245 Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach, California 92651, Laguna Beach, 92651 - 4 bed, 5 bath

245 Crescent Bay Drive
Laguna Beach, California 92651
Property Price
SUMMARY
Analysis of 245 Crescent Bay Drive, Laguna Beach, California 92651 is currently available with a list price of $18,500,000. The property maintains a Fair Condition Rating (50/100), suggesting the property is in acceptable condition with potential for value enhancement through selective updates and improvements. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Laguna Beach Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for both Buy-and-Hold Investors and Owner-Occupants willing to undertake light renovation work.
Condition Analysis
OVERALL CONDITION SCORE
Property is moderate renovation needed.
Built in 1981, this property's interior, especially the kitchen and bathrooms, is significantly dated. The kitchen features 1980s/early 1990s white tiled countertops, decorative tile trim, and hexagonal terracotta-style floor tiles. The bathrooms also exhibit outdated tile work (e.g., pink borders, multi-bulb bar lights) and fixtures. While the property is well-maintained and boasts an exceptional location and views, it requires substantial interior updates to meet contemporary luxury standards, aligning with the 'Fair' condition criteria.
PROSSTRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES
- Unrivaled Oceanfront Location & Panoramic Views
Magnificently situated on the prized north-western point of Crescent Bay, the property offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Crescent Bay, city lights, and coastline, visible from both inside and out.
- Expansive & Private Oceanfront Lawn
A rare and unique feature for an oceanfront estate, the property boasts an expansive lawn and gardens directly on the oceanfront, providing unparalleled serenity and privacy.
- Irreplaceable Development Footprint
With substantial existing square footage and a prime forward location, the home's current footprint would be nearly impossible to replicate under modern coastal development restrictions, adding significant intrinsic value.
CONSRISKS & DEFICIENCIES
- Potential for Interior Modernization
While the location and views are paramount, the description does not detail recent interior renovations, suggesting the 1981-built home may require significant updates to meet contemporary luxury standards expected at this price point.
- Exceedingly High Price Point
The substantial list price of $18.5 million significantly narrows the potential buyer pool, which could extend the marketing and sale period.
- Age of Systems (Implied)
Built in 1981, the property's core systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC) may be original or require updating, which could entail additional investment for a new owner.
About 245 Crescent Bay Drive
Magnificently situated on the prized north-western point of Crescent Bay, Chateau du Soleil overlooks the glistening Pacific Ocean, the picturesque curve of Crescent Bay, and a view immortalized countless times in paintings and photographs. This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a legacy estate property with only four previous owners stretching back to the nineteenth century. Anchoring the estate is an expansive oceanfront lawn and gardens – a unique feature rarely found in oceanfront estates along this coast. This generous space provides a special sense of serenity and offers a level of privacy uncommon in oceanfront living. Whether used for entertaining, relaxing or simply taking in the ever-changing light over the water or whale-watching, the space feels like your own private overlook park. The views from inside the home are epic - framed by towering two-story 'windows on the Pacific'. With substantial interior square footage and a forward location on the point, the home would be difficult (if not impossible) to replicate under today’s coastal development restrictions. Currently configured as a four-bedroom home with an abundance of additional flexible-use rooms, the floor plan and size easily lend themselves to a variety of configurations depending on the new owner’s needs. Also unusual in oceanfront properties, this home has three oversized garage bays and driveway parking. For those unfamiliar with Laguna Beach’s Crescent Bay, this stretch of sand is stunningly beautiful and never without something interesting to watch. Waves crash on the tide pools in endlessly interesting patterns, pelicans fly by at eye level as they head back to their nests, colorful umbrellas dot the sand, and the local marine mammal rescue uses this beach to release the seals and sea lions they’ve nursed back to health. It is considered one of the most picturesque spots on the California coast and inspired the artist pilgrimage to the area that established Laguna Beach before the 20th century. Crescent Bay Drive and even this property counts among its owners and residents many of the notable families whose names are still known to this day – Heisler, McKnight, and Florence ‘Pancho’ Barnes. Chateau du Soleil, 245 Crescent Bay Drive, is a singular offering. Spectacular locale, stunning setting, and the required existing building envelope to satisfy dreams. Rare are estate opportunities like this.
Property Details
Public Facts
- Property Type
- Single Family Residence
- Year Built
- 1981
- Lot Size
- 12,850 Sq. Ft.
Interior
- Total Bedrooms
- 4
- Total Bathrooms
- 5 (5 Full, 0 Half)
Exterior & Parking
No exterior & parking available.
Utilities & Misc
- HOA Fee
- $0 / Month
Neighborhood Insights
Sensitive Facilities
No sensitive facilities data found.
Neighborhood Comparison
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 4.0 | 3.0 | 55% |
| Baths | 5.0 | 3.0 | 81% |
| Square foot | 6,908 | 2,054 | 99% |
| Lot Size | 12,850 | 6,041.5 | 92% |
| Price | $18.50M | $3.06M | 99% |
| Price per sq ft | $2.7K | $1.6K | 90% |
| Built year | 1981 | 1965 | 72% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 201 | 201 | 51% |
Pricing History
Listed for Sale
Jan 27, 2026
$18,500,000
$19,995,000
-7% Price Drop
Initial Listing
Price Change
Aug 18, 2025
$19,995,000
Initial Listing




























































