Francois Leclair, 15-year owner of Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, handed over the keys to the new owners of the historic Laguna Beach landmark inn last week.
Casa Laguna will be managed by PRG Investment and Management Inc. of Los Angeles for the new owners, Villa Carlotta LLC, the OC Business Journal reported last week.
Originally built as a motor inn in 1945, Casa Laguna Motel opened in 1946 and was operated almost continuously as a motel until 1978, when it was converted into a bed and breakfast inn. Two buildings on the southerly section of the property, built in 1920 as an addition to historic Rockledge Estate, also became part of the motel complex.
In February 2000, local businessmen and partners Paul Blank and Leclair purchased the property, and a careful restoration began. Layers of paint were removed from the unique pressed bricks and rare Catalina tiles. Modern materials were replaced with wood and masonry matching the period construction. With its Mission-style appearance restored, Casa Laguna Inn was recognized as a registered historic structure by the city of Laguna Beach.
Since then, its garden atmosphere, scrumptious breakfasts and green practices won acclaim, awards and top ratings from travelers.
“I consider Casa Laguna one of my greatest achievements and I will miss the very special people from our team who, with their dedication to service, made this such a special place, said a statement from Leclair, who bought out Blank’s share in 2009.
Leclair, of Canada, was spending less time in Laguna in part because of his investment in a Mercedes dealership in Montreal, said spokesman Henry Mace. His wife, Kathryn Mace, was the inn’s manager and managing partner under Leclair’s ownership.
Irvine-based Atlas Hospitality Group brokered the deal for the hotel, which traded hands in 2000 for about $2.4 million, according to CoStar Group, a commercial property information company.
