Balboa Island is a wonderful place for a stroll, sailboat watching and renting a boat for a day. There are many choices for sight-seeing boat adventures and daily excursions. Newport Harbor hosts many marine events every year including the Ensenada International Yacht Race. While you are enjoying the harbor, there many dining options for both casual dining and fine dining. The harbor area has volleyball courts, picnic tables and fishing docks. There is access to the beach, as well. For more information about this area, see their website at: https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/things-to-do/newport-harbor/.

Shady Canyon is part of the Turtle Rock section of the city of Irvine. Shady Canyon is 800 acres with approximately 400 homes and a golf course and is surrounded by an additional 16,000 acres of natural sanctuary.  Located at 70 Golden Eagle, this 8,200 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Customcommunity.This seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom home was built in 2007. The chef’s kitchen features professional grade appliances, a six-burner stove and a center island. The home and property have panoramic views of the golf course, surrounding mountains and city night light views. This home sits on a very large 41,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a barbeque area, putting green, swimming pools and mature landscaping with fruit trees. The park is within walking distance. Both the Irvine Spectrum Center and South Coast Plaza are within a short driving distance. 

Lido Isle is a residential only island in Newport Harbor. Lido Isle has approximately 850 homes. Located at 845 Via Lido Nord, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 1997. This 4,300 square foot home has an open floor plan and is filled with natural light. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, grand entry and four fireplaces. The gourmet kitchen features natural stone counter tops, dual sinks, center island and walk-in pantry. This home sits on a 4,700 square foot piece of property, which is large for Lido Isle.Lido Isle has many amenities include a private beach, clubhouse, tennis courts and security. Lido Isle is connected to Newport Beach by a bridge or ferry.

The Lido Marina Village and Cannery Village is open and ready for visitors. Lido Marina Village has the perfect backdrop and features al fresco dining, shopping and sightseeing. Cannery Village is features old warehouses and working docks with restaurants and fish mongers to purchase the daily catch. Both Villages are part of the dock and dine program. Lido Theater is located here as well, which has been hosting the Newport Beach Film Festival since 1938. On Wednesday afternoons, the Farmers Market is open from noon to 5pm with a large selection of fruits, vegetables and local treats. For more information about Lido Marina Village and Cannery Village, see their website at: https://www.lidomarinavillage.com/.

Costa Mesa an Orange County city surrounded by Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach. Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953 and has a population of approximately 110,000 residents. Located at 1833 Peninsula Place, this 2,400 square foot home is part of the California Seabreezeneighborhood in Southwest Costa Mesa. This five-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1990. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, travertine floors and wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops. This home sits on a 3,500 square foot piece of property. California Seabreeze is just a bike ride away from the beach. There are many parks in the area including Fairview Park and Talbert Regional Nature Preserve. 

Lido Isle is a residential only island with 850 homes and a yacht club. Lido Isle is one of California’s very first master planned communities, having been begun in the 1920’s. Located at 124 Via Havre, this 4,300 square foot home has four bedrooms and six bathrooms. This home was built in 2020. Attention to detail can be seen in the marble fireplace, high volume ceilings and French white oak flooring.  The chef’s kitchen features Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf appliances and pocket doors. This home sits on a 3,900 square foot piece of property, which is 45-foot-wide lot. The rooftop deck is a wonderful place to relax in the sunshine, with views of Pacific Ocean and city night lights.

The Newport Beach Library is hosting Sunday Musicale again. On Sunday, January 10^th, 2021 the performer will be Hun Lee. This is a completely online event; the library is bringing music to your home. Hun Lee is a pianist, after a stroke in 2012, he performs concerts playing only with his left hand. He holds a doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Cincinnati. The event begins at 9am and continues to 10am. For more information, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/65075/11906?curm=1&cury=2021.

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city surrounded by Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach. Costa Mesa is a 16 square mile city, which is just one mile from the Pacific Ocean, at its southern tip. Located at 3434 Timber, Unit #50, this 1,300 square foot home is part of theVillage Creek development in theSouth Coast Metro area. This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1976. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, new Anderson windows and wet bar. The kitchen features a breakfast bar, granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. The townhouse has an attached two car garage. This townhouse unit is located on a cul-de-sac, which is very close to the clubhouse. Homeowners will have a private patio on the creek with gazebo views.Village Creek has many amenities including a swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, tennis courts and sports court. The well-maintained grounds have a stream, waterfalls, ponds, gazebo and green space. 

