$10M mansion was nearly sold before California wildfire destroyed it

A palatial California abode with breathtaking ocean views was just “one signature away” from being sold for nearly $10 million when it was gutted by the Laguna Beach wildfire this week, according to its real estate agent.

The mansion’s owner was abroad at the time — and watched helplessly as security cameras showed the property being destroyed.

The 10,000-square-foot pad — known as the crown jewel of a luxury gated neighborhood in Laguna Niguel — “burnt to a crisp” as the wind-fueled brush fire ripped through the ritzy region, the listing agent told the Orange County Register .

“It’s a very special property. You cannot duplicate that home,” said realtor Leo Goldschwartz.

“The house had separate wings. The adults went one way, the kids went another way. … It was like a palace. The house was a really beautiful home. The finishes were impressive.” The nearly-sold $10 million mansion was gutted by the Laguna Beach wildfire. The 10,000-square-foot home was known as the crown jewel of its luxury gated neighborhood. At least 11 homes were damaged and 20 destroyed by the fast-moving wildfire. The custom-built house, on the top of a ridge in the Coronado Pointe neighborhood, had a pool, an elegant parking area and canyon-side twin wings overlooking the beach.

Built in 1999, it was designed by a French architect with feng shui values and likely the priciest home in the gated community.

“It’s a very exclusive neighborhood … very quiet,” Goldschwartz said. “It’s an under-the-wire, luxury community that’s little known.” The custom-built house had a pool, an elegant parking area and canyon-side twin wings overlooking the beach. The home’s would-be buyers are devastated, the realtor said. Mario Tama/Getty Images A plane drops fire retardant onto the Coastal Fire. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP At least 11 homes were damaged and 20 destroyed by the fast-moving wildfire that overtook the tony Southern California area Wednesday, fire officials said.

Prices for the fire-ravaged homes along Coronado Pointe ranged from $2.8 million to $9.6 million, according to the most recent Zillow estimates. Most of them were 4,000 to 6,000 square feet.

The owner of the $10 million mansion, who also has a home in Canada, was insured, Goldschwartz said — although wildfires have made insurance harder to get and more expensive in California. The luxury estate was built in 1999.

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