There’s a lot to be said for living on a peninsula. The quiet residential streets of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, south of Los Angeles, take in views up and down the Southern California coastline as well as that of Santa Catalina Island.
Among the four hillside cities on the landmass that juts out into the ocean is Palos Verdes Estates. The wealthy community prides itself on having highly rated schools, its own police force and tranquil neighborhoods. Trees line many of the streets in the master-planned area.
This Tuscan-inspired villa is perched atop “The Hill,” as locals call the peninsula. The luxury estate overlooks not only the ocean and South Bay coastline but also the links of Palos Verdes Golf Club, mountains and the L.A. Basin. At night, lights from the beach cities to the north create a dramatic chain known as the Queen’s Necklace. In winter, snow caps the distant mountain range.
Set on more than a half-acre of gated and fenced grounds, the home displays its Mediterranean design roots through such details as graceful arched openings, a fountain courtyard and red tile roof.
In the two-story foyer, stone floors, a sweeping staircase, columns and scrolled wrought-iron railings add to the ambiance. Rich adornments continue through the 7,465 square feet of living space.
A massive stone fireplace anchors the living room, which is topped by wood-beam ceiling panels. The formal dining room can easily accommodate eight to 10 diners.
A center island in the bright, roomy kitchen provides bar seating, storage, a secondary sink and prep space. The kitchen opens to a family room with a fireplace and balcony terrace.
Wood-paneling wraps the library, which has yet another fireplace for a total of five throughout the house. A wine tasting room, media room, laundry room, seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms complete the three levels of interiors, which are accessed by an elevator and multiple flights of stairs.
A swimming pool with a spa, a fire pit, patios and balconies extend the living space outdoors. There is a four-car garage.
Lily Liang, the executive vice president of Strand Hill Properties, is the listing agent for 629 Via Horquilla, Palos Verdes Estates. The asking price is US $8.9 million.