Sherman Gardens and Library is open again and welcoming visitors. Their classes and workshops are again, up and running. The Patio Gardening workshop will be held on Thursday, July 16^th.  Learn to grow potted container gardens. Topics include: choosing the right plants, watering, fertilizing and picking a container. You will be able to create your own container garden to take home with you. The workshop begins at 9am and continues until 11am.  The cost is $60 for members and $70 for non-members. For more information about this workshop, the garden or their hours for summer, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/patio-gardening/.

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of the Newport Beach, just north of the Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Located at 3 Moonshell, this 6,300 square foot home is part of the Sea Crest development.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2007. The home features a large kitchen, central courtyard and professional quality home theater. There is a separate guest casita. The home has fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights and picture-perfect evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 23,000 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting.  Homeowners are within walking distance of the clubhouse. Outdoors, the yard is filled with a covered ocean view loggia with a fireplace, a fountain, swimming pool, cabana and a complete outdoor kitchen.  Residents of Sea Crest, like all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club, which is also the social hub of Crystal Cove. 

Corona del Mar is a part of the Newport Beach.  Corona del Mar is locally known as the CDM and is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” This area is well known for its pristine tide pools, sandy beaches and forever views. Located at 4801 Surrey Drive, this 3,000 square foot home is part of the Cameo Highlands neighborhood. This four bedroom, three bedroom home was built in 1966. The recently remodeled kitchen features a moveable center island, custom cabinetry, double Gaggenau convection ovens and a six burner Décor Stove.  Attention to detail can be seen in the custom awnings, surround sound system and custom window décor. There are 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and spectacular evening sunsets. This home sits on a 9,500 square foot piece of property. Homeowners have direct access to four private beaches. Cameo Highlands homes are all single level and terraced, to ensure everyone’s views. Cameo Highlands has multiple private gated beaches.

Just Sold: Villa del Mare in Pelican Point

Just Sold!  Villa del Mare in Pelican Point, located at 30 Pelican Drive was just sold by Michael Franco of MWA Luxury real estate. Pelican Point is a development in the Pelican Hill section of Newport Coast in Newport Beach. Villa del Mare sold for 9 million dollars.  This 7,100 square foot home has four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home was built in 2005. The master suite features his and her closets, a sitting area, and a private terrace with a fireplace. The open floor plan kitchen has pocket doors which allows for seamless indoor to outdoor entertaining. The home has a 400-bottle wine cellar, media lounge, an elevator to all levels and a Savant Smart home System. There is a seven-car subterranean garage.  Among the wonderful views from this custom-built estate and property include the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights, gorgeous evening sunsets and the 11^th green of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a custom glass mosaic swimming pool, spa, built-in barbeque area and multiple outdoor fireplaces. Students in this area attend harbor View Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated community of just 48 custom built homes. 

June is a get time to visit the Back Loop Trail in Upper Newport Bay. The Back Bay Loop Trail is an all outdoor, 10.5 mile trail with signage.  The trail winds through Upper Newport Bay, with scenic stops at the Upper Castaways Park, County of Orange’s Peter and May Muth Interpretive Center, Back Bay Science Center at Shellmaker Island and Big Canyon.  The Back Bay Loop Trail links to the 22 mile Mountains to Sea trail. The Mountains to Sea trail is a National Recreational Trail which runs from Upper Newport Bay through Irvine, with views of the Peters Canyon Reservoir and into the rugged mountains of Weir Canyon north of Irvine Regional Park. For more information about The Back Bay Loop Trail, see their website information at: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/how-do-i-/view/things-to-do/back-bay-loop-trail.

Newport Coast is a section of Newport Beach at the south end of the city, near Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is a master planned community with single family homes to one of a kind custom estates. Located at 21 Sea Terrace, this 3,100 square foot home is part of the Newport Ridge Community. This five bedroom, three bedroom home was built in 1994. Attention to detail can be seen in the hardwood floors, marble work and a brick fireplace. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances and Italian marble.  The home sits on a 7,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting on a cul-de-sac. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the swimming pool with a waterfall, a large outdoor fireplace and a full outdoor kitchen. Newport Ridge is surrounded by the Buck Gully and the Coyote Canyon.  There are just 38 homes in Newport Ridge. 

