Back to basics

South OC is largely a bedroom community within a bedroom community, but that doesn't mean you can't find some off-the-beaten-path properties in the nearby canyon areas if you're looking for a little solitude, or the chance to be more in tune with nature.

Tip: If you ever head out to Trabuco Canyon, be sure to make a reservation to eat at this neat steak house - a place Nixon chowed down at. Oh, and don't wear a tie (people who have been there and have seen the hanging ties know what I'm talking about).

Here are some properties for sale that bust out of the tract house mold and let you live the simple life...if you dare.

17451 South Olive Hill Rd, Orange, 92676
Price: $299,900
Size: 1 bed, 1 bath, 700 sq ft
MLS: S500917 (208 days on Redfin)
Area: Modjeska Canyon
Purchase price: $225,000
Description: Charming Cottage in Modjeska Canyon!Plenty of room for two. Recent Remodel includes New plush Shaw carpeting, nu kitch & bath tile floor, int & ext paint and ceiling fans. New stove. Washer/Dryer included. Spacious bedroom with office area & Lg walk in closet. Cozy knotty pine interior. Flagstone front patio. Covered porch. 2 car parking. Lg storage shed. More storage under home. Views of Saddleback Mountains. Near National Forest, historic Modjeska House, Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, hiking & biking trails.
Comment: This property was last purchased back in 2003. A sale at the current asking price would net $56,906 after 6% sales costs and before deducting the cost of renovation (was the "nu kitch" part of it?).

14914 Mountain View, Orange, 92676
Price: $399,000
Size: 1 bed, 1 bath, 673 sq ft
MLS: P616338 (59 days on Redfin)
Area: Silverado Canyon
Description: Beautifully remodeled and restored cabin with updated plumbing, electrical, septic, roof, paint, kitchen, bathroom and flooring. Floorplan has one bedroom plus second sleeping section with sliding wall for a second bed area. Spacious wooded lot has mature oaks and peaceful views. Near National Forest with miles of hiking and biking trails.
Comment: As you prepare to enter this place, don't forget to wave to the deer head over a nearby window. Classic.

28242 Bytha Way, Orange, 92676
Price: $450,000
Size: 2 beds, 1.75 baths, 800 sq ft
MLS: P553540 (430 days on Redfin)
Area: Silverado Canyon
Description: Convenience, privacy and possibilities this recently painted 2 bedroom 1.75 bath home offers all three. Conveniently located close to the cafe, store and post office. Privacy in the totally fenced oversized lot and possibilites with the potential to expand, keep a horse, store an RV or just relax and enjoy the ambience of Silverado Canyon with the riding and hiking trails.
Comment: We're not sure how much this property last sold for, but were surprised to see this place dates back all the way to 1928. We wouldn't be surprised if the stove in one of the photos were original to the house.

28022 Williams Canyon, Orange, 92676
Price: $3,450,000
Size: 4 beds, 6 baths, 5,400 sq ft
MLS: S523680 (5 days on Redfin)
Area: Silverado Canyon
Purchase price: $1,480,000
Description: Williams Springs Estates, Tuscan model home custom single story, cross your very own bridge to your 4 acre estate. Nestled in this canyon a testament to the builders foresight and planning the fire left this canyon intact and the rest of our 6 homes to be built will be built with the same state of the art safety. Design your own and we build or we will design for you. Six 4 acre parcels 2 with plans ready to build.
Comment: For the well-to-do outdoorsy person or captain of industry who could care less about any sort of commute - those are for losers, after all.