An inviting Spanish Colonial home with tropical gardens is a historic paradise in Palos Verdes Estates
Tucked away on a private cul de sac, an incredible historic compound appears to almost float above the treetops in Palos Verdes Estates. From here, are incredible vistas of the Pacific where one can see white water views of Manhattan and Hermosa Beach, and all along the Queen‘s Necklace to Malibu Point and beyond. Serene surrounds, nearby parkland and the golf course all add to the magic of the home at 2701 Via Elevado.
Access to this Spanish Colonial comes via the dramatic entrance, compliments of historic castle doors and stone rotunda guardhouse. The entire picture is enthralling at first sight: charming stone and wood bridge, beguiling white PV stone walls dripping with well-maintained English Ivy, and a lush landscape. Amid the intermittent waterfalls and surrounding gardens one feels the essence of Eden.
Home to a family steeped in real estate development, this exclusive property was meticulously built by fine craftsman Arthur C. Munson, in 1936, and has been exceptionally maintained by Alexander Hagan and his family for the last 40 years. The almost 9,000-square-foot home, which rests on 3.3 acres, includes five bedrooms and five baths and offers panoramic ocean views from almost every room.
“The quality and craftsmanship of this home cannot be duplicated today,” explains Chris Adlam, Realtor for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty. “Even the PV stone that lines the property and walkways aren’t available anymore.”
Exuding character throughout, hand-carved wood trim and door facings boast supreme craftsmanship, while planks for the hardwood floors are hand-carved. Distinctive, almost curvilinear, shapes around door and window facings nod to Moorish style, with mild hints of cathedral-like woodwork. Though these particular details are majestic, they are subtle and unfussy. True to Spanish Colonial style, the home’s smooth walls and voluminous open feel seamlessly blend to create a welcoming, relaxing space with a sense of refined elegance.
The residence is wrapped in windows, bringing light and views into its generously-sized spaces, which feature soaring, crisp-white ceilings, often barreled. Meanwhile, hallways are uniquely wide and bright. The living room, dining room, and all but one bedroom are west facing and enjoy outstanding ocean views and outside access. These spaces also overlook a gorgeous sparkling pool and meticulous grounds.
Meandering about the home, introduces interlacing outdoor spaces including an indoor dining atrium with glass walls and ceiling, where one may dine under the stars on chilly nights. The lovely courtyard with a petite walking path and trickling fountain just off the master suite, meanwhile, can be admired from a relaxing bath. And both downstairs and upstairs verandas offer plenty of outdoor space for taking in the panoramic views and beautiful scenery.
The pair of staircases that connect the two-story home—one accessible from the rotunda entrance, the other through the centrally located kitchen—make it easy to navigate this large dwelling, whose master bedroom is quite special. A private foyer introduces the generous bedroom suite with a fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the ocean, pool, and grounds. Offering the ultimate his-and-her bath are two separate master bath suites. Each master bath includes a jetted tub, separate shower and water closet, and spacious walk-in closets with seating areas, built-in cabinets, and cubbies for personal essentials. Just off the gentleman’s bath is a private office/trophy room. Both baths share the aforementioned courtyard.
The home is a great space for an entertainer. Its nucleus, the downstairs billiards room, is grand in size yet has a comforting appeal. This open space exhibits a Restoration Hardware-meets-Stein Eriksen Lodge atmosphere with fantastic wood details, plenty of space for cozy seating, a pool table, and built-in shelving. Adjacent is the retro hand-carved wet bar featuring low seating. Also downstairs is the balance of the bedrooms.
To step out onto any given balcony is to soak in breathtaking ocean views, gorgeous purple Jacaranda trees, draping Pepper trees, and orange groves. Stone pathways weave organically throughout a scattering of lush gardens and grassy lawns. For the gardener at heart, the nearby greenhouse and orchid house bring the scene to full flower.
The home, a short five-minute drive to the beach and a mere 25-minute drive from LAX airport, is not just ideally situated, it’s a paragon of Spanish Colonial style with a rich history that blends beautifully with present-day living. “It’s hard to describe this incredible, 3.3-acre estate,” says Adlam. “Exotic grounds with lush foliage, meandering paths, and panoramic views. There’s nothing else like it in the entire South Bay.”
Photography by Paul Jonason