Corona del Mar is a section of the Newport Beach, which encompasses all the land on the sea side of the San Joaquin Hills and south of Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Corona del Mar is locally known as the CDM and is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 1641 Reef View Circle, this 2,300 square foot home is part of the Spyglass Ridge development. This three bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1971. This is a single level home, which is a rare find in this community. The chef’s kitchen features a large center island, Thermador appliances and lots of storage. This home sits on a 9,200 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a built-in barbeque, water feature and gas fire pit. Spyglass Ridge is between Newport Coast Drive and MacArthur Boulevard. Spyglass Ridge is just one and half miles from the beach. There are approximately 300 homes in Spyglass Ridge.

The 24^th Annual Newport Beach Garden Tour will be taking place on Saturday, May 9^th. This is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day! This is your opportunity to visit the private, residential gardens of Newport Beach.  There will be seven gardens on the tour. Each garden will have an “Artist in the Garden,” capturing memories of the day. The tour is presented by Sherman Library and Gardens’ Volunteer Association. The tour is open from 10am to 5pm.  Tickets are $60.00, for non-members and $50.00 for members. The price includes a box lunch from Sundried Tomato Catering. All proceeds from this event support the children’s education programs.  Sherman Library and Gardens is located at 2647 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar.  For more information or to purchase tickets; see either of these websites: https://www.rogersgardens.com/seminar-event/nominations-for-2020-newport-beach-garden-tour/ or http://www.thesherman.org.

Laguna Beach is a situated just south of Newport Beach. This luxury beach side community is well known for its arts culture, with weekly gallery walks, three large scale art shows each year and over 180 artists in residence. Located at 676 Vista Lane, this 5,700 square foot home is part of the Mystic Hills community. This home sits on a 7,600 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. This five bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2002. Attention to detail can be seen in the high volume ceilings, French doors and fireplace. The chef’s kitchen features professional grade appliances, dual sinks and a walk-in pantry. There is elevator access to all floors. The home and property have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights and Catalina Island. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool and spa with lounging areas.  Mystic Hills is part of the heart of Laguna Beach area, near Laguna Village.

Corona del Mar is part of the city of Newport Beach. Corona del Mar encompasses all the land on the sea side of the San Joaquin Hills and South Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Located at 715 Avocado Avenue, this 780 square foot condo is part of the Sandcastle community. This one bedroom, one bathroom condo was built in 1963. The condo has an open floor plan filled with ocean breezes and natural light. This upper level unit has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights, Catalina Island and gorgeous evening sunsets. Among the many amenities offered in Sandcastle are a swimming pool, spa and barbeque area.  Sandcastle is on the beachside of the Pacific Coast Highway. The beach is within walking distance. Students living in this community attend Harbor View Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

The April Installment of the Sunset Jazz Supper Club Edition is taking place on Wednesday, April 1^st. Producers of the successful Sunset Jazz at Newport Summer Series have developed a five-concert series for winter and spring. The April performers will be John Proulz. Members include Chuck Berhofer, Kevin Kanner and special guest Chuck Findley. The evening will be filled with Nat King Cole and Chet Baker favorites plus original music. Doors open at 6pm and the concert begins at 7pm and continues until 9:30pm. The Supper Club series is being held at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa, located at 900 Newport Beach Center Drive. The concerts are held in the Hook and Spear Restaurant, which has room for just 106 Jazz fans, so make reservations. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: http://www.sunsetjazzatnewport.com/.

Costa Mesa is 16 square mile city in Orange County. Costa Mesa is made up of five sections: Central Costa Mesa, Eastside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, South Coast Metro and Southwest Costa Mesa. Located at 137 The Masters Circle, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Santa Ana Country Club in the South Coast Metro area. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2009. Attention to detail can be seen in the high volume ceilings, cherry hardwood flooring and covered porch. The open floor plan kitchen features an island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The home sits on a 4,100 square foot piece of property.There are views of the golf course. South Coast Metro is bordered by Baker Street, Harbor Boulevard, the 405 and the 73 Freeways. 

