Wow! That is what you and all your guests will say when you visit this place. The view from the steps as you enter the kitchen and living area is unparalleled. The pictures don’t even do it justice, as shocking as that may seem. The architecture is perfectly done to accentuate the property’s privileged position on the crest of the hill overlooking the park - this is the only park in the area so truly only a handful of homes have a vantage point this good in all of Manhattan beach. There is a breathtaking view from every room on the top floor, even in the shower via the clever use of an angled window and a large mirror. I will remember those sunsets my entire life. The lounge chairs on the front deck and the hot tub on the side give two additional vantage points from which to admire the ocean and watch the surfers tangle with the waves
The location is great, too, for walking along the Strand to the little downtown restaurants. My wife and I would stroll down with our newborn and enjoy a meal, without it feeling too far but also at a peaceful and quiet remove. The street out front is a throughway so there is decent traffic, FYI, but even so the windows are fairly sound proof and the height of the unit above the traffic (which dwindles by night fall anyway) makes it not a problem. Ample parking is also a plus.
Only real draw back is there was a subtle mismatch between the age/quality of the furnishings and the property itself. The house is phenomenal, but it’s clear it still has some old/original equipment. It’s all high quality (eg the fridge is a built in sub zero) but some of it (the washer and dryer, the bathroom fans) is on its last legs which can lead to some minor annoyances. The place IS super luxurious with that view and the design of the house and deserving of the price point, but when you pay that much you kind of don’t expect loud wash loads and slow cranking bathroom fans.
Even with this caveat, I gave it 5 stars and would absolutely stay again. What a magical place!