acre along an
ocean-gazing bluff.
Wings of the home are arranged around a central gallery—a
collection of gathering spaces marked by gracious fireplaces
and a soaring ceiling. The latter is richly ornamented by glossy
wood beams with hearty carved edges, which are set against
panels intricately bordered in gold and pale blue. It's an impres-
sive space that becomes even more so as custom glass walls
disappear and in pour scenes unique to this property's position,
nestled as it is along a southern curve of Lunada Bay. Here, the
seascape is pure California coastline: white-tipped waves lap
against a rocky shoreline and birds circle against a pink-tinged
sky. Nearby are steep cliffs and a bluff top decked with palm
trees and native green.
It's an uplifting, dramatic atmosphere that lasts far beyond
its electric-hued sunsets. "A lot of ocean-view properties have
ocean views until the sun goes down," Neel says. "Then it's
pitch black." By contrast, due to the villa's position, one is
treated to a glow of coastal lights that casts across the water and
bluffs after dark. "You have additional beauty in the evening and
nighttime," she points out, creating an exquisite atmosphere
whether one is peacefully lounging outside or entertaining.
With its free-flowing open spaces, the home can easily accom-
modate several hundred guests for a party. "It is very much
oriented towards an entertaining home," notes Neel, "but it
will also function as a family home." Much can be said for the
design of the home, which enables a lifestyle duality amidst an
easygoing flow. While the villa includes features that one might
anticipate—a roomy wine cellar and seafront putting green; spa,
gym and nine-car garage among them—they're assembled in a
floorplan that qualifies as a resort yet feels boutique.
The near-constant influx of nature, from gardens or ocean,
does much to warm the atmosphere. The villa's number of fresh-
air patios and nooks seem endless, as are the opportunities to
bask in the coastal air. Notable is the property's central deck, a
sprawling courtyard where native shrubs and sand-hued stone
tiles are joined by an infinity pool that appears to blend in with
the ocean. There's a variety of spots to soak up the environ-
ment—from the cozy fireplace lounge to the outdoor barbecue
