Cozy Elegance

A dreamy Lake Arrowhead estate combines unrivaled style with an air of welcomeness

Written by Wendy Bowman | Photography by Dacy Nottingham & Bowman Group

Presented by Jane Angel, Coldwell Banker Palos Verdes/Beach Cities & Shirley Walters, Coldwell Banker Town & Country
List price $4,925,000

Much like those romantic, chateau-style retreats dotting the rural countryside throughout the Normandy region of France, this charming, two-level manor combines traditional French architectural hallmarks with a homey feel and an amazing property—from its elaborate brick, stone, stucco and ivy-lined façade to its grand rooms and setting amid the natural beauty of Lake Arrowhead.

“This home exudes a warmth that is evident as soon as you walk in the door,” say listing agents Jane Angel and Shirley Walters of Coldwell Banker. “It’s a large estate, but it manages to feel like a family home. It’s also exceedingly private, surrounded by beautiful nature. It feels like you are in a different world, with clear, crisp air, star-filled nights and deer occasionally congregating in your yard.”

Situated on almost three cedar- and pine-laced acres at 160 Cedar Ridge Drive—within Cedar Ridge Estates, a 226-acre private gated enclave of multimillion-dollar custom homes overlooking the eastern shore of Lake Arrowhead—this spectacular estate features a main residence, along with a separate two-bedroom apartment and guesthouse with its own two-car garage, all punctuated by quality finishes and touches, inside and out, that include brilliant stonework, travertine flooring and even concrete pavers culled from a Rumanian street.

The beloved vacation home of software company owners, the home was built in 1996 and recently remodeled. It offers more than 16,000 square feet of living space, including nine bedroom suites; 11 baths; a spacious chef’s kitchen with banquette, professional-grade stainless-steel appliances and a butler’s pantry; a gym with hot tub and sauna; nine fireplaces; and an elevator. Outdoors is a covered kitchen area with seating, children’s playground and ample sitting areas for relaxing and enjoying the views, with lake and beach privileges included.

Among the show-stopping features is a magnificent great room boasting 25-foot ceilings, a similarly majestic fireplace and a gorgeous hand-painted mural; a beautifully detailed wine cellar; a magical, dorm-like children’s bedroom that sleeps 12 with built-in bunk beds; and a Ralph Lauren-esque “Gentleman’s Den,” complete with bar and spiral staircase leading to a second-floor library.

But that’s not all. Lake Arrowhead Village provides city-worthy amenities aplenty, including more than 50 waterfront shops and restaurants, as well as the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, offering fine dining at the highly acclaimed BIN 189 restaurant, and, of course, the lake itself, where the private Beach Club is a great place to spend the day on the sand with kids or take out the boat. Also close are the towns of Cedar Glen, with the popular Timberline in the Glen antique store and Malt Shop, and Blue Jay, offering a cinema and numerous shops and restaurants.

It’s one’s personal castle in the forest—safe and sound from the outside world, yet convenient to the best of Lake Arrowhead living.