Orange County tech exec Raouf Halim has hoisted his lavish ocean-view estate in the affluent Newport Coast community onto the market for a jaw-dropping $27 million. The CEO of Spectra7 Microsystems — a provider of high-performance analog semiconductor products for broadband connectivity markets — acquired the property in early 2000, and then custom-built the Italianate-inspired villa some five years later. Tim Smith of Coldwell Banker Realty serves as the listing agent.
Tucked away behind gates and hedges, on nearly three-quarters of an acre in the guard-gated Pelican Crest neighborhood anchored by The Resort at Pelican Hill, the three-story structure is fronted by a manicured lawn, Tuscan-style fountain and soaring portico entryway. Inside, five bedrooms and 10 baths are spread across almost 12,000 square feet of living space boasting elaborate details and finishes, including an elevator, three loggias, inlaid Italian limestone and oak floors, coffered and beamed ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, archways and cast-stone niches.
Among the main-level highlights: a solarium adorned with a hand-carved Italian fountain, formal living and dining rooms, a wood-paneled library, and family room hosting a wet bar, TV hidden behind a wall of retractable leather books and French doors flowing outdoors. A butler’s pantry connects to a gourmet kitchen outfitted with quartzite countertops, a center island, high-end Dacor and Miele appliances, and an adjacent breakfast nook.
Upstairs, an ornately decorated master suite occupies its own wing, and displays a sitting area warmed by a fireplace, an ocean-view terrace and a showroom-style closet. A luxe marble bath is equipped with dual vanities and dressing areas, a soaking tub and separate shower. Three additional en-suite bedrooms can also be found on this level, one with its own fireside office space.
A guest bedroom with bath holds court on the lower level, which also features a stone-clad billiards room with wet bar, sauna and movie theater; outdoors, the sprawling backyard is dotted with gardens, and offers a pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue, and numerous al fresco dining and lounging areas. Rounding it all out: a subterranean garage with room for eight vehicles, plus a monthly HOA fee of $728.