Estate holds fast to history
Filled with character, the ocean-adjacent 1917 residence evokes the famous summer cottages of Newport, R.I., with its wide brick front, weathered shake siding and prominent roofline. Three levels of elegance look onto the sandy beachfront and ocean..

Pricey and convenient isolation
In what would become a recurring theme in the contentious history of this narrow basin between the Verdugo and San Gabriel mountains, the founding of Coronel’s Rancho La Cañada caused tensions with members of the Verdugo family — the owners of neighboring Rancho San Rafael —who believed that the rights to the valley belonged to them.

Free to strike a Zen pose
The Benedict Canyon property that developer Jerry Gureghian and his partners acquired in May of last year had a rooftop bookended in a style reminiscent of Balinese pavilions, which may have been because of the previous owner’s connection to Indonesia.

Lauded actor finds a first-rate plot
Set behind fences secured by cameras, the gently rolling bluff was once a polo field. It features 500 feet of oceanfront, a path to the beach and panoramic Pacific views. The Santa Barbara Mountains and islands are also visible from the equestrian property.

A Charger takes one for the team
Eye-catching details include a floating staircase, a screening room and a glass-enclosed wine cellar/tasting room. A floor-toceiling wall fireplace divides the family room and center-island kitchen. The master suite, which features two walk-in closets and a spa-like bath, opens to a private terrace.