Submitted by Gladstone Public Relations:
The acquisition of Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course was announced today by a private investment group led by lifetime Laguna Beach resident and community leader Mark Christy. Laguna Beach Golf & Bungalow Village, LLC purchased the property from Aliso Creek Properties, LLC, which has owned the property since 2004. The purchase price was not disclosed.
According to Christy, “Our investment group is primarily comprised of local, like-minded individuals who share a deep love and respect for this iconic property.” He added, “My partners and I feel fortunate to be a part of something that we believe will be an integral part of the fabric of Laguna for generations to come, and we’re committed to keeping the public 9-hole course focused on serving area locals and visitors alike.
He continued, “There is something genuinely magical and timeless about this natural setting. A friend aptly describes it as ‘Yosemite in Laguna.’ I really don’t believe that there is anything comparable in Southern California. With that in mind, we plan to preserve its integrity while embracing the future.”
Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course features a 62-room hotel, a public 9-hole golf course and a 15,000-foot restaurant/meeting facility, all with sweeping views of verdant Aliso Canyon and the golf course. The 87-acre property has attracted loyal hotel guests and golfers for more than 60 years thanks to its scenic beauty and exceptional location. The property is situated between two natural treasures; Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park to the north and Aliso Beach and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
“This property holds a special place in my heart,” said Christy. “My late father taught me to play golf on these fairways when I was about eight years old. Years later, I taught my own son the game on this course, and it is still our “go to” spot when we need quality time together.”
Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course’s history dates back to 1871 when homesteaders George and Sarah Thurston staked claim to the site. The Thurston family lived on the property for the next 50 years. In the late 1940s, William “Bill” Bryant purchased the property and began construction of the 9-hole golf course, which opened in 1950. The property changed hands when Ben Brown purchased the site in 1956. Over the next 10 years, Brown developed his vision for the “Laguna Beach Country Club & Village,” consisting of a hotel, restaurant and golf shop. After Ben passed away in 1970, his wife Violet managed the property for more than 30 years until she sold it to Aliso Creek Properties, LLC in 2004.
Under the continued leadership of current General Manager Kurt Bjorkman, a team of 50 associates serve hotel guests and golfers, including coordinating weddings, meetings and events.
Anthony Malk of Eastdil Secured, a national real estate brokerage and investment company, represented Aliso Creek Properties, LLC in this transaction.
About Laguna Beach Golf & Bungalow Village, LLC: Laguna Beach Golf & Bungalow Village, LLC was formed to purchase Aliso Creek Inn and Golf Course. Mark Christy serves as managing member.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
