We don't have many pictures of this one but Villa Rockledge is a beautiful older home in the expensive seaside town of Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. Unlike many of the town's expensive cliffside homes this one has a long history. The Press-Enterprise reports that it was built over a four year period from 1918 to 1922 for Frank Miller, former owner of the Mission Inn in Riverside, who built the home as a gift for his second wife Marion and called it Mariona, a name which is still shown on a brick arch in one of the home's entry points. The residence was added to the National Registry of Historic Places by the State of California and the U.S. National Park Service in 1984.

The 8,065 square foot compound includes a main house, six guest houses which are rentals and a secluded beach. The current owner, Roger W. Jones, bought the home in 1973 for $420,000 and has researched the history of Villa Rockledge even writing a book "The History of Villa Rockledge," published in 1991. Celebrities from the grand ages of moviemaking including Errol Flynn, Clifton Webb and Bette Davis visited the home which was designed so that even the bathrooms have ocean views. Jones has said that he he restored Villa Rockledge closer to its original condition exposing beams and brick.

The fact that the home is on the National Registry of Historic Places means it can't be torn down but it does seem to be in need of some major renovation. It is listed with Susan Weir for $34.9 million but an MLS listing shows a couple more pictures that reveal a very dated kitchen. It's likely that any new owners would want to spend a significant amount of money on renovation. Because of its idyllic location and charm Laguna Beach hasn't been hit as hard by the real estate market slump as other parts of Southern California but prices in this town have fallen off in the past year. This home seems to combine the best parts of Laguna Beach, the stunning ocean views clear to Catalina as well as the quirky rustic style that graces some of the older homes in the area.

Most homes in Montecito California seem a little grown-up as if you have to be of a certain age to enjoy the storied pleasures of this seaside enclave. Today's home would be the perfect choice for someone in the enviable position of having both youth and a ton of money. Or maybe I'm just swayed by the comic panel art in one of the bedrooms. Either way, this home on Fernald Point is absolutely gorgeous. The contemporary seven-bedroom home sits right on the water and is made with many beautiful exotic woods including ipê, padauk, ebony and South American mahogany. There is an excellent chef's kitchen; and a temperature-controlled wine room and a wet bar complement the dining room. You don't get a pool with this one but you do get several decks including one right on the shore in order to enjoy the ocean. This home is listed at $29.5 million.

You may not recognize the name of Paul Oakenfold but you've likely heard his music. Oakenfold is a popular techno DJ and has had his music and remixes featured on a variety of soundtracks. His home, which recently hit the market, is a musicians paradise. Oakenfold bought the home in 2003 for a price in the $2.5 to $3 million neighborhood. The home sits a promontory above the Hollywood Bowl and has some truly amazing views. As the Real Estalker Mama notes, the exterior isn't particularly notable but the interior is lovely. French doors abound and the master bedroom is particularly stunning because the French doors basically open up the entire room, check out the night shot in the gallery of listing pictures, it's amazing. There are four bedrooms total. The home has a large recording studio and there is a lovely pool, spa and patio area and a nice patch of grassy lawn. Oh, and about that Hollywood Bowl view, the home has bleachers so that, with a set of binoculars, you can watch the show for free. Maybe that savings would help defray some of the $10 million asking price.