BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – If you’ve driven past 255 Panorama Drive and wondered what is taking so long in terms of construction, we have the answer.
This remarkably habitable structure, characterized by contemporary geometric designs, has undergone multiple phases of development over a span of 22 years – yet its conclusion is now in view. Spanning an area of 6,760 square feet, this residence is finally finished and available for purchase.
In 2003, Dr. Jorge Enriquez, a surgeon from Bakersfield, purchased the property and immediately set about working on what was officially classified as a renovation. However, life had other plans.
He and his Bolivian spouse Carla had to take a break during the economic downturns from 2007-2008 and later during the pandemic years of 2020-2022. The 22-year span was never part of their plan.
“I put in a lot of effort,” Enriquez stated. “The main reason I wasn’t able to complete it was due to work commitments; I am incredibly swamped. It becomes unmanageable trying to juggle everything, making it nearly impossible. Meanwhile, our children grew up, becoming adults themselves. Eventually, they moved out. My spouse and I started wondering what we should do with such an expansive home.”
After almost 25 years: Put it up for sale. The asking price for the four-bedroom, five-bathroom mansion directly opposite Panorama linear park on Panorama Drive: $1.2 million.
Julissa Menacho of the Realty One Group, the listing agent, said the house would be worth much more elsewhere in California.
“I was checking comps in the (San Fernando) Valley, and we’re talking about around $6 (million), $7 million. And if we go farther, like Hollywood, Bel Aire, it would be at least $11 million.”
However, this location boasts everything from marble to onyx, granite, lofty ceilings, and distinctive corners.
Enriquez sought after something striking that reflected his roots in Mexico City.
“I met a renowned architect surnamed Legoretta. The architect has unfortunately passed away. This individual designed houses globally,” he mentioned.
That’s the renowned Basque-Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Enriquez enlisted two Los Angeles-based followers of Legorreta, Bill Bernstein and Carlos Subieta, to design his residence. The backyard was crafted by Bolivian architect-designer Christian Terrazas.
Throughout the years, the house has sparked active conversations on social media.
And they leave remarks,” Enriquez said with a laugh. “On Instagram. There are numerous comments.
The home features an independent office, a professional-grade kitchen, a spacious living area, and abundant natural illumination.
Every decent 6,000 square foot mansion needs, of course, a wine cellar. This one is complete and ready to go, with everything except, well, the wine.
A few leftovers from the initial occupants remain, such as a brick storage shed in the backyard. The 1.5-acre property is still being developed.
There is an unfinished kiddie pool, attached to an unfinished adult pool, complete with bar stools for the swim-up bar. Behind it is the poured, plumbed foundation for a gym and 12 feet to the left, the foundation for what Enriquez describes as a coffee shop. All the buyer needs to do is finish it.
The incomplete grounds are included in the deal, but not in the price. They’re not allowed, per real estate law, to factor it into the home’s value since it’s not complete. So, for a buyer with the means to finish this project, it’s quite a deal.
And it’s yours for $1.2 million. It just might be nice to invite the Enriquezes over for a barbecue so they can enjoy their dream house at least once.
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