Tiny but Terrific in 'Paradise' - Page 2

"We have 1,800 homes and no two are alike," boasted the realtor, who remodeled and sold two Sea Ranch homes before his current residence there. He said a quarter of those 1,800 units are vacation homes, helping limit a fulltime population pegged at 1,300 in the 2010 census.

The owners of Unit 3, Wayne and Laurie Donaldson, are likewise true architecture aficionados. The couple also owns one of the Futuro homes, a fiberglass space saucer they dock in Idyllwild, and Wayne is retired from being the state's head preservation officer.

"It's in pristine condition. The only thing he's done is update the kitchen," Ortman said of the home's new Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator. "Everything else is all original."

Then of course there is Sea Ranch Connect, a high-speed internet service engaged years ago by the homeowners association that Ortman termed "probably the most forward thinking idea they've ever had."

"That's brought a lot of young people up here," he observed, noting how the current push toward telecommuting may make The Sea Ranch even more attractive, were that physically possible. Still, he admits regarding his current listing, "Most of the people buying here are looking for two bedrooms, three bedrooms."

As with most condominiums, upkeep includes HOA fees, which are $940 a month for each unit at 114 Sea Walk. For that, the realtor said, "They cover all the maintenance of the structure and the car barn."

Noting that Unit 4 in the complex sold earlier this year for $1.2 million, Ortman expressed confidence in the asking price of his listing.

"Oceanfront lots are selling for $600,000 with nothing on it!" he exclaimed. Furthermore, he promised, once you have experienced the wildlife and serenity of The Sea Ranch, "You just can't wait to get back there."

For more information about Unit 3 at 114 Sea Walk Drive, click here.