Lido Isle is a residential only island in Newport Harbor with approximately 850 homes and a yacht club.Lido Isle is modeled on a Mediterranean Island, having its beginning dating back to the 1920’s. Located at 107 Via Lido Soud, this 5,400 square foot home has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. This home was built in 1972. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry. The oversized glass doors take full advantage of the bay views.This home sits on a 5,700 square foot piece of property. The property has a 100-foot dock and 65 foot of bay side frontage. Also, outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a patio with a barbeque area and spa. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, private beach, clubhouse and security.

California Proposition #19 passed in November election, with 8,534,173 or 51.1% of the vote. This proposition will allow eligible homeowners to transfer their tax assessments anywhere in the state. Tax assessments can be transferred to more expensive homes with an upward adjustment. Persons 55 and older, with disabilities or victims of natural disaster or hazardous waste contamination can now transfer their tax assessments from one to three. Secondary properties, such as vacation homes or rentals, inherited from parents to children or from grandparents to grandchildren can be reassessed at market value when transferred, with the first one million dollars being exempt from reassessment. On inherited primary properties, the parent or grandparent can transfer the property without the property’s tax assessment resetting to market value. The additional revenue from generated from this proposition will be used by schools and wildlife agencies through the California Fire Response Fund and the County Revenue Protection Fund.

The 112^th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights is taking place December 16^th through December 20^th, 2020. This year the parade will be live and it will be possible to view the parade virtually, as well. The web, social media and the Newport Beach local broadcast channel NBTV will show the parade.  The show will include the entire parade, the Ring of Lights home competition, interviews and spotlights on the frontline heroes and local charities. Virtual coverage will cover all five nights of the show. The Boat Parade is sponsored by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the 112^th Christmas Boat Parade, see their website at: https://www.christmasboatparade.com/.

Laguna Beach is a special beach front city with seven miles of beaches, canyons and coastal hills. They have three large scale art festivals each year, weekly art walks and over 180 artists in residence. Located at 7 Montage Way, this 8,100 square foot home is part of the Montage Ocean Estates community. This six-bedroom, ten-bathroom estate was built in 2013. Attention to detail can be seen in the mahogany ceilings, shell inlays and disappearing walls of glass. The home features a 1,000-bottle wine room, workout room and home theater. The home has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and beautiful sunsets.This home sits on a large 12,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge pool, outdoor fireplace, wet bar, Zen garden and barbeque area.Montage Ocean Estates is a part of the residential section of the 30-acre Montage Resort and Spa. All these homes are custom estates which can take advantage of the services of Montage Resort: room service, housekeeping and engineering.

Lido Isle is a located in Newport Harbor. Modeled on a Mediterranean Island, this island is home to 850 residences and one yacht club. Located at 117 Via Antibes, this 7,300 square foot six unit condo complex was built in 1958. There are four two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. Each unit has its own laundry. Each unit has a private patio, two car garage and range in size from 1,110 square feet to 1,600 square feet. This complex sits on a 9,200 square foot piece of property. There is a center courtyard with a barbeque area and seating. Homeowners/residents are very close to the bay, Lido Village and the beach. Lido Isle has a private beach, tennis courts, clubhouse and security.

Sherman Gardens and Library is hosting the annual Chrysanthemum Show and Sale on Sunday, November 1^st.  The show begins at 10:30am and continues until 4pm. The Orange County Chrysanthemum Society will display blooms at the Sherman Gardens exhibit hall.  In addition, take time to enjoy the creative floral sculptures that will be displayed. After enjoying all the displays, stop by their plant sale. Entrance into the show is covered in the garden admission fee. For more information, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/chysanthemum-show-and-sale-2/.

Laguna Beach is truly unique beach front city.  It is one of the oldest in Orange County, with a population of just 23,000 residents, seven miles of beaches and a very active arts community. Located at 1209 Emerald Bay, this 3,600 square foot home is part of the Emerald Bay community. This two bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1974.The home was completely remodeled from top to bottom in 1995. This home sits on a large 11,900 square foot piece of property. This is one of the largest properties in Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay is a 24-hour guard gated community and is located between Smithcliffs and Irvine Cove. The two halves to Emerald Bay which are connected by a small tunnel. 

Lido Isle is an island in Newport Harbor.  There are approximately 850 homes on this Mediterranean inspired isle. Located at 412 Via Lido Soud, this 4,500 square foot home has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. This home was built in 1996. The kitchen features a Sub Zero refrigerator, dual ovens, dual sinks and quartz countertops. There are two bedroom suites on the first floor. There is elevator access to all levels.  The home sits on a 5,200 square foot piece of property, which is exceptionally large for Lido Isle. This is a corner lot, with beautiful views of the Bay and the evening sunsets. 