Corona del Mar is in the city of Newport Beach.Corona del Mar encompasses all the land on the seaside of the San Joaquin Hills and South Avocado Avenue to the city limits. Located at 2525 Ocean Boulevard, unit #6G is part of the Channel Reef development. This two bedroom, two bathroom condo unit is 1,200 square feet and all on one level. Channel Reef was built in 1963. The updated unit features high volume ceilings, exposed beams and a shower with white water views. The open style kitchen has Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, wine refrigerator and a center island.  The condo has views of the harbor, Catalina Island, white water and gorgeous evening sunsets. Channel Reef is a 24 gated neighborhood which is situated just inside the breakwater of Newport Harbor. The homeowner’s association provides many amenities including a salt water pool, spa, barbeque area and deep-water marina.

Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate sold the home located at 32 Bargemon in the Newport Ridgedevelopment in Newport Coast.  The home sold on June 25^th, 2019 for $1,900,000. This four bedroom, two and half bathroom home is 2,900 square feet. The kitchen has a six-burner stove. This home was built in 2002. This home sits on a 5,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool. 

Newport Ridge is situated just off the Newport Ridge Drive and it is surrounded by Buck Gully and Coyote Canyon. There are just 38 homes in Newport Ridge.  Newport Ridge was built between 1993 and 1995. Among the amenities offered in Newport Ridge are s sports court, tennis courts and barbeque area. Students living in this area attend Newport Mesa Unified Schools, specifically Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is part of Newport Beach, having been annexed in 2001.  Newport Coast is just north of Laguna Beach.  The area of the city is home to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa, and Golf Courses and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. Newport Coast has five-star restaurants and world-class shopping.

Michael Franco and MWA Luxury real estate recently sold the home at 607 8^th Street in Huntington Beach. The home sold on October 22, 2019 for $1,444,000. This three bedroom, five bathroom home is 2,500 square feet. This home was built in 1989. The open plan kitchen was recently remodeled with granite and stone countertops and pots and pans drawers. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, fireplace and plantation shutters. The home has peek-a-bee ocean views and city night light views. Homeowners are a five minute walk to the beach and a ten minute walk to the downtown. Students living in this area attend Smith Elementary School, Dwyer Middle School and Huntington High School. Huntington Beach is the largest beach side city in Orange County. Known as HB and “Surf City, USA,”  Huntington Beach  has 8.5 miles of uninterrupted coastline and beach. The city has a population of approximately 190,000 residents and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Westminster and Fountain Valley. The downtown area of Huntington Beach has over 250 downtown businesses, including restaurants, shopping and a large variety of services. The downtown area has street fairs and farmers markets, all while enjoying ocean views. 

Located at 36 Marisol, Newport Coast, this Italianate Villa was just sold by Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate. The home sold on November 26^th, 2019 for $1,775,000. This 2,200 square foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and was built in 1998. The open floor plan features high ceilings, a neutral color palette and is filled with natural light. The recently remodeled kitchen has marble countertops, travertine floors and stainless-steel appliances. The family room has a fireplace and custom built-ins. The home sits on a 4,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the built-in barbeque area, spa and an outdoor dining area. Tesoro Crest was built by Standard Pacific Homes, with four floor plans.  This is a 24-hour guard gated community. The homeowners’ association provides many amenities including a swimming pool, barbeque area, sports court and tennis courts. Students attend the award-winning Newport Mesa Unified Schools, Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is situated at the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is home to the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses, Crystal Cove State Park, five-star restaurants and shopping. 

Michael Franco and the MWA luxury real estate team recently sold the home located at 1309 Santa Barbara Drive.  This home is situated in The Meridian development in Newport Beach.  This 2,400 square foot condo was built in 2014.  It has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bathroom was redone in 2018 with natural stone walk-in shower. This unit faces the golf course and has also has ocean views, including Catalina Island. The sale includes all furniture, fixtures, wall art and electronic equipment. The home sold on December 20^th, 2019 for $3,350,000. The Meridian is a condo complex which is in the East Bluff area. The complex was completed in 2015, with 79 units. There are great views of the Pacific Ocean, golf course, and city night lights. The building has concierge service. Among the many amenities offered in the Meridian are a fitness center, clubroom, a grilling area and an outdoor swimming pool. Residents of the Meridian are within walking distance of Fashion Island. Newport Beach is world-class Orange County city. Newport Beach is one of the oldest cities in Orange County, being incorporated in 1906.