The house, previously featured in Dream Homes San Diego, was a 12,203 square foot home which had been lovingly remodeled with numerous features including 140-year old solid maple flooring. The gated property combines the Olde World charm of a Mediterranean estate with the latest high tech appointments. One whimsical feature was a game room with its own concession stand.

This sale was hard fought, however, reflecting the difficult and uncertain real estate market. The home was first put on the market in 2006 for $18 million. However, the sellers even though they had an offer in hand changed their minds and took the home off the market.

The sellers had poured their heart and soul into remodeling and decorating the home so they had to be sure of their decision. Then, everyone knows what started to happen with the real estate market. In 2010 the sellers re-listed the home for $14.5 million. Gellens, a realtor with Prudential California, reports that there were 40 or 50 showings before that “special buyer” showed up. High priced homes, particularly in a difficult market, require realtors ready to go to any length to get the deal closed and that is what Gellens is noted for. Gellens works with her daughter, Marti Gellens.

Their website notes that in the past ten years they have closed $1.2 billion in real estate sales and have been ranked number one in the nation by Prudential twice during that time. In October, the “special buyer” showed up and 30 days later the house was sold.

As if the achievement of making the biggest home sale in San Diego wasn’t enough, Gellens was declared one of San Diego’s “10 Best Dressed Women for 2011” by “Style Guy” Leonard Simpson at a gala charity event held Dec. 6 in La Jolla.

The winners were selected for being “Best Dressed” but also for their commitment to giving back to the community. Over 500 people attended the event and raised money for 10 different charities, including the Kids Korps, The Navy SEAL Family Foundation, San Diego Food Bank, and the San Diego Police Historical Association among others.

Gellens serves as a Commissioner of the San Diego Police Historical Association. promoting its community activities. So, there you have it -- First in business, beauty, and community service!