Introduction to the Enclave: Mystic Hills was originally developed in the 1960s in the rugged terrain directly above downtown Laguna Beach. With elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet above sea level, the neighborhood is renown for its panoramic views of the coastline and city lights, with many of the homes enjoying whitewater views of Main Beach. In 1993, about half of Mystic Hills was destroyed in an infamous wildfire, with the upper portion losing the largest percentage of homes. The neighborhood comprises about 400 homes and has a population of just over 1,000 people.
Bordered By: Mystic Hills is bordered by Mystic Way to the west and Park Avenue to the east, encompassing all of the lower hilltops between Park Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road. Skyline Drive, which intersects Park Avenue just east of Laguna Beach High School, is the main artery of Mystic Hills. In general, the portion of Mystic Hills accessed from Skyline above Moorea Street, or “the back way” from Park Avenue and Tahiti to the east, is considered “Upper” Mystic Hills.” The lower hillsides surrounding Mystic Hills are dedicated city open space, or nature preserve.
Views: The views in Mystic Hills are some of the best in Laguna Beach. The high elevation and proximity to the sea create a dramatic effect, and many of the streets are “single loaded,” with homes only on the downhill side of the street to maximize views. There is a little-known neighborhood park at the end of Pacific Avenue that offers some of the best views of the city, and is a perfect place to watch the 4th of July fireworks up and down the coast. With the natural open space surrounding the neighborhood, many homes enjoy serene views of the canyons in addition to views of the Pacific.
Homes: Most of the homes were originally built in the 1960s as single-level ranch-style houses, typically about 40 x 60 or 2,400 square feet in size, but after the fire in 1993, a very large percentage have been rebuilt, and therefore, the neighborhood generally has a newer, more contemporary character. The average home is newer than in most parts of Laguna Beach: about 20% of the homes in Mystic Hills were build after 1995, whereas in the city as a whole, only about 4% of the homes were built after 1995. The architecture is an eclectic blend of modern/contemporary and California Craftsman, with a few Mediterranean-style homes mixed in. The lots are larger than the average in Laguna, and at 8,000 to 16,000 square feet or more, afford the neighborhood a lower density and more “breathing room” than is typical for the city. Because of this, the area attracts a higher percentage of families with younger children. Upper Mystic Hills, the area nearest the top, is relatively flat and has wide streets, curbs and sidewalks, not typically found elsewhere in the city.
How the Community Has Evolved: Most of the home were rebuilt after the firestorm in 1993. Some of the largest hillside estates in central Laguna are located in Mystic Hills, notably on Moorea and Pacific avenues. One home on Moorea is over 16,000 square feet in size.
Why You Love Living Here: Awesome views, friendly people and interesting architecture. It is in close proximity to hiking trails. The wide streets and sidewalks make the area ideal for strolling.
Current Market Activity:
• Currently, there are 18 Active Listings. The lowest priced listing is at 1605 Tahiti Ave. It’s a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home built in 1968 with 1,977 sq.ft. It is listed at $959,900. The highest priced listing is at 1255 Pacific Ave. It’s a 5 bedroom, 6 bath home built in 1997 with 9,500 sq.ft. It is listed at $7,995,000. For these 18 active listings, the average listing price per sq.ft is $805.65.
• Currently, there is one Back Up Offer. It is located t 944 Skyline Drive. This 3 bedroom 3 bath home built in 1999, has 1,800 sq.ft. with a list price of $1,699,000 and an average price per sq.ft. of $943.89.
• There is one pending sale at 1076 Skyline Drive. The four bedroom, 5 bath room built in 2001 with 6,000 sq.ft. is listed at $4,600,000 with an average price per sq.ft. of $766.67.
* There have been three homes sold to date (3/09/2011 – 7/21/2011). They ranged in price from $970,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with 1,460 sq. ft. to $1,180,666 for a 3 bedroom with 2,022 sq.ft. The average price per sq.ft. of these three homes was$583.91.
Information provided by Chris Guziak, agent with Coast Sotheby’s International Realty. Call him at 949.285.0509, email him at Guziak@gmail.com and visit www.guziakgroup.com
