April 15--Has America cooled to the vacation house? A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors showed that vacation-home sales in 2015 dropped 18.5% from the previous year. Still, the estimated 920,000 sales figure remains the second-highest in nearly a decade. Here's a look at homes for sale for about $700,000 in popular vacation spots around Southern California.
PALM SPRINGS
Brushed aluminum floors and walls of glass doors and windows lend a polished look to this Midcentury Modern-style home in the Tahquitz River Estates neighborhood.
Address: 853 S. Riverside Drive, Palm Springs, 92264
Listed for: $689,000 for three bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms in 2,020 square feet (10,019-square-foot)
Features: Two master bedrooms; 48-foot lap swimming pool
About the area: In the 92264 ZIP Code, based on 22 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in February was $582,000, up 15.0% from February 2015, according to CoreLogic.
BIG BEAR LAKE
Built in 2007, this Traditional-style home gets cozy with an outdoor fireplace and covered patio.
Address: 267 Meadow Circle North, Big Bear, 92315
Listed for: $699,900 for four bedrooms, 3.75 bathrooms in 3,194 square feet (9,360-square-foot lot)
Features: Distressed wood floors; granite countertops; boat slip
About the area: In the 92315 ZIP Code, based on nine sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in February was $300,000, up 15.4% from February 2015, according to CoreLogic.
OJAI
This custom Craftsman-style house features a great room with clerestory windows and vaulted ceilings.
Address: 10808 Creek Road, Ojai, 93023
Listed for: $729,000 three bedrooms, two bathrooms in 1,732 square feet (0.41-acre lot)
Features: Front porch entry; brick-lined patio; mature trees
About the area: In the 93023 ZIP Code, based on 21 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in February was $638,000, up 24.6% from February 2015, according to CoreLogic.
PASO ROBLES
The Tuscan-inspired home in gated Ventana Estates has a rustic touch with new wood floors, warming hues and two fireplaces.
Address: 814 Hacienda Circle, Paso Robles, 93446
Listed for: $685,000 for four bedrooms, three bathrooms in 2,712 square feet (0.38-acre lot)
Features: Open-plan living areas; covered patio; drought-tolerant landscaping
About the area: In Paso Robles, based on 61 sales, the median sales price for combined single-family home and condominiums sales in February was $419,000, up 11.7% from February 2015, according to CoreLogic.
CARLSBAD
Set behind gates in Aviara, an affluent neighborhood, this Spanish-inspired home features updated interiors with granite countertops and travertine and bamboo floors.
Address: 7280 Surfbird Circle, Carlsbad, 92011
Listed for: $715,000 for three bedrooms, three bathrooms in 1,705 square feet
Features: Master suite with fireplace; patio with built-in barbecue
About the area: In the 92011 ZIP Code, based on 16 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in February was $750,000, down 14% from February 2015, according to CoreLogic.
SANTA BARBARA
Roses and fruit trees lend to the curb appeal of this charming 1920s cottage in the San Roque neighborhood.
Address: 3015 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara, 93105
Listed for: $685,000 for two bedrooms, one bathroom in 1,960 square feet (6,969-square-foot lot)
Features: Period details; living room with tiled fireplace; covered patio/deck
About the area: In the 93105 ZIP Code, based on 12 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in February was $1.105 million, up 3.7% from February 2015, according to CoreLogic.
-- Neal J. Leitereg
