Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog

Not only were owners of Palos Verdes real estate eagerly awaiting the opening of our first hotel, Terranea, which is a world class resort, but most area residents were curious about the building on the old Marineland site which I chronicled on this blog.  Over a year has passed since the grand opening and I have only had fabulous experiences at Terranea.

As a guest at a Terrenea casitas looking out at the ocean, bays and coves, I could imagine myself in Hawaii, Italy or the south of France – no need to get on an airplane.  As a matter of fact, a friend with 4 preschoolers decided not to get on a plane with the little ones and changed her plans from Hawaii to Terranea.  The accommodations at Terranea were deluxe and the stay relaxing.

I have dined at 4 of the 7 Terranea Restuarants.  Dinners at Mar’sel have been fabulous.  The food is delicious and the view is unbeatable.  I love their beet salad!  Lunches at Catalina Kitchen have also be delicious and I love their chocolate cake and the outdoor seating – it’s all about the views.  I had one lunch at Terranea Grill which was just okay – I am not moved to return.  I have also enjoyed the Sea Bean for salad, sandwiches, gelato and desserts.  I am still waiting for Terranea to offer high tea service in the afternoons.

I have not yet enjoyed the Spa but plan to do so this Fall.  Non-Resort Guests can use the Spa facilities including the pool on Monday – Thursday for a $40 fee.  On weekends non-resort guests can access the Spa area with the purchase of a spa treatment (click here for more info).   I am eyeing their “Recover From Summer Spa Sampler” which includes two treatments (choose from 30 minute facial, 30 minute massage and/or 45 minute spa pedicure) for $150 Monday thru Thursday until October 15, 2010.

I have both given and received Terranea Gift Cards which can be used for food, hotel stays, spa treatments, golf, and merchandise.  It really is the perfect gift.  There are public walking trails along the bluff and down to the beach.  There is also public parking just to the left as you enter the resort property.  During my many visits, it appears that everyone is welcomed at the property.  The staff is very gracious whether you are coming to dine or to walk along the bluff.

Photos courtesy of Terranea Resort and Arvin Design

Palos Verdes Estates was originally designed to be a gated city and a gatehouse was built to guard its northern entrance.  It is located on Via Valmonte at the Torrance border.  It was called the Mirlo Gate Lodge Tower.

A stone plaque on the site states, “The ‘Stone Tower’ was built by the Palos Verdes Homes Association in 1926 from the plans of the architect Clarence E. Howard submitted in Nov. 1925.  Intended for a gated entrance located on parkland, it was deeded to Palos Verdes Estates in 1939 and has been occupied by various tenants to maintain and preserve the tower.”

Yes, that’s right.  It is “tenant occupied”.  It does not come up for rent very often.  According to the City, the current tenant has been there for twenty years.  It looks very small – maybe 300 square feet – and so very quaint.

Hiking in Palos Verdes takes you through varied terrain usually with spectacular ocean views. There are 4 different trails which can be accessed from Del Cerro Park.  All four trails are part of the Canyons Ecological Reserve and vary in length from 2 to 4 miles.

Rim Trail is 3.9 miles round trip, Ailor Cliff Trail is 3.2 miles round trip, Peacock Flat Trail is 2.1 miles round trip, and Del Cerro To Ladera Linda Trail is 2.9 miles one way.  All trails begin on the dirt Crenshaw.  Hikers are advised to bring water.  Some trails in the Portuguese Bend Reserve are closed following the August fire.  Please click here for a map of the open trails.

Palos Verdes Peninsula has a total of 67,162 residents as of 2008. The city of Rancho Palos Verdes has the largest population at 42,964. The city of Palos Verdes Estates has 14,046 residents. Rolling Hills Estates has 8,185 residents. Rolling Hills has 1,967 residents.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula measures 26.3 square miles. Palos Verdes is the oldest city (incorporated in 1939) and located on 3,038 acres. Rancho Palos Verdes is the youngest city (incorporated in 1973) and the largest city located on 13.6 square miles. Rolling Hills Estates encompasses 4.18 square miles and was incorporated in 1957. Rolling Hills also incorporated in 1957 and covers 3 square miles. Additionally, there are about 500 homes in Academy Hills and Westfield which are two unincorporated areas governed by the County of Los Angeles and are located off Palos Verdes Drive North.

Palos Verdes is known for its outstanding public schools and there are over 12,000 students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. On the California statewide level, the Palos Verdes Peninsula district is in the top 1 to 5% in achievement. There are also several excellent private schools on the Peninsula – Chadwick, Rolling Hills Country Day, Rolling Hills Preparatory, Peninsula Montessori and Peninsula Heritage.

A very special place to visit in Palos Verdes Estates is the Labyrinth at Neighborhood Church. There is a memorial plaque which reads, “For the Journey of Life to Help You find Your Way.” It is “Dedicated to the Memory of Miriam Levonian”. As you walk the path to the center (which is marked as a shell), you are to ponder your life. I am usually struck with thoughts of all that I have to be grateful for.

And look at that view! You can see all around the coastline from Redondo Beach to Malibu. Observing beauty puts me in a very grateful place.

The Neighborhood Church is located on Paseo Del Mar in Malaga Cove. This beautiful church was originally built in 1927 as the Haggarty mansion. The Neighborhood Church is affiliated with United Church of Christ. For more history and information, click on this link.

Here is another great spot which was submitted by Mary McPherson. This is the Ocean Estates Trail in Rancho Palos Verdes. This is an easy walk along the bluff of our beautiful Palos Verdes coast looking out at the ocean and several coves. It is quiet and peaceful. There are benches to sit and take it all in.

The Trail is located on the ocean side of Oceanfront Estates. At the end of Hawthorne Boulevard, cross Palos Verdes Drive West and the street turns into Via Vicente. Bear right onto Calle Entradero. There are parking areas on the street. You can also stop at Golden Cove Center (just across Hawthorne Boulevard) and pick up lunch or a snack for your walk.

This is the first in a series of special places on the Palos Verdes Peninsula which many owners of Palos Verdes real estate are not aware of. You might say these are “secret” places. The Gazebo at Roessler Pointis located in Palos Verdes Estates. The entrance is at the northwest end of the parking lot for Malaga Cove School (Paseo Del Mar and Via Arroyo).

The Gazebo ia a great spot for contemplation and the view is spectacular. It is very quiet and you are usually the only one there. You can see the coastline Queen’s Necklace view all the way around to Malibu. The sunsets are also fabulous. If you want to walk down on the beach, the path is just to the right.