Corona del Mar, Calif., Property Sells for Record $55 Million
History was made last week when two bluff top homes in Corona del Mar owned for decades by Irvine family heirs was sold for a record breaking $55 Million. The properties sit on 3.5-acres of land overlooking Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.
The houses, including the 3,500 square foot landmark Big Blue House built in the 1930’s, and the other 7,000 square feet White house built in the 1980’s. Both houses have a pool and the Blue House has a tennis court.
The homes were owned for many years by the late Kate Wheeler – great-granddaughter of Irvine Ranch co-founder James Irvine – and her husband, Charlie, who headed the Irvine Co.’s cattle operations. The Irvine ranch occupied more than 100,000 acres of what is now Orange County. It stretched from Anaheim Hills through Newport Beach, Newport Coast and north Laguna Beach. The Irvine Co. remains Orange County’s biggest landlord. The firm was acquired by its current owner, billionaire Donald Bren, who is not related to the Irvine family.
In 2012 another landmark waterfront property that had been owned by Irvine family heirs for more than 80 years sold for almost $12 million. The iconic Blue Pool house situated along Bayside Drive was located down the hill from the Big Blue House; the 19,000 square foot property had a large, indoor pool and modest living quarters. The pool house, which was connected to the family homestead by a winding path, had been used for social gatherings.
The listing agent for the bluff top homes was Rob Giem of Compass who coincidentally holds the previous sales record in Orange County. The record was set last year by the $45 million sale of “Twin Points,” a home in Laguna Beach and Mr. Giem was the listing agent on that deal.
The buyers of this record breaking sale were represented by long time Corona del Mar resident Kim Walker of Surterre Properties. Walker immigrated to the USA from Dannevirke New Zealand in 1986 and started out working as a nanny for prominent families in Corona del Mar. She and her builder/developer husband Mike Walker have 2 grown daughters and have resided in Corona del mar for over 25 years. The couple own Walker Custom Homes Inc. and are currently building 3 luxury homes in CDM. Kim began her career in Real estate as one of the original agents at Surterre Properties when the office first opened in 2006. She has built her very successful career by being a down to earth, honest, and hardworking Realtor. When asked to identify the buyers of this historical sale Ms. Walker said the buyers prefer to remain anonymous and she intends to honor their wishes.
I am proud to say the Walkers are not only my clients at SABP Reprographics but my dear friends.
To view other listings by Kim Walker visit: www.kimandmollie.com