AllCo-owningBuyingOwner storiesHousing marketVacation home destinationsAgents

“This was our dream house”: How Pacaso helped one couple turn a lifelong goal into reality

Pacaso Icon for profile pictures
Pacaso's Editorial Team
February 26, 2026
Family walking hand-in-hand down a paves sidewalk with one woman holding a infant child.
For Nina and Kristian Giordano, owning a beach home in San Diego was never just about real estate. It was about creating a place where their family could slow down, reconnect, and build memories that would last for generations.
Years ago, during the pandemic, they were staying in a rental near the water. One afternoon, sitting quietly on a balcony, Kristian noticed the beautiful home next door.At that moment, something clicked. Kristian recalls thinking to himself, “Somehow, some way, we’re going to make this happen.”At the time, it felt unrealistic. The home was listed for millions, far outside what they imagined was possible. Still, the idea stayed with them. It became part of their story — a shared dream they carried forward.Years later, Nina stumbled upon the same house while browsing listings. This time, the price looked different. As they researched further, they discovered Pacaso and learned about co-ownership.Suddenly, what once felt impossible felt achievable.“This was our dream house,” Nina says. “And it’s been a dream of ours forever.”

A home that fits real life

Living just 15 minutes away in La Mesa, Nina and Kristian didn’t want a vacation home that pulled them away from their everyday responsibilities. With four kids, school schedules, sports practices, and family routines were always part of their lives.What they wanted was balance. And with their Pacaso home, they found it.They can spend the night by the beach, wake up to ocean air, and still make it back in time for school drop-offs and afternoon practices. There’s no pressure to “make the most” of every trip, no long drives, no complicated planning.“We love staycations, and I feel like that’s what our Pacaso home feels like. But it also feels like home.”It’s a place where vacation and real life blend together naturally.Every time Nina walks through the front door, she feels it.“The first thing I do is open those doors and just kind of a relief, a sigh.”The view, the light, and the quiet immediately shift her mindset.“You feel like you’re miles away. In reality, we’re 15 minutes from home.”Watch the video to hear what else Nina and Kristian love about their San Diego beach second home.

Where family always finds its way back

Family has always been the foundation of Nina and Kristian’s lives.“Family is the main reason I exist,” Kristian says.With four children and now a grandchild, their Pacaso home has naturally become the place everyone gravitates toward. It’s where birthdays are celebrated, holidays unfold, and spontaneous weekends turn into cherished memories.Cousins arrive together. Kids bring friends. Aunts and uncles drop by. The house fills with voices, laughter, and shared meals.Big dinners stretch late into the evening. Barbecues turn into all-day gatherings. Beach walks become group adventures. No one feels rushed. No one feels like a guest.“It really, truly feels like home,” Nina says.What they treasure most is the quality of time they spend together.“It’s different here. Quality time with your family is what’s most important. This is creating everlasting memories.”

Everyday moments that become traditions

Some of the Giordanos’ favorite memories are built around simple rituals.On warm afternoons, Kristian fires up the grill, and kids run in and out of the house while music plays in the background. As evening comes, everyone gathers around the fire pit to roast marshmallows and tell stories.During the summer, nights often end on the rooftop. From there, they can see fireworks from SeaWorld San Diego lighting up the sky across the bay.“We set timers and race upstairs,” Nina says. “Watching fireworks from your own house is pretty magical.”Inside, the home offers just as much comfort.After long days filled with activity, everyone finds their own way to relax. Some curl up with a book on the balcony, while others head to their rooms. Nina often retreats to the primary bathroom for a quiet bubble bath.“After a long, busy day, everybody has a place to relax and unwind.”The home is designed for both connection and privacy — large enough to gather, yet intimate enough to feel personal.

A sense of calm you can feel

Their primary home is where life happens: early mornings, packed lunches, work calls, homework, and responsibilities. Their Pacaso home is where life slows.“At home, you’re in your routine,” Nina explains. “Here, you walk in and feel like you’re on vacation.”The calm here feels intentional. It’s built into the layout, the light, the view, and the atmosphere. It invites them to pause.“The sense of calm is very different than walking into a house with kids running around.”Even arrival feels effortless.They don’t worry about restocking supplies, cleaning, or repairs. Everything is prepared when they arrive.“I literally bring clothes and that’s it,” Kristian says. “You show up and you’re home.”That simplicity allows them to focus entirely on being present.

Opening the door to new experiences with Pacaso Global Swap

What started as a beach retreat soon became something more.Through Pacaso’s Global Swap feature, Nina and Kristian began traveling in ways they never expected. In just one year, they stayed in Pacaso homes in Paris, Jackson Hole, Lake Arrowhead, and Newport Beach.Each destination brought new perspectives, and these experiences have reshaped how they think about the future..“It’s like owning 10 homes instead of one,” Kristian says. “Paris really opened our eyes,” he adds. “It showed us what the next 10, 20, 30 years could look like.”As Kristian steps into semi-retirement and their children become more independent, the access they get with Pacaso Global Swap has become a meaningful way for them to reconnect as a couple.

“Family time. Family memories. Forever.”

For the Giordanos, Pacaso isn’t just about owning a beautiful property. It’s about how that property fits seamlessly into and enriches their lives.It’s about arriving without stress, gathering everyone in one place, slowing down together, and making space for what matters.When asked to describe their experience, their answer comes easily.“Family time. Family memories. Forever.”From a dream sparked on a balcony to a home filled with generations of laughter, Nina and Kristian’s Pacaso story is about building a legacy of connection — one weekend, one trip, and one memory at a time.Pacaso makes second home ownership enjoyable and possible for families looking to spend more quality time together. Explore our listings today.

Recommended homes for you

Sign up

Get the latest insights and tips.