When I first visited the Orange County coast, I immediately fell in love with the friendly people, casual lifestyle, gorgeous picture postcard views, endless activities and so much more! Six years later, here I sit in my very own home right on Pacific Coast Highway. So, just in case you’re getting the itch to do the same and take the big plunge and move to Newport Beach, here is a sample of just some of the outstanding attributes available in a variety of homes now on the local market. From spectacular views to charming island locales, it can all be found right here in our own backyard

Newport Coast
If you want it all, you’ll surely find it at this over-the-top estate in the exclusive guard-gated community of Pelican Heights in sought-after Newport Coast. This two-level home occupies a rare front-row spot totally free from any obstructions, lending to sensational sweeping coastal and city views. Enhancing this home’s appeal even further is its bountiful space for both entertaining and relaxing; resort-style backyard; and complete remodel highlighted by stunning design details such as luxurious materials including marble and hardwood, custom lighting and soaring ceilings. With 5,000 square feet of living space, the floor plan encompasses five bedrooms (including a spacious master suite with balcony and sitting area, secondary guest suite with balcony and downstairs guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom); five-and-a-half baths; and gourmet kitchen with contemporary black pro-series Viking appliances, a center island, dining area and custom cabinetry. Outdoors, the private landscaped grounds boast approximately 12,000 square feet complete with a granite bar with built-in barbecue, sitting area, and saltwater pool and spa. Oh, there’s also a three-car garage sporting modern gray tile, a workspace and built-in storage units, and a Control4 home automation system. And, if you need furnishings, no worries … they can be purchased separately. www.1ViaPalladio.com

Photo Credit: Bowman Group Architectural Photography

Newport Harbor
Impressive views also are the hallmark of this magnificent residence situated on Newport Beach’s most prestigious private island. This elegant estate at One Harbor Island sits on an 11,300-square-foot-plus parcel offering prime bay frontage overlooking Newport Harbor’s main Turning Basin. Designed by noted local architect C.J. Light, the approximately 4,500-square-foot home includes four bedrooms; four baths and two half baths finished in high-quality materials (think African Anigre hardwood, Portuguese limestone, Venetian plaster and rich leather); and main-level great room with several venues for living, dining and media viewing; and a wall of glass that opens completely to the expansive rear grounds showcasing tiered limestone terraces and emerald green lawns to the water’s edge, a waterfront pool and spa, built-in barbecue area, and private dock to accommodate two 60-foot yachts and two smaller boats. Yet other highlights include a grand waterfront master suite with spa bath; professional-grade gourmet kitchen; state-of-the-art technology; and finished, three-car garage. www.1harborisland.com

Balboa Island
This alluring Balboa Island bay front residence at 542 S. Bay Front Ave. is filled to the brim with island charm and personality. Situated on a prime south-facing lot, this home offers unobstructed views across the bay to the Newport Pavilion, and several of the original nautical features have been maintained to offer an authentic coastal ambience including port windows, hardwoord flooring, a quaint and carpeted attic, and shutters. The main floor features a bedroom, kitchen, dining area, spacious living room and private indoor spa, while the upstairs boasts a window-filled master bedroom offering plentiful sunlight and direct water views. Other features include an attached two-car garage and guest unit complete with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath; front patio; and second-level terrace. www.smithgrouprealestate.com/properties#!/542-s-bay-front