Just Sold by Michael Franco in Pelican Crest

Michael Franco of MWA Luxury Real Estate just sold 5 Skycrest in Pelican Crest. Pelican Crest is part of the Pelican Hilldevelopment in Newport Coast. 5 Skycrest is a 9,500 square foot home has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. This home sold for nearly eleven million dollars, which is approximately $1150 a square foot. The nearly panoramic views include the Pacific Ocean, surrounding mountains, city night lights and sunsets. The 30,000 square foot piece of property has swimming pool, spa, gazebo, built-in barbeque area and rose garden. This residence is the number one architecture design award winner in Newport Coast.  Newport Coast is home to Pelican Hill and its five developments, Crystal Cove and many other residential developments. Crystal Cove State Park and Beach and Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses are also part of the Newport Coast. Although this home is off the market, Michael has many more properties to inspire you, in Crystal Cove, Pelican Hill and Newport Coast. Michael is always available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.

4 Baffin Bay in Crystal Cove was just sold by Michael Franco

Michael Franco of MWA Luxury Real Estate recently sold the home located at 4 Baffin Bay in the Crystal Cove in Newport Coast. Newport Coast has many wonderful areas such as Crystal Cove and Pelican Hill. Whether you are buying, selling, or both, Michael Franco will walk you smoothly through the process. This 3,500 square foot home sits on a 6,900 square foot piece of property.  This is a four bedroom, three and half bathroom home which was built in 2001. With views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. Crystal Cove offers many amenities, including the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of the area. The home sold for 3.3 million dollars, approximately $985 per square foot. This property has been sold, however, Michael has many other properties ready to view in Crystal Cove, Pelican Hill and Newport Coast. To reach Michael, at any time, he is available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.

The Environmental Study Loop at Crystal Cove State Park is open for visitors. This unique facility gives visitors a peek at the science of park management and conservation. The Michael and Tricia Berns Environmental Study Loop has an amphitheater, student staging pavilion, and a half mile loop trail with eight science stations. The science stations include animal tracking, bugs and butterflies, birds, wind and weather, early residents, rocks on the move and nature’s trespassers. These science stations give park visitors a chance to perform “citizen science” projects. For more information, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/environmental-study-loop/.

Crystal Cove is home to several luxury residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. Crystal Cove is in the Newport Coast, section of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 2 Cruisers Bluff, this 5,800 square foot home is part of the White Sails community. This six bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2004. The home is ideal for entertaining with professional grade kitchen, prep kitchen and 300 bottle climate controlled wine cellar. This home sits on a large 20,000 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a saltwater swimming pool, a fire pit, outdoor living room, built-in barbeque and bar and a sand volleyball court. White Sails is situated directly below The Tides community.  This is a 24-hour guard gated community. Students, living in the White Sails development, attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically Harbor View Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. 

Lido Isle is a residential only island in Newport Harbor, with approximately 850 homes and a yacht club. The island is modeled on a Mediterranean isle. Located at 119 Via Jucar, this 4,700 square foot home has five bedroom and five bathrooms. This home was built in 2004. The home has recently been remodeled, with seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Attention to can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, three fireplaces and wall of glass opening onto a private patio. The gourmet kitchen features top of the line appliances, custom cabinets and stone countertops. The home sits on a 4,800 square foot piece of property. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, a private beach, clubhouse and security.

12 Dunes Bluff in Newport Coast, was just sold by Michael Franco

Just recently, Michael Franco, of MWA Luxury Real Estate, sold the home at 12 Dunes Bluff in Newport Coast.  Whether you are buying or selling, Michael Franco offers professional and efficient service in Orange County. He recently handled the listing and sale of the property at 12 Dunes Bluff, which sold for 4.8 million dollars.  This home is 3,800 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of stone flooring, wood flooring and elegant moldings. Built in 2005, the home has 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, coastline, whitewater, city night lights and vibrant sunsets.  This home is part of the Crystal Cove development which is located in Newport Coast. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an open-air courtyard, outdoor fireplace and guest casita. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park, with 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons and 18 miles of trails. Although, this property has been sold, Michael has many others he can show throughout Crystal Cove and the greater Orange County area. Michael is always available at 949-200-2383 or at michael@mwaluxury.com.