Sunday Opens (3/22/15)

The real estate market in Manhattan Beach has been abuzz for a few years now.

Lots of big bets are still being made on its future.

Here's one of the newest teardowns-in-progress, right near MBC HQ – it made for a noisy Saturday. Coming on site: A big spec house.

Dave had a family commitment and didn't get to Friday brokers' opens, so this week, for the week's new open houses, we're mainly offering the official descriptions rather than formal reviews.

To plan your open-house tours for this week, use MB Confidential's online list of Manhattan Beach open houses (it's mobile-friendly!).

Don't forget, when previewing homes here on MB Confidential, you can click "Open All Images" right above the main listing photo to get immediate display of all the listing photos at once.

Sand Section

408 26th (4br/4ba, 2650 sq. ft.) 

"[P]ure luxury. Panoramic ocean views adorn this fully detached townhome on an oversized corner lot with an abundance of outdoor living space, including 4 large balconies, a private patio & a grassy yard. The chef's dream kitchen is fully equipped w/ top of the line Viking appliances, Calcutta countertops, custom cabinetry, a built-in wine fridge & a walk-in butler's pantry. Huge master suite w/ a private balcony, walk-in closet & a luxurious master bath... Located on one of the best streets in the sand section...26th street, with a private cul-de-sac, extra parking, a grassy area for kids to play, & just a short stroll to the beach, Grandview Elementary & loads of shops & restaurants."

This townhome made a very brief run on the market in Summer 2013 at $2.495M, but quit.

That attempt to sale came shortly after the front unit in the building – with surpassing views – had sold for $2.799M off-market. That same front unit – 2520 Alma – sold again off-market in March 2014 (furnished) for $3.139M.

408 26th starts this time at $3.295M and is open Sun. 1-4pm.

East MB

1909 Magnolia (5br/6ba, 3765 sq. ft.) is a 2006-built Tuscan on an unusual corner lot, allowing for 2 separate outdoor spaces. From the description:

"Set up high for privacy and located on one of the best corners in this quaint neighborhood of beautiful tree-lined streets... [I]ndoor-outdoor living from both the living room and the family room... swimming pool and jacuzzi fully adorned with glass mosaic tiles, a separate outdoor pool cabana and built-in barbecue area... [Plus another] area for large outdoor furniture, a picnic bench for 12 persons and a trampoline... Even though it was built in 2006, it looks new and it has the magical appearance of a new house built during the Renaissance era. The floors are large, wide-plank and distressed. There are high-ceilings, skylights and huge windows allowing for the best natural light. The fixtures and hardware throughout are high-end..."

1909 Magnolia starts at $2.765M and is open Sun. 2-4pm.

1740 2nd (6br/5ba, 4000 sq. ft.) is up for sale now and for rent at the same time, very, very soon after the most recent sale closed on the property (12/31/14). 

The home looked very good while staged and presented carefully last year. Now, it's vacant, and simply shows as spacious – very. Don't miss the 6th bedroom/basement game room. From the description:

"Natural lighting throughout the large open floor plan. Contemporary high ceilings, crown molding, gorgeous hardwood floors and carpeting. Beautiful kitchen includes a double oven, a center island and walk-in pantry. Cozy up to one of the charming fireplaces. Elegant master bathroom has double sinks, granite counters and travertine floors. Enjoy the sizable office with built-in cabinets, shelves and sound-proofing. Relax in the spacious backyard with your very own raised spa, fire pit and bbq."

This was was listed briefly in late 2013 at $2.075M, but didn't sell. The listing came back new in late 2014 at $2.300M, and sold on the last day of 2014 at $2.200M.

1740 2nd is now offered at $2.449M, and also offered for rent at $8,900/mo. It is open Sun. 1-4pm.

1622 Gates (5bd/7ba, 5,500 sq. ft.) is a very large and custom house that really makes "custom" mean something. If you missed it last week, take this chance to drop in.

Start with the separate guest casita/office up front at the entry. The standalone structure offers total privacy, and creates a protected little courtyard – with fountain – at the front of the home. 

The entry hall has perfect arches opening to the formal living room. The flow takes you back to a large family room and open kitchen, the family room distinguished by a truly unique, curved wood built-in entertainment center in one corner. That's a nice unit.

We find some agreement with the official description's language saying that the kitchen "imparts the feeling of an inspired, artistic space." The highly custom tiles splashing the walls define the space as different, while the design and craftsmanship for the wall cabinets boldly mixes woods and displays fascinating grain patterns on the faces.

Around each corner, you'll find little, special details like that. Mosaic patterns in the shower. A great choice of stone around a fireplace. Stencil patterns on a wall. There is true artistry to it all.

It's worth noting that the master suite is huge, with a separate room in back that might be a reading room, office or, more interestingly, as the listing description suggests, a "home gym room which could function as an office, nursery, or yoga/dance studio." Yes, you can – and should – dance in your bedroom, if this is your house.

This one's great to see for details big and small, a whole package that really stands out in our market. 

Until January last year, 1622 Gates held the record-high price for an East MB home on a standard-size, large lot (7500 sq. ft.).

Its 2007 trade at $3.099M was almost $300K over the closest comps. Nothing else in East MB exceeded $2.8M for nearly 7 years.

Last year, brand-new 1626 1st (5br/5ba, 4950 sq. ft.) presold during construction for $3.200M, finally relieving 1622 Curtis of top-sale honors.

1622 Gates starts now just a hair short of that (new) top sale at $3.175M. It is open Sunday 1-4pm.