Inside the Ed Lohrback-Designed Tuscan Estate in Laguna Niguel

A Herringbone Brick Arrival

The property welcomes you with a generous wraparound driveway laid in red brick herringbone, a material choice that immediately introduces the character seen throughout the estate. Ariana describes the brick as bringing “touches of history and richness” to the design, with the same warmth echoed in the Spanish detailing of the rooftop. A broad front lawn adds to the openness, and mature planting and towering King Palms naturally frame the house.

A Formal Living Room with Character

A short flight of steps leads into the formal living room, where the atmosphere becomes more intimate but still retaining the formality of the architecture. A dramatic fireplace rises toward the coffered ceiling, while floor-to-ceiling windows and generous drapery frame the garden views. The introduction of carpet also changes the character of the space, creating a softer acoustic and a more comfortable setting for conversation. It’s one of several spaces where grand design still feels like home.

Dining and Entertaining

The formal dining room continues the home’s classical language with a long dining table, crystal chandelier, and tall French doors opening toward the gardens. Above, a large circular window brings additional light into the room and becomes an architectural feature in its own right. From here, entertaining flows naturally into the butler’s pantry and kitchen, ideal for large gatherings without crowding the main rooms.

A Kitchen Designed for Family Life

The generous kitchen combines polished stone countertops with deeper-toned wood cabinetry, panel-ready Sub-Zero refrigeration, and Thermador appliances. Large windows overlook mature landscaping and heritage olive trees, bringing the gardens directly into the daily experience of the room. An adjoining table creates space for breakfast, reading, or planning the family’s day, while the nearby family room shifts the focus toward everyday living. “This is such a comfortable family room” Ariana says noting how it feels elegant and yet easy to live in every day.

Gardens That Feel Like a Private Park

Beyond the interiors, the grounds are among the property’s most striking features. The agent, Phil Caruso, describes the setting as “like a private park” with uninterrupted views across the valley and hills and very little visual presence from neighboring homes. Decomposed granite pathways lead through mature landscaping, fountains, olive trees, and palms, while a pool, spa, and fire pit create a series of places for outdoor entertaining. Ariana notes that the grounds combine references to Tuscany and English gardens, with the landscape offering a rare sense of privacy so close to the amenities of Southern California.

The Grand Staircase

Back inside, the sweeping grand staircase becomes the architectural focal point of the upper level. From the landing, views open down into the oval foyer, past the crystal chandelier and toward the skylight above. A Juliet balcony adds another layer of detail, while a circular window brings natural light into the upper hallway. For Ariana, the staircase has an almost cinematic quality, describing it as “one of those moments that you dream of as a little kid” a fitting expression of the home’s theatrical feel of arrival.

The Primary Suite

Occupying its own upper-floor wing, the primary suite is tailored to effortless daily routines. A private coffee bar and refrigerator create a self-contained morning space, while seating areas overlook the gardens and surrounding hills. The bedroom includes a fireplace, picture-frame windows, and sweeping views extending beyond the property toward San Juan Capistrano.

Views from Above

One of the most memorable moments comes from the balcony adjoining the primary bathroom. Positioned above the pool and gardens, it looks across the grounds and out toward the hills beyond. Ariana describes it as “arguably one of the most beautiful views of the entire home” where the combination of the pool, Spanish rooflines, King Palms, and distant landscape reinforces the estate’s Tuscan character.

Private Bedrooms and Guest Accommodation

Three secondary bedrooms are arranged along the upper hallway, each generously proportioned and accompanied by its own ensuite bathroom. Several rooms also have direct connections to outdoor spaces, including French doors opening toward the manicured front garden. A separate guest house adds another layer of flexibility, connected to the main residence by a balcony while also offering its own staircase for private access. Currently used as an office, the space can function as a guest suite or additional family area, with abundant natural light and a private balcony overlooking the pool, gardens, and surrounding hills.

The Pool and Outdoor Entertaining

At the heart of the rear grounds, the pool creates a natural focal point within the expansive landscape. Positioned beneath the upper terraces and surrounded by mature planting, the pool area includes lounge seating, a spa, and a hot tub, with the surrounding hills extending into the distance. A fire pit provides a more intimate setting in the evening, while the scale of the grounds allows the pool area to feel private and removed from neighboring homes. From the upper balcony, Ariana looks directly over the pool and gardens, describing the setting as “absolutely breathtaking” and comparing the estate to “a little park” tucked into the hills.

A Grand Home Built for Real Family Life

The defining quality of this home is the way its formal architecture coexists with the realities of family life. Jackie, the homeowner, describes it as a special place to raise her two daughters, and Ariana repeatedly highlights the warmth and privacy that sit alongside its impressive size. From the oval foyer and sweeping staircase to the pool, gardens, and distant hillside views, the estate offers a setting designed as much for entertaining as it is for quiet family life, preserving its original architectural charm while being completely built for modern living.

Listed with Caruso Real Estate

Michael Caruso DRE #01073919
Phone: +(949)-584-2300
Email: michael@carusorealestate.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carusorealestate/?hl=en

Phil Caruso DRE #01934516
Phone: +1(949) 293-7334
Email: phil@carusorealestate.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carusorealestate/?hl=en

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