Catalina Island doesn't feel like California, but somewhere in the south of Europe: terracotta rooftops tumbling down to a harbour full of boats, a casino ballroom that could belong on the Amalfi Coast, clear water that turns turquoise in the summer months. Just 22 miles from Los Angeles, it is one of the best-kept secrets on the California coast, and one of the most extraordinary places in America to own property. Here are two from our archives above Avalon Bay.
166 Middle Terrace, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island | Sold at auction for $2.688M
Perched above Avalon Bay with sweeping Pacific views and the iconic Catalina Casino framed in every window, this four-level 4,119-square-foot estate features hardwood beamed ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that disappear entirely, three ensuite bedrooms with deck access, a chef's kitchen with six-burner gas range, a hot tub, and expansive glass-railed decks on all three outdoor levels overlooking the bay.
223 Beacon Street, Avalon, Catalina Island | Sold at auction for $5.152M
Perched on a gated hillside with panoramic views of Avalon Bay and the Pacific, 223 Beacon is a 6,232-square-foot contemporary masterpiece unlike anything else on the island. An infinity-edge pool, over 2,000 square feet of outdoor entertaining space, a custom wood-fired pizza oven, bocce court, horseshoe pit, an illuminated wine and tasting cellar, a media room with full bar and see-through fireplace, and a rooftop spa with ocean and golf course views.
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