Irvine Real Estate Blog

Michael Franco specializes in luxury homes in Orange County, California. Irvine is a large city with a diverse groups of communities and neighborhoods.  Subscribe and we will keep you up-to-date and informed on the Irvine real estate market with frequently updated homes for sale and current events.

Aug. 31, 2023

Shakti, the 50th Anniversary Tour

Shakti, the 50th Anniversary Tour will be performing on Monday, September 11th at the Irvine Barclay Theater. This is Shakti’s first US tour in 18 years and this is their exclusive Southern California appearance. Started in 1973, this group blends Eastern and Western musicians, original band members Indian table player Zakir Hussain and British jazz musician John McLaughlin, along with vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.  The concert begins at 7:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/2023-2024-events/09-11-23-shakti.html.

 

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is also home to the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach with 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 18 miles of trails and a 1,400-acre marine park. Located at 5 Del Mar, this 6,200 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This four-bedroom, eight-bathroom home was built in 2016 by ETA Architects and Pinnacle Custom Homes. Enter the home through a private courtyard which leads to the foyer. Attention to detail can be seen in the glass walls, fireplace, and the cross-loin ceiling. The gourmet kitchen features a walk-in pantry, large island, polished stone countertops and custom cabinetry. There are far reaching views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, the pier, coastline, city night lights and stunning sunsets. This home sits on a large 20,700 square foot piece of property. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a saltwater swimming pool, spa, an outdoor living room, and built-in barbeque area. All Crystal Cove residents are invited to join in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of the area. 

 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County, California. Irvine is a 66 square mile city is made-up flat valley land between the Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. The city was built in the 1960’s and incorporated in 1971. Located at 5 Rolling Hills, this 3,500 square foot home is part of the Huntington Collection in the NorthparkVillage. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 2000. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, custom built-in entertainment center and gorgeous staircase. The chef’s kitchen stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a large center island. This home sits on a 6,400 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a covered patio, built-in barbecue island, swing, and fruit trees. Northpark is 24-hour guard gated community bordered by Irvine Boulevard, Portola Parkway, Culver Drive and the 261 Toll Road. Among the many amenities offered in Northpark are a swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, and sports court. The Huntington Collection has 52 single family homes built by Richmond American Homes.

Posted in Irvine Blog
Aug. 1, 2023

2023 Summer Dance Party

2023 Summer Dance Party will take place of Saturday, August 12th, from 6pm to 9:30pm. Join in the fun, as guests dance to tunes from the 80’s. There will be both a DJ and live band performing at the event. Guests are encouraged to dress in their 80’s finest: neon colors, leg warmers, shoulder pads, and big hair. The party gets started at 6pm with the DJ and the Southern California band Neon Nation will perform starting at 7:30pm. There will be food trucks on site and picnic areas close to the dance floor.  This is a family friendly event. This event is free to attend. For more information, see their website at: https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/2023-summer-dance-party.

 

Lido Isle is a residential only island in Newport Harbor and is part of the city of Newport Beach. Lido Isle has 850 homes and one yacht club. Lido Isle was begun in the 1920’s making it one of the oldest master planned communities in California. Located at 751 Via Lido Soud, this 3,100 square foot home has three bedrooms and four bathrooms. This two-story home was built in 1936. There are wonderful views of the bay, and white water.This home sits on a 3,900 square foot piece of property, which is large for Lido Isle. The home is at the end of island. This bayfront home has a boat dock large enough for a yacht with a side tie. Among the many amenities on Lido Isle are tennis courts, a private beach, security, and yacht club.

 

Irvine is a large master planned community in Orange County. Irvine is bordered by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach. Irvine was designed by the Irvine company in the 1960’s and incorporated in 1971. Located at 32 Rustling Wind, Unit 16 this 2,800 square foot home is part of the Vista development in the Turtle Rock Village. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1978. This unit has been completely remodeled recently with new windows, HVAC system and engineered hard wood floors. Attention to detail can be seen in the crown molding, multiple fireplaces, and custom designed master bathroom. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and a built-in refrigerator. The unit has a two-car attached car garage.This home sits on a 2,850 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Students are within walking distance to Turtle Rock Elementary School and University High. The Vista development has 165 attached condo units. Among the many amenities offered at Vista are a swimming pool, spa, cabanas, and tennis courts. 

