Luxury villas replace apartments
Lloyd Charton didn’t let the dicey economy deter him from developing eight high-end, short-term rentals in Laguna Beach.
Charton converted the Ocean Front Cottages to The Retreat in Laguna, featuring Tuscan-style architecture on the outside and works by local artists on the inside.
The villas at 729 Gaviota Drive are near the beach and downtown Laguna.
“I have always believed there is room at the top,” said Charton, a Laguna Beach resident. “With only eight luxury villas, I felt I could put millions into the décor and property. I felt I only had to fill them with eight affluent travelers at a time, and I wouldn’t have any problems.”
Charton has lived in Laguna since 2000, when he began thinking about retiring from his law practice. He has served as president of No Square Theatre for seven years. He also conducts tidewater tours and hillside hikes.
His conversion of apartments to short-term rentals — stays are capped at 30 days — was approved administratively by the city. Public hearings by the Planning Commission were not required.
“Any diminishing of rental supply in Laguna is of great concern to us,” said Planning Commissioner Anne Johnson. “It is something we should look at.”
City and state codes lump apartments and hotels together, which means no change of use for the villas, although they are located in a residential zone. However, different clientele is served, and Charton will be required to pay bed taxes.
The Retreat provides concierge services, including complimentary or discounted prices on dinners at some local restaurants, surfing, dolphin and whale watching, access to the Laguna Health Club, and private yoga sessions, wine and art tours.
“The heart and soul of The Retreat in Laguna is customized vacations — your way,” Charton said. “It is an opportunity to do exactly what you want.”
Each non-smoking villa is custom-designed and individually named: Teatro, Rustico, D’Arte, Palazzo D’Stella, Da Vinci, Roma, Leone and Bella Mare. Works by Laguna artists Shane Townley, Steve Lustig, Gaylord Soli and Robert Wyland are featured inside.
“The villas are perfect for couples, multi-generational family gatherings and corporate functions seeking a convenient way to spend their time in Laguna,” Charton said in a statement announcing the opening of The Retreat.
Units are furnished with marble or granite countertops, luxury kitchen appliances, fireplaces, barbecues, barbecue pits or decks, flat-screen TVs and WiFi. Each features one bedroom and a queen-size futon or sleeper sofa. Some offer ocean views from a bedroom. Rates vary by season and occupancy.
For more information, visit https://www.TheRetreatinLaguna.com, The Retreat in Laguna on Facebook or call 1(877) 999-2928, or (949) 376-7170.
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