Welcome Home
Perched in the peaceful hills of North Tustin, 10551 Hillsboro Road has been our sanctuary. A place where sunrises light up the Los Angeles skyline and sunsets glow over Catalina Island. Parrots soar overhead at dusk, and on clear nights, we often sit outside and watch the moon rise over the hills.
A property with a fascinating history, this home was originally built by a Korean War Air Force pilot turned homebuilder and later became the cherished residence of Robert Lawrence Balzer, the legendary Los Angeles Times wine critic. In 2015, we began a full-scale renovation with the goal of creating our forever home. By 2017, the rebuild was complete—preserving only a portion of the original framing, reinforced and brought up to code. Every detail was reimagined with care, craftsmanship, and longevity in mind.
Throughout the home, clean lines, natural materials, and modern comforts blend seamlessly. Wide doorways, a wheelchair-accessible ensuite, smooth-finish walls, Kolbe windows, and porcelain tile floors all reflect a thoughtful design. We rebuilt the pool, added a spa, and landscaped with native plants, mature fruit trees, and discreet fire-conscious features including three 90-foot hoses and smart irrigation. Technology and timeless elements coexist here. Hunter Douglas electric shades, a smart security system, eight-camera surveillance, wired networking, and custom steel features. The Japanese Gorintou and toro lanterns offer a quiet sense of grounding and reflection in the garden.
This home has brought us peace, pride, and deep connection. We’ve cherished our time here, and we hope the next owners will feel just as inspired by this extraordinary place.
Warmly, Gary & Kay Jaacks
Legacy Through The Years
Robert Lawrence Balzer
10551 Hillsboro Rd was once the residence of Robert Lawrence Balzer, a legendary figure in the world of wine and one of California’s most influential wine critics. Known for his poetic writing and larger-than-life personality, Balzer was a pioneer in wine journalism, helping to shape public appreciation for California wines long before they gained global acclaim.
From 1964 to 1995, he wrote a widely read wine column for The Los Angeles Times and published over a dozen books, including Balzer’s Book of Wines and Spirits and Wines of California. A true Renaissance man, Balzer’s life included time as a wine merchant, restaurateur, actor, and even a Buddhist monk. He was known for his deep knowledge, vivid storytelling, and decades-long contributions to wine education, including teaching at the Queen Mary and leading international wine tours well into his 90s.
Balzer was also beloved in the industry for bringing winemakers and wine lovers together in a welcoming, inclusive way. As Wine Spectator’s Marvin Shanken once said, he was “California’s first truly great wine writer.” Balzer made Orange County his home for nearly 50 years, and this property holds a meaningful place in the story of a man who brought California wine to the world stage.
Architectually-Designed Interior
The space unfolds beneath soaring wood-paneled ceilings and generous skylights that usher natural light through walls of glass, framing lush greenery and distant vistas. A sculptural stone fireplace anchors the living area, while the open-plan kitchen and dining area invite effortless gatherings. Every detail embodies calm elegance and purposeful intent, shaping an environment that is both beautiful and highly livable.
Form Meets Function
Every element in this space is crafted to make life both beautiful and effortless. Thoughtful proportions and intuitive layouts ensure cooking flows seamlessly—from the central island that doubles as a gathering spot to the sleek cabinetry that conceals clever storage. Natural light pours in through expansive windows, highlighting premium finishes and artisanal touches. Here, art and utility come together in perfect balance so every meal feels as inspired as it is efficient.
Luxury & Serenity In Perfect Harmony
Soft morning light streams through panoramic windows to bathe each room in a warm glow, from the serene bedroom nook to the spa-inspired bathroom oasis. Rich wood tones and natural stone details carry through every space—melding the intimate indoor areas with the sun-drenched pool terrace and sweeping hilltop views beyond. The result is a cohesive retreat of effortless luxury and calm, where every corner invites quiet reflection and seamless living.
