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n early 2025 a massive fire tore through the Pacific Palisades, leaving Huntington’s tree‑lined streets scarred and families scattered across California. The disaster turned the area into a patchwork of charred lots, insurance disputes, and a sudden need for new homes.
The first fully built residence to hit the market near The Village—a local hub in Huntington—since the blaze is more than a listing; it is a benchmark. 565 Toyopa Drive, now on the market for $12.75 million through Jacqueline Chernov of Beverly Hills Estates, arrives at a pivotal moment. The house was already under construction before the fire, avoiding the delays that now plague most builds in the neighborhood.
Spanning over 8,000 square feet across three levels, the modern estate sets a reference point for post‑fire pricing. Chernov acknowledges the scrutiny: “It’s a bold move because we need to set the price. Everyone’s looking at us to see how far the community has dropped in value since the fire.” She notes that investors are eager to put money into the area, but the key question remains: “What’s the end price?”
The home’s design follows a warm palette of walnut, oak, limewash, and Roman clay, with dark walnut millwork on the main floor that lightens to oak on the upper levels. Venetian‑style textures and tall openings flood the interior with natural light. At the heart of the main level sits a chef’s kitchen equipped with a Sub‑Zero/Wolf suite, Taj Mahal stone, custom cabinetry, and a hidden appliance pantry. The kitchen flows into dining and living spaces that open through oversized sliders to a pool, spa, and lounge.
Downstairs, a theater, a gym with a steam room, and an Emperador marble bar showcase the high‑amenity trend defining Westside luxury. The grounds feature a rare 150‑year‑old heritage tree, preserved and landscaped as a natural anchor.
While Toyopa is the first new‑construction home near The Village to debut fully built, another property—766 Paseo Miramar—was listed at $54 million last summer before price cuts brought it to $29.95 million, where it remains unsold. That home, also featuring walnut‑to‑oak interiors and a chef’s kitchen, was priced below its estimated $15 million value to support a community still recovering. Developer Yaniv Nehemia said, “We’re trying to give back to the community.”
With few comparable sales, Toyopa’s price may influence how buyers value raw land, rebuild potential, and the premium of avoiding a multi‑year construction slog. Chernov, who lost two houses in the Palisades, sees the sale as a market tone‑setter: “We’re going to be looked at as the baseline.” She also recalls hosting an annual Turkey Trot after the fires that drew over 2,000 runners past the burn scars, a testament to the community’s resilience.
The property boasts nine bathrooms and a range of luxury amenities. For buyers who don’t want to endure years of permitting and living elsewhere, this home offers a shortcut—keys now, not in 2028. Nehemia explains the ask is purposefully restrained: “Prior to the fire, we wished we would get $15 million. So now we’re giving them a discount… we’re trying to give back to the community.”
Fire‑resistance measures have also shifted. The build incorporates a new Rockwell system that is fire‑ and waterproof, HardieBacker cement board, and explores rooftop sprinkler systems for future projects. Nehemia, who has sold many homes in the area, expresses confidence that the neighborhood will rebound: “I love the people there… I’m confident it’s going to bounce back up and be the best place in California.”
Chernov, a long‑time resident, notes that since the fires her clients have gone to all different places, but most want to return and can’t find what they had in the Palisades elsewhere. She sees the sale not only as price discovery but as proof of life: “We’re setting the bar of what prices should sell for moving forward. Being the first one out of the gate with all eyes on you—that’s what this story is about.”