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Many properties claim to be an oasis, but this fascinating home in La Mesa, CA, truly delivers on pure relief from the outside world. The tropical island–themed backyard of the home (now pending sale) has tiered waterfalls, bridges, paths, palm trees, grottoes, barbecues, a swim-up bar, 70-foot waterslide, and more.
“When you close that gate, you’re in Jamaica,” says listing agent Laura Lothian of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.
An intriguing house demands an interesting backstory, and this home doesn’t disappoint. Built in 1955, it was sold for $325,000 in 2002 to a man with a grand imagination. He set out to build a dreamy backyard resort, and had professionals begin work. However, he failed to get permits for his fancy improvements.
A bank was about to take the home in 2013, before Lothian stepped in and convinced the bank that it didn’t need the hassle of getting permits for the backyard renovations. The agent had buyers who would take over any legal problems and battle with city hall if necessary. The bank made the deal, and the house changed hands for $370,000.
The new owners spent over $300,000 in the ensuing years and brought the place up to code.
“La Mesa has tough building standards,” says Lothian. It’s a small Southern California city about 10 minutes away from downtown San Diego, and the new owners believed the additional work would be worth the effort—they intended to use the property as a vacation rental. A tropical oasis near one of the country’s most popular tourist towns? A savvy bet!
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And it was. There’s currently a renter in the home who is signed up for several months at $12,000 a month. When you hear those numbers, the home’s nearly million-dollar list price sounds like a screaming deal. What gives?
“The biggest thing working against it is that it’s close to the freeway,” says Lothian. The busy thoroughfare can be seen and heard from the home, unless the waterfalls are flowing—the rushing waters completely block the sound.
The agent, who fielded inquiries about the utilities involved in running a virtual water park, broke down the numbers per month: Water averages $250, pool maintenance is $140, gas and electric run about $450, and landscaping is about $250.
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But it isn’t just about the backyard. The property also includes a remodeled four-bedroom, three-bath home. The 3,182-square-foot property features an open floor plan, beamed and vaulted ceilings, multiple french doors leading out to the pool, a new HVAC system, and wood flooring.
Out by the pool there’s a Tiki house with a kitchen and a game area with pingpong and billiard tables.
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Lothian says more than 200 people attended the first open house, and an additional 100 dropped by for the second. The property has been in and out of escrow once already, and currently there’s an offer pending.
The lucky buyer won’t have to fly all the way to Hawaii for a tropical vacation. We recommend keeping an eye on VRBO or Airbnb if you want to spend the night in this bonkers backyard.
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The post Over-the-Top Oasis: This California Backyard Makes a Huge Splash appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
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