A visit to the beaches in Ventura

So one of my BFF's has decided to Live Her Dream of Beach Living! 

I wish she would come to The South Bay  :(     I'm still working on her. 

In the mean time she decided to check out the beaches in Ventura.

So on Thursday she and I drove out to the beaches in Ventura and looked around...

I was surprised to find sand dunes and vegetation on their beaches. 

It was beautiful!

I was also surprised that so many of their beach homes are right on the sand!

I am told the home owners are responsible to remove the sand but are not allowed because of some wildlife conservationists. So some of the homes has pretty big sand dunes right in front of their homes.

They also don't seem to mind dogs on the beach.

We looked inside the one in the photo with the bright blue door.  It was about 550 sq ft and tiny.  Cute as could be with amazing views of the beach and had one bedroom and one bathroom. It did have a stackable washer and dryer in the unit and comes with a one car garage. 

This was in a cute little beach town called Pier Pont,

right off the 101 freeway. 

It rents for $1,795. a month

We had a blast looking and I can't wait to help her find

the perfect place to start living her dream!

I love to move

I know...I know..Most of my friends and family think I'm crazy!

But its true.  I love packing up, getting rid of old stuff and starting fresh and clean in a new place. I can be unpacked with everything placed perfect and put away in about 24 hours. 

I've lived at the beach for going on 3 years this May and have lived in three homes.

Each one holds a special place in my heart.

My first beach house was the darling little cottage on Broadway

It was perfect. I loved it. It was 660 square feet.  This was a huge adjustment as I came from 2200 sq ft.

Hard wood floors and the fireplace that didn't work were all part of its charm.

I love having parties and this tiny dining room saw its share of poker parties and wine tasting events. As small as it was we all had a cozy time.

The kitchen was the entry way to the master suite and the back yard

That's Troy my Yorkie. He also loved it here.

That's Bluto in the kitchen.  He is no longer with us after 17+ years

Candles made for a perfect romantic fire

The master was just big enough for the bed

The back yard was big enough for the BBQ and some light gardening.

I loved it but it was 2 short blocks from the beach. And the rent was almost 3,000 a month

After a year I thought  I could use a little more room and was really missing fixing up a house. So... I jumped on craigslist and found this diamond in the rough on Garnet about 3 blocks from the beach for 1/2 the price.

It was a mess.  But I was up for the challenge!  And for 1/2 the price I couldn't go wrong!

A cute picket fence, some fresh paint and colorful flowers was all this cute little house needed.

a couple of rocking chairs and Waa Laa! Instant cottage charmer. 

The landlord loved me!

I enjoyed this front porch for hours and hours. Sunday Mornings I would watch the neighbor pack up their beach gear and walk to the beach.  I was happy here. 

But...I still wasn't on the beach! 

I still was only close to my dream... I needed to be on the beach!

One Sunday in April I was sitting on that darling little porch sipping my coffee when a little voice in my head said:

    WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???? 

LIFE IS TOO SHORT! 

DO IT NOW!

so I did...

I got in the car at 6:00am and headed for the Esplanade. 

It was as if my car knew where to go....

It lead me here.

My Dream...finally at 50 I'm living it!

Sure I only have the bottom left hand side of this wonderful house.

But it's got the best view in all of Redondo Beach. (only my opinion)

I'm a Shabby Chic kind of gal so I insist that just about everything in my house is white!

I was still hanging pictures...

The bathroom is small but cozy and I can hear the waves crashing while I shower.

 

My bedroom is wonderful and has a built in shelf for my favorite things

I just love all things Shabby Chic

This is where I sip my morning coffee now...when it's too cold outside

I just finished redecorating my kitchen and was told I needed to bring in some color.

and wood.... So I went with green.

It will be one year in May that I have been living my dream.  I think I'll stay put for at least another one.

What are you waiting for?

Life is to short!

Do it Now!

217 Valero Circle $699,900. Reduced! Open House Sat and Sun 1:00 - 4:00

217 Valero Circle Oak Park California 91377

Traveling North on the majestic tree lined street of Lindero Canyon Road to Rockfield you will find the gorgeous Montego community in Oak Park. Its award winning schools, abundant hiking trails and bike paths, mountain views, community center, parks, public library and nearby shopping centers create a wonderful family community.

This gorgeous updated home has every amenity. The stunning solid oak hardwood flooring and staircase is sure to show off any decor.  Soaring ceilings in the formal living room provide bright light and an elegant warmth. The cooks kitchen features an eating area, granite countertops with full backsplash, stainless steel appliances and is open to the inviting family room that boasts a cozy brick fireplace with mantle and access to the private back yard.
Downstairs you will find a private bedroom with custom closet and easy access to the upgraded guest bathroom with a Kohler pedestal sink, low flow toilet, marble flooring and a large glass enclosed shower.

At the top of the beautiful staircase to you will find the huge master suite with extra high ceilings, recessed lighting, a large marble fireplace, wooden shutters, His and Hers Kohler sinks and a low profile Kohler toilet, and a wonderful oversized soaking bathtub. The large walk-in California Closet is sure to please.
Across the bridge from the master suite you will fine two spacious bedrooms each with mirrored closet doors and roman window shades. Both have easy access to the upstairs full bathroom.
 This home also features an alarm system and central vacuum.



The backyard is perfect for those summer BBQ's and extra private for relaxing as it backs to open space and is surrounded by block wall fencing.  Two patio slabs and a beautiful arrangement of slate accent the lush landscape to the fullest.  Just around the corner you will find an amazing community pool and play area.  It is complete with both a  2.5 foot deep kiddies pool and a larger pool perfect for teenagers and adults. This area also offers BBQ's, a picnic area and a fantastic kid’s playground. The best of both worlds without the maintenance.

Be sure to check out the property website and complete photo tour of this home at

http://www.217valero.com/

Priced to sell at $699,900