"A few years ago, my husband of nearly 10 years, Paul and I dreamed of building a custom home. We had a plan to start from scratch and begin construction on our empty lot in Rancho Santa Fe. We envisioned being a part of every detail. But reality kicked in and we quickly realized that designing a home on an unoccupied dirt lot was going to consume much of our time and energy. With demanding careers, two young children, one in preschool, we wanted to find a place to call home before our children started school but not create unnecessary stress and demands on our family.

In summer 2015, Paul and I turned to California West, San Diego’s most reputable homebuilder, to help bring our new home dreams to life. Instead of spending countless hours with contractors and construction workers, we worked with the California West design team to ensure that our home had a high-level of design sophistication and a sense of individuality.

Our five-bedroom Tuscan Mediterranean-inspired residence is an entertainment magnet for family and friends, thanks to wide-open, indoor/outdoor living spaces and intimate gathering areas. Our high ceilings keep our home cool during hot summer days, without air conditioning! There is no greater feeling than to see my children’s faces enjoying our new home, especially when the light washes through our courtyard.

Outside of work running our real estate company, Paul and I train for triathlons for leisure. When searching for a home, our surroundings were just as important as the details. At Upper Cielo, Paul and I no longer have gym memberships—the amenities in our neighborhood include an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, and even a playground for the kids. We are driving distance from the beach, the hills and trails are great for long runs and bike rides.

Choosing a home is no easy task when your career revolves around real estate. Paul has worked in both the real estate acquisition and sales and the construction and remodeling fields. And as an investor and realtor, my passion for real estate is undeniable. In 2013, Paul and I sold more homes than any other agent in San Diego. We have dedicated our careers to finding exceptional deals for clients and selling homes quickly. So when it was time to find a home for the Center of my World, my family—teaming up with California West was the best decision for us."

-Emily Hervieux