Resort style retreat in Kaneohe
I don't know why I'm surprised to find sprawling estates in rural areas; these are ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of metro Honolulu. This particular estate in Kaneohe (Kaalea, to be exact) fits the bill for a company or personal retreat.
The lot is two acres, filled with lush, tropical landscaping to shut out the sights and sounds of the urban jungle. In fact, the only house visible from the home is 200 feet away, and can be seen through one of the bathroom windows.
The 4,100-square-foot home was built in 1990 and remodeled in 2010, so it has many modern touches in addition to its dramatic architecture. It's set 600 feet off Kamehameha Hwy. for more privacy.
Since the residence is three stories high, the living room features floor-to-ceiling picture windows to emphasize the view. Other than the one home that can be seen from the bathroom, most rooms have a panoramic view to the ocean-you can even see it from the office, which has a backdrop of a bank of windows on the other side so you can opt to work with a view of the gardens.
The pool and spa are also separated from the house by more foliage for additional privacy, although you can get a glimpse of it from the edge of the 2,000-square-foot open parking deck. (Click here for more details.)
It's an unusual place for an unusual home, but it's a good hideaway from city life. Hear that, Alex O'Loughlin?
Money talk: $1,945,000 fee simple
Contact: Martin McGee, 858-459-1913