Posted in Irvine Blog
June 27, 2023

New Swan Shakespeare Festival

The New Swan Shakespeare Festival is featuring a series of works by William Shakespeare throughout the month of July at the portable, 130 seat mini-Elizabethan theater.  The New Swan Shakespeare Festival is a professional Shakespeare festival situated on the UCI Campus. This year they are doing three different productions; As You Like It, Julius Caesar, and the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. The Barclay Theatre handles all the ticketing for these productions. For more information see their website at: https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/new-swan-shakespeare-festival.html.

 

Newport Beach is an Orange County city which is just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Beach was incorporated in 1906 and has a population of approximately 85,000 residents. Located at 2122 E Balboa Boulevard, this 9,400 square foot home is part of thenPeninsula Point community. This five-bedroom, nine-bathroom home was built in 2006. Attention to detail can be seen in the use of Italian stone, high volume beamed ceilings, and recessed lighting. There is elevator access to all levels. The home and property have forever views of Newport Harbor, Corona del Mar, Newport Coast, and the Bay. This home sits on a large 14,800 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge pool. entertainment space, outdoor kitchen, and private dock. The dock has space for two 60-foot yachts. Peninsula Point residents are within walking distance to the Balboa Peninsula shopping and dining area, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, Newport Pier and The “Wedge.” 

 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County. Irvine is bordered by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach. Irvine was begun in the 1960’s and was incorporated in 1971. Located at 44 Desert Willow, this 3,200 square foot home is part of the Alexandria development in thColumbus Square Village. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2005. Enter the home through a gated entry leading to a courtyard. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, ceiling murals and recessed lighting. The gourmet kitchen features a large island with bar seating, stainless steel appliances and double ovens. This home sits on a large 14,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a 16-person dining tables, built-in barbeque area, a lagoon, sand volleyball court, and mature trees. Columbus Square is off of Irvine Center Drive and Kensington Park Drive. There are approximately 1,000 homes in eight developments within Columbus Square.

Posted in Irvine Blog
May 30, 2023

Limitless at the Irvine Barclay Theater

The Barclay Theater is hosting performances of Limitless on Thursday, June 1st, Friday, June 2nd and Saturday, June 3rd. This contemporary dance performance is a compilation of the nation’s top performers, designers, and choreographers in conjunction with youth dancers from Santa Ana and the surrounding communities.  This dance performance is presented by The Wooden Floor.  Performances are at 8pm, with an additional matinee performance on Saturday at 2:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/2022-2023-events/6-1-23-the-wooden-floor.html.

 

Laguna Beach is an Orange County beach front city. Laguna Beach has over seven miles of pristine sandy beaches. Laguna Beach has a true dedication to the arts with over 80 art galleries, weekly gallery walks, three large scale art shows annually and over 180 artists in residence. Located at 1187 Marine Drive, this 7,000 square foot home is part of The Coves development. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2002. The home has been remastered recently by the Tichenor and Thorp firm. Attention to detail can be seen in the French doors, use of antique materials, and the Moroccan themed bathroom. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, the coves, rugged coastline, and beautiful sunsets. This home sits on an 8,100 square foot piece of property perched on an outcropping above the water. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy seaside terraces, outdoor fireplace, and an antique inlaid garden wall which creates outdoor garden rooms, leading down to the sand below. The Coves neighborhood is on the west side of the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Emerald Bay and Crescent Bay.

 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County. This 66 square mile city was designed by the Irvine Company, in the 1960’s. The city was incorporated in 1971. Located at 3140 Scholarship, this 2,300 square foot unit is part of the 3000 Plaza Building in the Airport Area Village of Irvine. This two-bedroom, three-bathroom condo home was built in 2008. This one level condo unit is a corner unit on the 14th floor.  Attention to detail can be seen in the Porcelanosa floors, built-in cabinetry with floating shelves and a linear fireplace. The gourmet kitchen features a Bosch dishwasher, Italian made cabinetry, and gas cooktop. There are panoramic views from Los Angeles to San Bernadino, city night lights and sunsets. The Airport Area is bordered by the San Diego Creek, San Joaquin Marsh, John Wayne Airport, the 405 Freeway, MacArthur Boulevard and Jamboree Road. 3000 Plaza 24 hour secured building, The building was built by McLarand, Vasquez and Partners. There are 95 condos and 10 penthouses in 3000 Plaza.

