Coastal Real Estate and Lifestyles

During the 19 years that I’ve lived in El Granada, Pillar Point Harbor and the Princeton area has grown along with the rest of the coastside.  Coastal Lifestyles Health & Fitness Center moved in…The HMB Brewing Co. moved in…Mezza Luna moved in…Mavericks was “discovered”…  All these events have been adding height - and weight - to Princeton for many years.  It’s latest notch on the yardstick is the new Oceano Hotel and Harbor Village.  The Hotel is now open and Harbor Village is now scheduled to open April 1, 2008.

As I’m waiting for my friend near Cafe Classique yesterday morning, I decided to take a photo of the long-awaited development across the street.  We grab a corner table on the sun-drenched patio to catch up with a warm cup of coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls (half each of course - and to die for!).  Totally worth it but Must-Walk-Off.  Neither of us had been through Harbor Village so we decided to stroll over there to see what’s up.  We stumbled upon Christian Diggs, the Harbor Village Leasing Consultant, who was so gracious to show us around in spite of his busy day.

This place is going to be stunning.  I’m well aware of the mixed feelings of many locals; however, after my visit yesterday I’m pleasantly surprised and believe it will be an asset to our community.  It’s like its own little resort village with luxury hotel, a spa that will be run by Aveda, banquet room, workout room with enormous skylights flooding the room with natural light, richly appointed conference rooms, comfortable residence suites offering a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom home-away-from-home or loft apartment.  There will also be a restaurant, shops & boutiques including a golf shop, a deli, a kitchen shop, a surf-wear/resort-style boutique, and a few yet still in negotiations….  Also planned is a wedding garden, and future tennis courts.

So with the roar of high-gear construction going on in the background, Christian pointed out some of the fabulous details that made me wish I was part of the extended KN family!  There are too many to mention, but one that stood out in my mind was the zippered bed topper which is laundered after each guest.

This development has the luxury of the Ritz but with a more “casually elegant” feel.  I really hope that tapping into the well known local talent is part of the long term marketing plan.  Development is always a mixed blessing - especially in a community like the Coastside and in my own backyard (well, my front yard)… Sure, traffic will increase, but so will jobs and revenues…and, I suspect, home values.  Here are a few photos from my tour with Christian yesterday.  When I have more time, I’ll try to post a few more on a separate photos page.

Additional articles in recent months:

A Grand Opening, 30 years in waiting, Oakland Tribune, 8/29/07

Harbor Village prepares for October opening, HMB Review, 9/5/07

Inside Coastal Real Estate & Lifestyles’ “Coastside” page:  Fun Visitor Resources