Laguna Beach’s Tropical Retreat

From Decor to Design, This Balinese-Inspired Home is a Real Escape Tropical Retreat

Written By: Jeff Cooper Laguna Beach’s Tropical Retreat

A smooth ride along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway takes you to the gates of Irvine Cove, a community of just over 100 homes that curves along a private stretch of beach. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by sweet ocean breezes and a sunset that will take your breath away. Offered at $9.75M, 125 Irvine Court features six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms. The home has around 7, 000 square feet of indoor living space inspired by Balinese design. A four-car garage with extra outdoor parking sits behind the beautiful wooden gate to the property. It took three years to design, construct and outfit this home to the owner’s tastes and the love and care put into the space is obvious. In addition to the interior, there is about 2, 000 square feet of covered outdoor living space showcasing lush gardens and tropical foliage, which perfectly frame the views of the ocean.

The estate is as authentically Balinese as possible and many of the finishes and furnishings were brought directly from Bali. The owner chose well-known local architect Steve Ball to design the home and interior designer Christine Hallen-Berg to outfit the home to exacting standards. Hellenberg went with the owners to Bali and spent over a month choosing the doors and art, as well as some of the flooring and finishes that were shipped back and installed in Laguna Beach. The home truly stands out as a unique showcase of design and architectural talent.

The powder room is one of the places where the Balinese influence of the home really shines—the floor has a pebbled look and the sink basin is an authentic large shell from Bali that the owners brought back with them. In the kitchen, unique yellow limestone graces the countertops of the raised island, with a commanding view of the pool and the Pacific. The appliances are top of the line and there is a warm dining area with a natural wood tabletop and a butler’s pantry.

The home contains three “buildings”—the first is the kitchen and living spaces, the second is home to the office and guest suite and the third structure is the entryway, which in typical Balinese fashion is a defined space from the main home. To enter the home, you cross a turtle pond on a dark slate walkway that leads you inside. The owners took a chance to create a special home, and to create something that hadn’t been done before in Irvine Cove, and they succeeded. The walls of the home are lined with large, custom glass sliding doors that are finished in dark wood. The doors lead you outside where a glistening swimming pool and Balinese statues line the lush patio space. You truly feel transported to a tropical oasis and, looking back at the home from the pool area, you can appreciate the dark wood decking and wrap-around balconies.

One of the most striking outdoor spaces is the large outdoor living room with an authentic thatched roof, Balinese lanterns and large comfortable sofas and chairs designed by Linda Garland, an expert on Balinese architecture and decor. Also accessible to the pool area are the guest quarters, which has its own en suite steam bath. When it is time for bed, the master suite does not disappoint. With views of the lush gardens and ocean beyond, you can drift asleep with the cool ocean breeze on your dark wood pedestal bed with its flowing white curtains. The oversized master bathroom features a large soaking tub along a set of windows framing the ocean and sunset.

This home might be within striking distance of many of Orange County’s most celebrated cities, but it truly feels a world away. The property transports its guests into its own tropical paradise, and is a statement of high quality craftsmanship and design. The new owners will surely know they are some of the lucky few who will get to enjoy this home as their own private paradise.

Three’s Company: In Balinese culture, when the colors red, black and white are combined it’s called the Tri Datu. This color combination is a Hindu symbol of Brahma (creation), Vishnu (preservation) and Shiva (destruction).

Having a Ball: Ball’s past architectural projects include designing the Ethiopian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, former Afghan ambassador Ishaq Shahryar’s home and actress Geena Davis’ Hollywood home.

Listing Agent:
Sean Stanfield
BRE#01024996
714.421.3377 | 949.390.4543

125 Irvine Cove Ct
Laguna Beach, CA 9265

Escape to Indonesia Without Ever Leaving Laguna.

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