Pouring their heart and soul into the renovation of their glamorous Spanish-inspired Corona del Mar estate, the sellers of 14 Rocky Point Road, Debbie and Ralph, claim to have the most Instagrammed corridor in all of Newport Beach. Originally designed by Martin-Barbosa Architects and inspired by the renowned Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara, the Spanish Colonial estate was built with only the finest materials and extensively upgraded with modern finishes.
With details sourced from around the globe including 3-inch-thick antique mission doors imported from Spain and hand-forged handles and door knockers, the home was meticulously crafted to transport you into another world. The sprawling indoor-outdoor floor plan is complete with hand-painted murals in the domed entryway and primary bedroom, Spanish tiles, stone fireplaces, and a Juliette balcony overlooking the completely private resort-style grounds.
Listed by luxury real estate specialists Pablo Rener and Cameron Hall of the Rener Team, the home represents the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with incredible indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, as well as stunning views. To understand the unique architecture and beauty, we sat down with the current owner, Debbie Harris.
What initially drew you to this home as a buyer?
Debbie: I had been searching for a new home for about two years, and simply nothing wowed me. But the moment I walked in the door of 14 Rocky Point, I immediately fell in love. They just don’t make homes like this anymore! It is structurally perfect and magical.
The architecture is magnificent from the arches and frescos, to the beautiful wooden beams. After looking for two years I thought – I can do this. I can restore this home to its former beauty.
Can you tell us about the updates you’ve made over the last three years?
D: The curb appeal, in general, is stunning with the central dome and chimneys, and we put in custom outdoor lighting to bring the property to life at night. The style of the home is glamorous and makes for the perfect party home with a speaker system integrated throughout the garden and all outdoor spaces, as well as security cameras.
Inside, we added designer chandeliers and furnishings from Timothy Oulton and Restoration Hardware, with Control4 home automation throughout.
How does the unique layout lend itself to entertaining?
D: My friends always want to have parties at our house because it’s so amazing. And everyone always has to take a picture and post it online when they first come in – I have the most Instagrammed corridor in Newport Beach! You can try and disprove it but I don’t think you can. When visitors come in for the first time, they’re always blown away.
We love opening all of the doors because it feels like we live out in nature with our oasis in the middle of the home, brimming with butterflies, hummingbirds, and squirrels. It’s a paradise. Sometimes a home can feel like being caught in a little square box, but in this property you’re free to roam and enjoy.
What is your favorite detail of the property?
D: The privacy and the shape of the lot. I hated all the other houses I looked at before this home because your neighbors are just staring straight at you! Once you walk in the door here, you have complete privacy and it feels like you’re in a resort with the stunning views – which were a must-have for me.
All of the windows allow the views to be enjoyed from every angle, which you don’t get with a lot of homes. And I was specifically looking for a view from the backyard because that’s where I spend my time, lounging poolside.
Being situated right at the top of the hill where no one can look into our yard, it’s very quiet and the security is fabulous.
Why did you decide to work with The Rener Team for the sale of your home?
D: I interviewed several agents before I made my final decision, but I wanted to work with Pablo and his wife Nikki because I loved their keen eye for marketing and I felt they were very trustworthy.
They’re highly intelligent, perceptive, and have made the entire selling experience enjoyable.