Posted in Irvine Blog
April 26, 2023

Super Mother's Day Event through Orange County Connect

Orange County Connect is hosting a Super Mother’s Day Event, to celebrate all the super moms in Irvine and Orange County. On Saturday, May 13th, from 12 noon to 4pm, bring your mom and join in all the fun. There will be food, photo opportunities and a live DJ. There will be over 50 small business vendors onsite. The Mother’s Day Event is being held at Hangar 24 Orange County, located at 17877 Vin Karman Avenue Unit #110, in Irvine. For more information, see their website at: https://happeningnext.com/event/super-mother%E2%80%99s-day-event-eid4so2lp3euh1.

 

Crystal Cove is group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach, with 48 historical cottages, 400 acres of bluffs, 18 miles of trails, 3.2 miles of coastline and a 1,400-acre marine park. Located at 5 Greens Bluff, this 5,200 square foot home is part of the Watermark community. This five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built in 2001. Attention to detail can be seen in the stone finishes, designer lighting and temperature-controlled wine wall. There are sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights and breathtaking sunsets. This home sits on a 11,700 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, a Mediterranean garden, courtyards, and terrace. Watermark is a 24-hour guard gated community with 33 residences. Watermark was built by Taylor Woodrow Homes. 

 

Irvine is a large mastered planned city in Orange County surrounded by Tustin, Santa 

Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach.  This 66 square mile city made-up mostly flat valley land between the Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. Located at 121 Panorama, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Hidden Canyon in the Laguna Altura Village. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home was built in 2016. Attention to detail can be seen in the two-story foyer, granite countertops, and stonework. There are lovely views of the city night lights, the surrounding mountains and canyons. This home sits on a 10,200 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool. Hidden Canyon is a gated community built by the Toll Brothers. Among the many amenities in Hidden Canyon are a swimming pool, spas, and a clubhouse with a sports court. Laguna Altura was designed and built by the Irvine Pacific Company. There are several walking and biking trails throughout the Laguna Altura Village.

Posted in Irvine Blog
March 31, 2023

Pointercounts Performance at UCI

The University of California at Irvine is presenting a performance by Pointercounts, A French Belgian Trio. The performance will be on Friday, April 21st at 8 pm in Winifred Smith Hall.  This is part of Pointercounts world tour. Pointercounts blends classical, jazz, 21st Century and computer assisted electroacoustic. This performance will feature strict interpretations mixed with free improvisations. Admission is free. For more information, or to reserve tickets, see their website at: https://www.arts.uci.edu/event/pointercounts-french-belgian-trio

 

Costa Mesa is an Orange County city which is ideally situated 37 miles south of Los Angeles and 88 miles north of San Diego. Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953 and has a population of approximately 110,000 residents. Located 1787 Panay Circle, this 5,200 square foot home is part of theMesa Verde Custom Home community. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 1973. The home has two living areas, a dining room and kitchen along the back of the home with views of the golf course. This home sits on a large 16,000 square foot piece of property which is very close to the clubhouse and backing onto the 12thhole of the golf course. The property has 218 feet of golf course frontage, with views of the lake. Outdoors, the home has a courtyard with a pond and a gazebo. Mesa Verde is bordered by the 405 Freeway, Harbor Boulevard, Adams Boulevard, Fairview Park, and the Santa Ana River Trail.

 

Irvine is a large master planned community in Orange County. This 66 square mile city is bordered by Tustin, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach. Irvine was incorporated 1971 and is made-up of 34 separate villages. Located at 18792 Saginaw Drive, this 2,100 square foot home is part of the Broadmoor development in the Turtle Rock Village. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 1968, which has recently been remodeled. Attention to detail can be seen in the double entry doors, mosaic tile inlays, and high volumes ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, a garden window and new cabinetry. Broadmoor is home to 250 detached single-family homes. This home sits on a 5,100 square foot piece of property. The backyard has a full brick patio and views of French Hill. Residents are a short walk to the community park and playground. Among the many amenities offered in Broadmoor are a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, parks and walking trails. Turtle Rock is in south Irvine, near Newport Beach. Turtle Rock is named for the local massive rock formation which resembles a turtle.

