The Sherman Gardens and Library has a summer long art exhibit, called Sculptura Botanica.  Scupltura Botanica focuses on ceramics and landscape design and how they interact with each other. These ceramic sculptures were created exclusively for Sherman Gardens by artist Dustin Gimbel.  Each ceramic sculpture is inspired by a plant. The exhibit will remain in place through September 15^th. Reservations are required at the garden currently. Sherman Gardens is located at 2647 East Pacific Coast Highway. For more information about the garden or this exhibit, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/arts/art-exhibits/.

Lido Isle is an island in Newport Harbor in the city of Newport Beach.  There are approximately 850 homes and a yacht club. Located at 117 Via Havre, this 2,800 square foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This home was built in 1954. This recently remodeled home has an open floor plan and is filled with natural light. Attention to detail can be seen in the stone fireplace, double Dutch style doors and custom glass railing. The gourmet kitchen features granite counter tops, a large center island and stainless steel appliances.  This home sits on a 4,600 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting, which is oversized for Lido Isle. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a south facing patio with a custom fireplace. Among the many amenities offered on Lido Isle are tennis courts, private beach, clubhouse and playground.

Crystal Cove is a group of luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 15 Del Mar, this 18,000 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection.  This six bedroom, thirteen bathroom custom estate was built in 2017. There is a separate private guest house on the property. The main house has a 6,800 square foot garage which will hold twelve cars. This light filled estate has near panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, the Newport Beach coastline, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. This estate sits on a very large 39,000 square foot piece of property. Residents are within walking distance to the local park.  The Crystal Cove Estate Collection is a 24-hour guard gated community. All Crystal Cove residents are encouraged to take part in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub of the area. 

Just Sold: Villa del Mare in Pelican Point

Just Sold!  Villa del Mare in Pelican Point, located at 30 Pelican Drive was just sold by Michael Franco of MWA Luxury real estate. Pelican Point is a development in the Pelican Hill section of Newport Coast in Newport Beach. Villa del Mare sold for 9 million dollars.  This 7,100 square foot home has four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home was built in 2005. The master suite features his and her closets, a sitting area, and a private terrace with a fireplace. The open floor plan kitchen has pocket doors which allows for seamless indoor to outdoor entertaining. The home has a 400-bottle wine cellar, media lounge, an elevator to all levels and a Savant Smart home System. There is a seven-car subterranean garage.  Among the wonderful views from this custom-built estate and property include the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights, gorgeous evening sunsets and the 11^th green of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a custom glass mosaic swimming pool, spa, built-in barbeque area and multiple outdoor fireplaces. Students in this area attend harbor View Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Pelican Point is a 24-hour guard gated community of just 48 custom built homes. 

This is a terrific time to visit the outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park. Phase V is now open with ten sculptures to view. The ten new sculptures are by California artists and two out of state artists. The Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park is the Newport Beach’s largest display of public art. There is a mobile app self-guided walking tour of the park available to for download through Apple App Store or Google Play. For more information, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts/sculpture-in-civic-center-park-exhibition.

Pelican Hill is a group of five luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  The five developments in Pelican Hill are: Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates, Pelican Hill and Pelican Point. Located at 6 Fairwind, this 5,500 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge. This five bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 1996. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, open floor plan and use of limestone, marble and quartz. The gourmet kitchen features a 60 inch Wolf range, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators, dual dishwashers and an electric Wolf Oven. There are wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, surrounding canyons, city night lights and gorgeous sunsets. The home sits on a large 12,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa outdoor fireplace and TV area.  Pelican Ridge is a 24-hour guard gated community developed by the Irvine Company. 

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 with 3.2 miles of coastline, 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons, 18 miles of trails and a 1,400-acre marine park. Located at 16 Coral Ridge, this 15,000 square foot home is part of the Coral Canyon development. This seven bedroom, twelve bathroom home was built in2020. Attention can be seen in the 23 foot archways, subterranean courtyard with a waterfall, enclosed glass gym. There are two glass wine cellars. The 10,000 square foot garage features and entertaining space, museum lighting and a car turntable. There are dual kitchens. There are endless views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, views stretching to Palos Verdes and Catalina Island. The custom-built estate sits on a large 22,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge swimming pool, barbeque pavilion, cabana, and out lounge and dining area. Coral Canyon is a 24-hour guard gated development, with just 28 homes. Coral Canyon is situated in the upper northeast point of Crystal Cove. 

