Developed in the early 1960s by the Ecke family, longtime ranchers and horticulturists, Lanikai Lane is a 14-acre coastal community with 146 homesites within a very short walk of Carlsbad State Beach.
Jim Joffe, who runs J&H Management and has been responsible for operating the all-ages community for nearly a decade, said the residents benefit from the broad business and hospitality experience of the owners, who continue in partnership with the city to operate the nearby Flower Fields, a global attraction.
Shane Joffe, Jim’s son, led a group of 28 manufactured housing professionals on a tour of the property while in the area for MHI’s Annual Meeting in late September.
“So when they do improvements here, they start from that perspective and move up from there,” Jim Joffe said.
The community has an eclectic array of homes, including quite a number of vintage homes that have undergone extensive renovation and expansion.
It is a unique setting that offers coastal views and access to all the activities on the long, wide strand: Swimming, surfing, fishing, camping, scuba diving, volleyball, and beach-combing. Carlsbad, in general, is one of the most desired leisure and retreat locations in Southern California.
He said the average annual resident turnover in the community is 7.5. During their decade of managing the property, more than 20 homes have been replaced. When a home within the community becomes available, it sells quickly. Recently sold homes at Lanikai Lane have gone for more than $400,000, and homesite rent averages $3,200 per month.
“I know that sounds like a lot, and it is in most settings, but you have to remember all of the other homes around us are multi-million dollar properties,” Shane Joffe said. “These are vacation homes for many people, but we do still have a good number of residents here who are living in their primary home.”
There are great views, particularly from some of the two-story homes. However, in recent years, the owners have limited the allowable height for new or remodeled homes as a matter of preserving sight lines for residents in the smaller homes.
J&H is family-owned and operated. It started in 1986, and now has nearly 60 employees, including about 10 who are related in some way to the ownership. One of the projects they helped manage was the installation of the gate at the front of the property.
“It’s just like the curb appeal for a home. You need that curb appeal with a community, too,” Shane Joffe said. “It just really sets the tone.”
Currently, J&H is looking to expand the pool area at Lanikai Lane. It will be placed further from the clubhouse and will incorporate fire pits, grilling stations, and added landscaping and common spaces.
Inside the clubhouse, there is a game room, library, grand fireplace, and a kitchen. One of the common areas on the prop-erty is a nicely tucked-away and landscaped sitting area with a bocce ball court.
“These owners are very committed to purchasing the right new homes when they need to replace the older homes,” Shane Joffee said. “And they’re a great example of how to create a valuable resident experience.”
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