See it: Inventor of Fashion Ruler sewing tool selling Maui mountaintop home at $12.8M
If this isn’t living in paradise, it’s pretty close.
A beautiful home on 6 acres against the backdrop of the West Maui Mountains — with sweeping views of Central Maui and both the northern and southern coasts — is for sale for $12.8 million.
The seller is Leona Wilson, a one-time national spokeswoman for the home sewing industry, according to real estate firm brokerage Hawaii Life. Known as Lona’s Ridge (Wilson’s nickname is Lona), the property sits 1,200-feet above sea level.
Wilson is the founder of Fashionetics, which manufactures sewing supplies such as color wheels, tracing tools and pincushions, according to the property’s marketing materials. She invented the Fashion Ruler, a tool still used today that allows seamstresses at home to alter dress patterns to suit their own figures.
Lona’s Ridge is tied to Maui history and tradition. The land has been blessed by Kahu, Hawaiian pastors or ministers, and Kumus, who teach cultural practices, are invited to the property to pick Puakenikeni flowers for leis, according to a spokesperson for Hawaii Life.
The home was built in 2008. Leona Wilson, who is now retired, purchased the acreage with her late husband Bill Wilson, who owned Vogue-Butterick.
The property showcases sustainable gardens and is home to an array of gorgeous wildlife, including peacocks, turkeys and ducks. A large orchard produces papayas, bananas, limes, grapefruit, Buddha’s hand citrus and other fruit.
“The gardens include native species that support a sustainable future, including over 300 prized Koa and Koa’ia trees, as well as 25 gorgeous Ohia Lehua which contribute towards preserving cultural traditions,” according to the official property listing.
Wilson, an advocate of education, has regularly hosted groups of Maui schoolchildren at her home.
“The property embodies the aloha spirit of island lifestyle with maximum privacy,” according to the listing.
The palatial residence, spanning 8,000 square feet with five bedrooms and a total of six bathrooms, was designed by Nishikawa Architects, who was influenced by the iconic work of C.W. Dickey, and earned the BIA Hawaii’s 2016 Grand Award for design excellence.
The two-story home features arched windows, a porte-cochère and four-car garage. Every downstairs room opens to the outdoors and the commanding views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainside.
Other features include a gourmet kitchen, ipe wood flooring, gas fireplace, custom chandeliers and an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, jacuzzi and gardens.
Lona’s Ridge can be used as a venue for celebrations, television shows and corporate events, according to Hawaii Life. The home comes with permits for filming TV shows and movies. Reality TV dating show “Temptation Island” was filmed there , as well as the 2020 movie “Aloha Surf Hotel.”
The listing agent is Josh Jerman of Hawaii Live.
This story was originally published November 25, 2022 at 12:07 PM.