Sherman Gardens and Library are hosting to classes in early May to create one of a kind Mother’s Day gifts. On Tuesday, May 5^th, take part in the sea salts and sugar scrubs workshops. Use the natural powers of essential oils to create soothing bath salts and sugar scrubs.  Learn to make the basic recipe and then choose from natural fragrances to make it your own.  The class begins at 10am and ends at 11:30am. This class is $45 for members and $55 for no-members. On Friday, May 8^th, The Love Letters to Mom class will teach you create a floral arrangement in an envelope shaped box and make a handmade card with pressed flowers, collected from the garden. Participants will learn tips for pressing their own flowers, floral design techniques and color theory basics. The class begins at 10am and continues until 12 noon. This workshop is $60 for members and $70 for non-members. Sherman Gardens and Library is located at 2647 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar.  For more information or to register for a class, see their website at: https://thesherman.org/event/botanical-bath-salts-and-sugar-scrubs/.

Shady Canyon is a group of three luxury neighborhoods in the Turtle Rock Village of the city of Irvine. Shady Canyon is 800 acres with approximately 400 homes and 1,000 residents. Located at 67 Canyon Creek, this 6,400 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom Community. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2009. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, walk-in wine cellar and private courtyard. The gourmet kitchen features a Viking refrigerator, professional range and large center island. The detached guest casita, has a bedroom, living room and kitchenette. This home sits on a large 22,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the covered dining area, fire pit with a seating area, swimming pool and spa and a golf putting area. Residents are within walking distance to the Natural Scenic Preserve. Students living in this area attend Turtle Rock Elementary School, Bonita Canyon Middle School and University High School. 

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Located at 18 Rockshore Bluff, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Oceana development. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2005. The home was remodeled in April of 2019. Attention to detail can be seen in the marble thresholds, custom interior paint and custom mirrors.  This single level home has gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and spectacular sunsets. This home sits on an 8,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a private covered loggia with a fireplace, a front courtyard area and built-in barbeque area.  Oceana residents, like all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.  The Canyon Club is the social hub of Crystal Cove.  Students living in Oceana attend Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. 

The 38^th Annual Gentlemen’s Haberdashery show will be held on Thursday, April 23^rd.  The show features Newport Beach business executives, community leaders and local celebrities modeling menswear, highlighting local fashion. This year’s show theme is “Fashion with a Heart.” Proceeds from the event support the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana, which is operated by the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart.  The fundraiser will be held at the Balboa Resort, located at 1221 Coast Highway, in Newport Beach. The show begins at 11am and ends at 2pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://gentlemenshaberdashery.com.

Shady Canyon is a group of three luxury developments in the village of Turtle Rock in the city of Irvine. The three developments are: The Master’s Collection, Sycamore and the Villas of Shady Canyon. Located at 49 Echo Glen, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom community.  This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2009. Attention to detail can be seen in the high volume ceilings, elevator and wine cellar. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, a large center island and professional grade appliances. There are wonderful views of the surrounding canyons and hillsides.  The home sits on a very large 29,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the swimming pool, spa, water fountains, and built-in barbeque. The home is with walking distance to the clubhouse. Shady Canyon is a 24 hour guard gated development. Students living in Shady Canyon attend Turtle Rock Elementary School, Bonita Canyon Middle School and University High School. 

Crystal Cove is part of Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove has luxury residential developments and is home to the Crystal Cove State Park, with 3.2 miles of coastline, 18 miles of trails, 2,400 acres of canyons and much more. Located at 7 Shell Beach, this 7,600 square foot home is part of the Coral Canyon development. This eight bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2012. There are three exterior guest suites accessed through a private courtyard.  The views from this home include the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, the coastline, city night lights and spectacular sunsets. This home sits on a large 17,000 square foot piece of property. Homeowners are within walking distance to the clubhouse. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the swimming pool and fire pit.  There are just 28 homes in Coral Canyon and this is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. Coral Canyon 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 Crystal Cove.

Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate sold the home located at 32 Bargemon in the Newport Ridgedevelopment in Newport Coast.  The home sold on June 25^th, 2019 for $1,900,000. This four bedroom, two and half bathroom home is 2,900 square feet. The kitchen has a six-burner stove. This home was built in 2002. This home sits on a 5,900 square foot piece of property, with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool. 

