How one couple designed the life and home of their dreams at The Towers
The Towers is home to residents who are all unique. However, when Steve and Jayme Torres started to look for their dream home, it was undeniable that they were an anomaly as they toured the Towers. They were a lot younger than the other residents. They were also looking at a unit with minimal square footage.
But Steve and Jayme couldn’t resist the pull they felt to the Towers. The view, the amenities and the close-to-the-beach location were enough. Steve and Jayme bought their 625-square-foot unit and started to build the life they wanted.
THE DREAM STARTS WITH VALUE
“When we discovered the Towers, the value immediately stood out,” Jayme said. The couple always knew they wanted to retire close to the ocean, but they weren’t looking to take on a large mortgage. Instead, they wanted a home they could manage while still keeping up with their professional obligations and personal travel.
“The price point of the units made living this close to the ocean attainable,” Jayme recalled. “When we looked at the bigger picture, the community simply made sense.” Association dues at the Towers take care of a lot of typical expenses—housekeeping, dining, maintenance, amenities, activities, clubs and plenty of events to stay engaged. Steve and Jayme sat down to do the math and realized that there were few places they could live this close to the ocean that had convenience and community at the price of the Towers. Six months after touring, the Torres family bought their Towers home.
CREATIVITY IN ACTION
Downsizing to 625 square feet is a challenge for anyone, and both Steve and Jayme wondered whether they could truly adjust to a minimalist lifestyle. Enamored by the treetop view of their new Towers home, they worked on making the most of every inch. Contractors got started right away and ripped the unit down to its studs. It was a blank slate where Steve and Jayme could design their ideal cozy home with plenty of storage and room to entertain.
“By opening up the space and removing walls, we were able to dramatically expand what is truly a million-dollar view,” Steve said. “Now, our floor-to- ceiling panoramic glass doors frame breathtaking views of Laguna Canyon, the mountains, wooded hillsides, downtown Irvine and even snow on distant peaks. Whether we’re inside or outside, it always feels like we’re living in nature.”
Design elements like a Murphy bed and a custom-designed Murphy dining table have transformed the space. Steve and Jayme also worked to design floor-to-ceiling storage in the living room that looks like a wall, which allows them to keep everything organized and off the floor while maintaining their clean, modern aesthetic.
Their passion to turn their unit into their dream home allowed them to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. They were ready to let go of anything that didn’t matter to them, choosing to keep what was important—their books, Steve’s guitars and vinyl collection, and a few cherished family heirlooms. One step into their home and it’s easy to realize that minimalist doesn’t mean boring. Instead, the curated and intentional home is full of personal details unique to Steve and Jayme.
THE AGE FACTOR
With Steve and Jayme significantly younger than the average Towers resident, they were naturally nervous about how they would fit in. Would they be able to find friends they could share stories, life and a glass of wine with? The answer was a resounding yes.
Both Steve and Jayme have formed meaningful friendships with their Towers neighbors, with ages ranging from 60 to 100! Getting active and involved in community events and meals has been the best way for Steve and Jayme to strike up a conversation and meet someone new. Themed dinners, like a recent Titanic-inspired event, along with cocktail hours and live music performances, have become a staple in the Torres calendar.
“Honestly, there are moments when it feels like we’re living on a cruise ship,” Steve said. “That comparison feels especially fitting since we’re in the travel business and have always dreamed of living on a cruise ship full-time. In many ways, we’ve found that dream—just on land.”
A LIFESTYLE MEANT TO BE
Steve and Jayme have settled into their cruise ship lifestyle and have truly found home at the Towers. They especially love the amenities available as they no longer need to give time and mental energy to chores like grocery shopping, cooking or cleaning. Instead, they can focus on their businesses while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle.
Even better, they can always count on the fact that when they are at the Towers, they are taken care of. “One of the things we value most is the peace of mind,” Steve said. Their travel businesses often take one of them away at a time for a trip, and at the Towers, there’s no need to plan meals in advance or worry about daily logistics. “Everything is handled,” he said.
Steve and Jayme prove that you’re never too young to enjoy the lifestyle, home and view of your dreams.