
Laguna Beach, California 92651
1285 Cortez Ave presents a rare opportunity to acquire three contiguous parcels in the sought-after Arch Beach Heights neighborhood of Laguna Beach, one of Southern California’s most desirable coastal hillside communities. The offering includes: • 1285 Cortez Ave (APN 644-432-01) • 829 Miramar St (APN 644-432-02) • 855 Miramar St (APN 644-432-03) Collectively originating from the historic Arch Beach Heights subdivision, the three parcels encompass approximately 0.39 acres of elevated hillside property offering privacy, canyon surroundings, and ocean-views. Buyers are advised to independently verify all development possibilities, lot status, zoning, access, and building requirements with the City of Laguna Beach and other appropriate professionals. The Cortez parcel currently features a charming single-story 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with sweeping canyon and ocean views, tranquil garden areas, a dwarf avocado tree, and fruit cocktail tree. Located on a quiet street with minimal through traffic and no streetlights, the setting offers a peaceful coastal atmosphere. The adjacent Miramar parcels are separate legal lots of record and may present future planning, design, or development opportunities for buyers seeking a custom residential compound, architectural estate, or long-term investment opportunity. Located within close proximity to scenic hiking trails, renowned beaches, acclaimed restaurants, galleries, and the vibrant village lifestyle of Laguna Beach, this assemblage offers a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a distinctive coastal property with future potential. Opportunities to acquire multiple contiguous parcels in Arch Beach Heights are exceptionally limited. Whether envisioned as a private retreat, custom architectural project, or long-term coastal investment, 1285 Cortez Ave offers a rare canvas in one of Laguna Beach’s most iconic hillside neighborhoods. Seller and listing broker make no guarantees regarding development potential, lot status, zoning, views, or future use. Buyers are advised to conduct their own independent investigations with the City of Laguna Beach and licensed professionals.
Property is move-in ready.
While the structure was built in 1960, the interior reflects a comprehensive renovation likely performed within the last 10-15 years. The home features updated stone tile and hardwood flooring, modern kitchen cabinetry, recessed lighting, and crown molding. It appears well-maintained and move-in ready, though the listing's high price point is primarily driven by the land's development potential.
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 17197, living area = 1088.
Elementary School: El Morro Elementary School (9/10). Middle School: Thurston Middle School (9/10). High School: Laguna Beach High School (9/10).
The offering includes three contiguous parcels totaling approximately 0.39 acres, providing a unique and limited chance to create a custom residential compound or architectural estate in a highly sought-after coastal neighborhood.
Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =17197, other record lot size in square feet = 5000.
Prospective buyers face potential regulatory hurdles, as all development possibilities, zoning, and access requirements must be independently verified with the City of Laguna Beach without seller guarantees.
The current 1960s-built, 1,088-square-foot home is relatively small and dated, meaning the significant list price is primarily tied to land value and future potential rather than the existing structure.
No exterior & parking available.
Grades K-5 • 1.3 mi
Grades K-5 • 3.6 mi
Grades 6-8 • 1.5 mi
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home |
|---|---|---|
| Beds | 2.0 | 3.5 |
| Baths | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| Square foot | 1,088 | 2,265.258 |
| Lot Size | 17,197 | 6,028.677 |
| Price | $4.00M | $3.56M |
| Price per sq ft | $3.7K | $1.7K |
| Built year | 1960 | 1971 |
| HOA | $0 | $3.7K |
| Days on market | 20 | 74 |
Oct 5, 2026
$3,999,000
Initial Listing
Dec 14, 2009
$760,000
Public Record
Jun 4, 1999
$411,000
Public Record