The Story Behind a La Jolla Legacy

Real Estate

Some transactions are memorable. Others are defining.

The sale of 7651 Hillside Drive was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences—an immaculate buying journey centered on precision, patience, and purpose.

A Vision with Intention

My client came to me with a very clear vision. He was seeking a home in La Jolla Country Club that offered expansive, unobstructed ocean views, proximity to the Village, and a location that provided daily convenience—especially for his family. Just as important, the home needed to embody a modern, minimalistic aesthetic—clean lines, thoughtful architecture, and timeless quality—while also sitting on a substantial lot, something increasingly rare in coastal La Jolla.

While discretion is always paramount, what can be shared is this: the goal was not simply to purchase a home, but to secure a legacy property.

The Search for Excellence

Early in the process, we explored several newly built properties by local builders. While some checked boxes on paper, the craftsmanship and design execution fell short of what my client envisioned. Rather than forcing a fit, we refined the search—hand-selecting opportunities that met an uncompromising standard for build quality, design integrity, and long-term value.

That’s when Hillside Drive emerged.

A Rare Offering

Situated on one of the largest lots in La Jolla Country Club, 7651 Hillside Drive is truly extraordinary. The property offers panoramic ocean views and whitewater vistas from nearly every room—including the primary suite, kitchen, dining room, and main living spaces. Everywhere you turn, the ocean becomes part of the experience.

Beyond the views, the grounds themselves are exceptional. The estate features a full orchard with exotic plants, fruits, and vegetables, thoughtfully integrated into the landscape and anchored by a charming gazebo—a private sanctuary that feels worlds away, yet moments from the Village.

Strategic Negotiation & Due Diligence

Originally listed at $10,800,000, the home required a thoughtful and strategic approach. Through careful negotiation, we successfully brought the purchase price down to $9.4 million, creating immediate value for my client.

Equally important was ensuring the property’s long-term durability. We conducted an exceptionally thorough due-diligence process, including:

Comprehensive home inspections
Geotechnical evaluations
Engineering reviews
Drainage inspections
And every specialized inspection imaginable for a property of this caliber

As a result, my client received significant repair credits and concessions, allowing the home to be refined and fortified without compromise.

A Seamless, Elevated Experience

From start to finish, this transaction was smooth, intentional, and collaborative. The property was identified, evaluated, negotiated, and secured in less than three months, a testament to a highly curated process and a shared commitment to excellence.

A True La Jolla Legacy

7651 Hillside Drive is more than a home—it is a legacy estate. One that combines location, land, views, architecture, and lifestyle in a way that rarely comes to market.

Helping my client find this extraordinary property was an honor, and experiences like this are exactly why I approach every transaction with the same philosophy: precision over pressure, quality over quantity, and relationships over everything.

—
Laura Valente
Luxury Real Estate | La Jolla & Coastal Southern California