Where the high-powered have relaxed, remodeled
Hale O Pau Hana means “house that signals the time to stop work and relax.” It is the name of this Corona del Mar home, and it makes sense, for few things are more restful than a view of the sunset or the ocean.
This house has both, and yet its owners over the years have not necessarily adhered to its name. All have left their industrious marks on the estate as well as on their respective fields.
It began with Myford Irvine. He was president of the family-held Irvine Co. when he started building the house in the Newport Beach community in 1958. He was intent on creating the landmark estate for himself on a promontory at the entrance to Newport Harbor, but he died in 1959, three months before the house was completed.
Donald Washburn, then head of 7 Up Bottling Co., and his wife, Geneva, or “Gene,” bought the home a year later. After adding their decorative touches, they hosted many Republican gatherings there. Among the guests was Ronald Reagan.
After her husband died, Gene Washburn continued to live in the house until she died in 1987.
The next owners were Don and Marlys Byerly. He is the founder and former chairman of Byerly’s, an upscale Minnesota supermarket chain known for its in-store restaurants and carpeted, chandelier-lighted aisles. Semiretired, the Byerlys bought the house in 1988 to remodel.
The project took six years. They expanded the house from 12,000 to 20,000 square feet and added a theater, three kitchens, an underground garage and a motor court. They sold the home in 2000 so they could scale down.
The buyers were Rick Aversano, a former entrepreneur in the high-tech industry, and his wife, Wendy. He is retired. Even so, following the lead of previous owners, the Aversanos also renovated the home.
About this house: It’s more resort-like than Irvine perhaps envisioned. The house has a master bedroom wing with a gallery, office and his-and-hers baths and dressing rooms. For family or guests, there are two suites, one with a kitchen.
Asking price: $28 million
Size: The 20,000-square-foot house, mostly on one level, is on about 1.4 acres.
Features: There is a subterranean garage for as many as 16 cars, reached from the rest of the house by a commercial elevator. There is a theater with three-tiered seating for 12. There are ocean views from all the major rooms except the theater. There are gardens and terraces, a central courtyard and a free-form pool. Access to the house is by a 300-foot-long private drive.
Where: Corona del Mar
Listing agent: Rob Giem of Coldwell Banker, Newport Beach, (949) 718-1718, haleopauhana.com
To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, please send color interior and exterior photos on a CD with caption information and a description of the house, including what makes the property unusual, to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; or e-mail homeoftheweek @latimes.com.
