Take a break from the hustle and bustle and glitz and glamour of Los Angeles by heading an hour south to Laguna Beach, a small town with a huge arts influence. Over three million people vacation to Laguna each year, but only 25,000 can call it their home.

"Laguna has the best beaches, the best weather, the best restaurants and the best shopping," says Lee Ann Canaday of the Canaday Group and broker/owner of RE/MAX Fine Homes. "On top of that, we have a great arts community." Lee Ann says Laguna Beach is a haven for artists, especially during the summer when the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters start, which have been part of their community since 1932.

Since Laguna Beach covers seven miles of coastline, the majority of homes are seated on or across from the beach, like the Hershey Estate, which Lee Ann represents. The late chocolate-manufacturer Milton Hersey used it as his vacation home.

The 5,800-square-foot estate boasts six bedrooms, including a home theater, and six bathrooms, while the living room, dining room and master bedroom all have balconies to enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific.

When the estate underwent a major renovation in 2001, limestone flooring was used throughout the home, and the custom-made gourmet kitchen was decorated with limestone counters, hand-carved edges and hand-painted murals. The addition of its 4-car garage during these renovations makes the estate stand apart from others Lee Ann says, because "you'd never get that much parking in this area."

Other perks of the Hershey Estate include being within walking distance from the beach and the Village of Laguna Beach where all the restaurants and shops are located, and Lee Ann believes that just adds to the relaxing lifestyle. "Living here is like you're constantly on vacation."

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