Posted in Irvine Blog
March 9, 2023

Festival Ballet Theatre presents Swan Lake

Festival Ballet Theatre is preforming Swan Lake at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on March 18th and 19th. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, follow young Prince Seigfried and Odette, the Swan Queen, who is a swan by day and a woman by night. Swan Lake is all about the power and transformative qualities of love. This production is choreographed by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla. Guest artists include Ana Sophia Scheller and Gareth Haw. The Saturday March 18th, performance will be at 7pm and the Sunday, March 19th performance will be a matinee beginning at 2pm. For more information, or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.thebarclay.org/buy-tickets/2022-2023-events/3-18-23-festival-ballet-theatre-swan-lake.html.

 

Newport Coast is part of the city of Newport Beach, it is in the southernmost tip just north of Laguna Beach. With its high bluff setting, Newport Coast is home to Orange County’s most exclusive developments such as Pelican Hill and Crystal Cove. Located at 5 Eucalyptus, this 2,700 square foot home is part of the Cypress development. This three-bedroom, four-bathroom home was built in 2004 and was renovated in 2017. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, LED lighting and European oak wood floors. The gourmet kitchen features a Thermador range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and quartz counter tops. There are wonderful views of the city night lights and the surrounding Saddleback Mountains. This home sits on a 4,200 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a pergola covered patio and new turf.Cypress is in the Pacific Ridge neighborhood. There are four distinctive floor plans in Cypress. Students living in Cypress attend Newport Mesa Unified Schools, specifically Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. This is a 24-hour guard gated development.

 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County.This 66 square mile is made up of flat land between Loma Ridge and San Joaquin Hills. The city was incorporated in 1971. Located at 25 Teak Bridge, this 3,200 square foot home is part of the 39 Park NW development in Northwood Village. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 2006. Attention to detail can be seen in the Richard Marshall hardwood floors, plantation shutters and recessed lighting. The chef’s kitchen features a large center island, granite countertops and Professional Grade Viking Stainless Steel appliances. This home sits on a 4,200 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. 39 Park NW was built by Beard Homes. There are 39 detached single-family homes in 39 Park NW. Northwood in in East Irvine, it is a 24-hour guard gated community with 56 home tracts.

Posted in Irvine Blog
Feb. 9, 2023

OC's Priciest Home Sale of the Year

Michael Franco from MWA Compass realty has just sold the priciest home in Orange County, this year. Michael represented the buyers in the transaction. The Newport Coast Estate, located at 1 Pelican Crest, is part of the Pelican Crest development in Pelican Hill.  This home originally listed for $45 million in July of the 2023 and was sold for $30.6 million in January of 2023.  This is a 32% price drop. The estate is 13,300 square feet on a nearly three-quarter acre piece of pie-shaped property. Enter the property through gates at the base of the motor court than leads around a water feature and onto the porte-cochere. This seven-bedroom, ten-bathroom home was built in 2010 by Fari Design and Construction from Los Angeles.  The home was re-imagined in 2020. New updates include imported onyx slab floors, Cristalllo slab floors and Venetian plaster walls. The main living wing begins with a grand hotel style foyer that leads to the formal living room and dining room. From there you will find the primary and secondary kitchens, executive offices, and the guest suites with kitchenettes. The north wing is completely dedicated to the master suite with a private living room, multiple walk-in closets, and a view balcony. Other spaces within the estate include a games room, gym, massage room, 1,200 bottle wine cellar and cinema room. The lower level is dedicated to a seven-car garage. All levels are accessible by a commercial grade elevator. There are far-reaching views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, coastline, Catalina Island, and the Pelican Hill Resort Golf Courses. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, loggia and cabanas with showers and bathrooms. This property was once owned by Herbalife executive, Dolan Andry who sold it in June of 2017. The Pelican Crest development is a 24-hour guard gated community with 158 custom built homes. 

