The Best Hillside Property?

In this detailed architectural critique, real estate consultant Marvin Hadad evaluates a premier hillside property in La Jolla, California. Built in 2020, this modern 7,888-square-foot home features seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms on a half-acre lot. Originally listed for nearly $40 million and currently available for rent at $300,000 per month, the property serves as a case study for Hadad to demonstrate how design choices directly impact resale value and aesthetic cohesion. The critique begins with the property’s exterior and "curb appeal." Hadad identifies several immediate flaws in the approach. First, the driveway lacks privacy and a horseshoe configuration, forcing drivers to perform a three-point turn to exit. Furthermore, the house is "perched down" from street level rather than sitting above it, which Hadad notes is detrimental for both drainage and the "majestic" presence a luxury home should command. Regarding the facade, Hadad points out a significant structural imbalance: the two large volumes on either side of the entrance resemble the grill of a car. This effect is worsened by the use of horizontal brick on the lower level and vertical wood siding on the upper level, which makes the top floor appear disproportionately heavy. Hadad suggests that using white stucco and repeating vertical louvers would have created a more expensive, cohesive look. Moving inside, the foyer receives high praise for its functionality. Unlike most luxury homes where the foyer is wasted space, this home utilizes the area as a functional lounge featuring a bar and seating that takes full advantage of the "queen necklace" views of the Pacific Ocean. Hadad commends the decision to tuck the staircase away so as not to obstruct the panoramic scenery. However, he criticizes the "busy" industrial grid railing on the stairs, arguing that it creates unnecessary visual noise that competes with the natural beauty outside. He emphasizes a recurring theme: designers often make the mistake of "trying to do too much" by mixing industrial, mid-century, and modern elements, which ultimately cheapens the overall feel of the property. The heart of the home—the kitchen and family room—is a mix of brilliant layout and questionable design details. Hadad loves the open-concept connectivity between the kitchen, dining area, and TV lounge, noting that the family will likely spend 90% of their time in this prime location. However, he strongly dislikes a specific design choice: a parquet-style wood pattern surrounding the stainless steel refrigerator. He labels this a "stupid mistake" that clashes with the modern aesthetic. While the kitchen features high-end "vein-matched" cabinetry and a unique concrete sink with a lip design, Hadad clarifies that the secondary kitchen area is a "prep extension" rather than a true chef’s kitchen, as it lacks a second stove. The utility of the home is another strong point. Hadad highlights the "mudroom" flow from the garage, which allows residents to enter, drop off belongings, and immediately see the ocean view. This layout works well for daily life, providing easy access to the primary suite or the kitchen. However, he notes a "rookie mistake" regarding the exterior proportions seen from the garage level, where the first floor looks dwarfed by the upper floor due to the slope of the lot. The backyard is described as an "experience," featuring a 16-person outdoor dining table made of durable quartz and a covered patio with a waterproof louvered roof and fire pit. While the back facade is more attractive than the front, Hadad remains critical of the vertical wood siding. He argues that the property would have been far more successful as a "Mediterranean-style villa" with white stucco, which would feel more organic and "classier" than the "typical modern look" seen in many American developments. The critique concludes with a look at the guest wing and specific rooms. The powder room is flagged for an "odd" layout where the door swings into the sink and the mirror is placed sideways. In the guest bathroom, Hadad points out a clash of shapes: beautiful vertical pink tiles paired with gray hexagon floor tiles. He views this as another example of over-designing. Finally, he examines a rock-climbing wall built into a retaining wall. While he likes the creative use of the space, he warns that its proximity to a wooden table makes it "dangerous" for children. In his final evaluation, Hadad praises the home’s brilliant use of the hillside slope and its exceptional layout. However, due to the lack of a "cohesive anchor design" and the clashing material choices, he values the property at approximately $23 million—significantly lower than the $40 million asking price. He concludes that while the home is a "very good hillside property," it serves as a reminder to builders to pick one clear style and execute it perfectly rather than introducing too many competing elements.