For Elena Grant and Blaine Riley, living in Newport Center allows the couple to seamlessly enjoy careers in finance and a jet-set lifestyle. The couple travel the globe and could live anywhere. We discuss why they choose to live at Colony at Fashion Island.

Q: How long have you been Colony residents?
Riley: I moved here in the summer of 2018. Elena moved in separately, and we actually met here in the community about a year and a half later. A couple of friends introduced us.

Q: What originally attracted you to the community?
Riley: I’ve had an office in Fashion Island since 1984, so I was very familiar with the area. After owning a large home in Laguna Beach—which became a pain to maintain—I decided to get a condo. Most places I looked at had very small square footage, but these units have better space. The people are really friendly, and I’ve made dear friends here.
Grant: I sold my property on the other side of the bay and had just a few days to find an apartment. Someone recommended this property, and I fell in love.

Q: How is it to live in a city center?
Riley: I run a merchant bank in Newport Center and have been in investment banking for years. It’s a very entrepreneurial environment. That energy is why I’ve stayed for 40 years.
Grant: I love the safety and security here. It reminds me of living in Switzerland, but with a bigger lake.

Q: You both have a passion for travel. How does living here facilitate that lifestyle?
Riley: It’s all about convenience. We are close to the airport, which is crucial for my business and our travel. The convenience of John Wayne Airport makes weekend trips to Napa or skiing in Colorado much easier. You can fly right into the regional airports and be on the slopes or at the vineyard in minutes.
Grant: We travel extensively. But when we are here, we still have that resort feeling.

Q: You both downsized from larger properties. How has the transition been?
Grant: It is incredible. We have workers on the property all day taking care of the gardens. If you need to fix anything in your apartment, the response is immediate. No questions asked.
Riley: It allows us to just get away for a few days without worry. As you get older, you want to downsize the responsibilities, not necessarily the lifestyle.

Q: When you are home, do you take advantage of the walkability?
Grant: We love that we are close to everything. There are wonderful restaurants and entertainment within walking distance. We love Ocean 48, which is superb.
Riley: I can walk three blocks to my office. The location is perfect because it’s a city-center feel but without the challenges of living in a downtown area. It’s a friendly community where everyone gets along. For me, it’s about the weather, the entrepreneurial spirit and the ease of living. I’m happy here.