Posted in Irvine Blog
Feb. 9, 2023

Dance Visions 2023

The University of California, Irvine Campus, through the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, is presenting Dance Visions 2023. Dance Visions 2023 is being held at the Irvine Barclay Theater February 23rd through the 25th. This annual performance includes many disciplines of dance such as classical ballet, modern jazz, hip hop, fusion, music, and theatrical elements. The performance is designed to entertain and features both undergraduate and graduate students in dance majors. This performance’s creative directors are Tong Wang and Cyrian Reed. Performances begin at 8pm on the 23rd, 24th and 25th with a matinee performance at 2pm on the 25th. The matinee performance will also be lived streamed. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.arts.uci.edu/event/dance-visions-2023.

 

Newport Beach is one of the oldest beach front cities in Orange County, having been incorporated in 1906. Ideally located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles this city in home to approximately 85,000 residents. Located at 323 Morning Star Lane, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the Dover Shorescommunity.  This five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was built in 1966.  This nearly all glass house, seamlessly combines indoor outdoor living. With floor to ceiling windows, custom wall to wall sliding doors and an open floor plan. The home was updated in 2013 with natural hardwood floors, smooth stucco, and wall treatment. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, dual islands, and Gaggenau professional appliances.  There are breathtaking views of the Back Bay, harbor, and sunsets. This home sits on a 6,000 square foot piece of waterfront property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, Zen courtyard, and a 60-foot-wide terrace with drought tolerant landscaping. Situated on Newport Back Bay this home can accommodate two yachts, a 60-foot and a 77-foot yacht plus a 22-foot Duffy boat. Dover Shores is a home to 310 single family residents. There are three private beaches for residents to use: Larry’s Beach, Fisherman’s Beach, and North Star Beach. 

 

Irvine is a large master planned community designed by the Irvine Company. This 66 square mile city is made-up of the flat land between the Loma Ridge and the San Joaquin Hills. The city was incorporated 1971. Located at 45 Skyward, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Celedon development in the Woodbury East Village. This four-bedroom, five-bathroom home was built in 2011 and recently updated. Attention to detail can be seen in the white oak Dutch door, hardwood floors and custom iron railing. The chef’s kitchen features porcelain countertops, a waterfall island, and stainless-steel appliances.  This home sits on a 6,400 square foot piece of property, with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, and patio. Celedon was designed and built by John Laing Homes. Among the many amenities offered in Woodbury are tennis courts, swimming pool, basketball courts and the 30-acre Commons Center.

Posted in Irvine Blog
Jan. 26, 2023

UCI Performance and Master Class

On Friday, January 27th join in a Fortepiano performance and master class at Winifred Smith Concert Hall. Daniel Adam Maltz will be performing classical fortepiano pieces, this will be followed by a masterclass on the fortepiano. Topics covered will be piano evolution, technical aspects of fortepianos, performances practices during the classical era and historical tuning. Practice will be done on modern piano while instruction is given on a fortepiano. The event begins at 1:00 pm and concludes at 2:50pm.  For more information, see their website at: https://www.arts.uci.edu/event/daniel-adam-maltz-classical-fortepiano.

 

Corona del Mar is part of the city of Newport Beach. Corona del Mar is known locally as the CDM and is Spanish for “Crown of the Sea.” Located at 3542 Daffodil Avenue, this 1,800 square foot condo unit is part of the Terraces. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo was built in 1986. The chef’s kitchen features a center island, built-in refrigerator, and double ovens. This is a single level unit with views of the Pacific Ocean, city night lights and amazing sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a large deck. Unit 10 is within walking distance to the clubhouse. Terraces is a 55 plus community in the Spyglass area.  Among the many amenities offered in The Terraces are a swimming pool, spa, clubhouse, and monthly get togethers. Residents are within walking distance to the Oasis Senior Center. 

 

Irvine is a large master planned city in Orange County. This 66 square mile city was designed by the Irvine Company in the 1960’s and was incorporated in the 1971. Located at 72 Purple Jasmine, this 2,500 square foot home is part of the Magnolia development in Cypress Village. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built in 2014. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, large center island and stainless-steel appliances. The home sits on a 3,300 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a professionally landscaped yard. Magnolia is configured in a California Court style, with four homes per court. Magnolia was built by the Irvine Pacific Company.  Cypress Village is in East Irvine. Among the many amenities in Cypress Village are a junior Olympic swimming pool, spa, several parks, and an outdoor barbeque area

Posted in Irvine Blog