Newport Ridge is situated just off the Newport Ridge Drive and it is surrounded by Buck Gully and Coyote Canyon. There are just 38 homes in Newport Ridge.  Newport Ridge was built between 1993 and 1995. Among the amenities offered in Newport Ridge are s sports court, tennis courts and barbeque area. Students living in this area attend Newport Mesa Unified Schools, specifically Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is part of Newport Beach, having been annexed in 2001.  Newport Coast is just north of Laguna Beach.  The area of the city is home to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa, and Golf Courses and the Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. Newport Coast has five-star restaurants and world-class shopping.

Michael Franco and MWA Luxury real estate recently sold the home at 607 8^th Street in Huntington Beach. The home sold on October 22, 2019 for $1,444,000. This three bedroom, five bathroom home is 2,500 square feet. This home was built in 1989. The open plan kitchen was recently remodeled with granite and stone countertops and pots and pans drawers. Attention to detail can be seen in the high-volume ceilings, fireplace and plantation shutters. The home has peek-a-bee ocean views and city night light views. Homeowners are a five minute walk to the beach and a ten minute walk to the downtown. Students living in this area attend Smith Elementary School, Dwyer Middle School and Huntington High School. Huntington Beach is the largest beach side city in Orange County. Known as HB and “Surf City, USA,”  Huntington Beach  has 8.5 miles of uninterrupted coastline and beach. The city has a population of approximately 190,000 residents and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Westminster and Fountain Valley. The downtown area of Huntington Beach has over 250 downtown businesses, including restaurants, shopping and a large variety of services. The downtown area has street fairs and farmers markets, all while enjoying ocean views. 

Located at 36 Marisol, Newport Coast, this Italianate Villa was just sold by Michael Franco and the team at MWA Luxury real estate. The home sold on November 26^th, 2019 for $1,775,000. This 2,200 square foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms and was built in 1998. The open floor plan features high ceilings, a neutral color palette and is filled with natural light. The recently remodeled kitchen has marble countertops, travertine floors and stainless-steel appliances. The family room has a fireplace and custom built-ins. The home sits on a 4,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the built-in barbeque area, spa and an outdoor dining area. Tesoro Crest was built by Standard Pacific Homes, with four floor plans.  This is a 24-hour guard gated community. The homeowners’ association provides many amenities including a swimming pool, barbeque area, sports court and tennis courts. Students attend the award-winning Newport Mesa Unified Schools, Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School. Newport Coast is situated at the south end of Newport Beach, just north of Laguna Beach. Newport Coast is home to the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses, Crystal Cove State Park, five-star restaurants and shopping. 

Michael Franco and the MWA luxury real estate team recently sold the home located at 1309 Santa Barbara Drive.  This home is situated in The Meridian development in Newport Beach.  This 2,400 square foot condo was built in 2014.  It has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bathroom was redone in 2018 with natural stone walk-in shower. This unit faces the golf course and has also has ocean views, including Catalina Island. The sale includes all furniture, fixtures, wall art and electronic equipment. The home sold on December 20^th, 2019 for $3,350,000. The Meridian is a condo complex which is in the East Bluff area. The complex was completed in 2015, with 79 units. There are great views of the Pacific Ocean, golf course, and city night lights. The building has concierge service. Among the many amenities offered in the Meridian are a fitness center, clubroom, a grilling area and an outdoor swimming pool. Residents of the Meridian are within walking distance of Fashion Island. Newport Beach is world-class Orange County city. Newport Beach is one of the oldest cities in Orange County, being incorporated in 1906.

Michael Franco and the team at MWA luxury real estate recently sold a home in the city of Cypress. Cypress is an Orange County city, with a population of approximately 47,000 residents. Cypress was incorporated in 1956, under the name of Dairy City. In 1957, the city changed the name to Cypress. One of the most popular events in the city is the annual birthday celebration of the city. Called the Cypress Community Festival, this one-day celebration is the largest single day event of its kind in Orange County. Located at 5490 Brittany Way, in the city of Cypress, this home sold on January 1^st, 2020 for $460,000. This condo is part of The Cambridge Commons Condominium Complex, which was built in 1985.  This corner unit is two bedrooms, three bathrooms and 907 square feet. Recent updates include new paint and new flooring.  The renovated kitchen has brand new stainless steel appliances, built-in microwave, dishwasher, and granite countertops. This unit has a two-car attached garage. Residents are approximately a ten-minute drive from the beach. Among amenities offered in The Cambridge Commons are a swimming pool and recreation area. Students in this area attend schools in the Anaheim Union High School District which includes Walker Middle School and Kennedy High School.