The most compelling thing about this residence is the beautiful balance of space, light, classic proportions, and the variety of ways to access the outdoors. The front loggia and courtyard add light and access to private outdoor seating & dining. The covered spaces including off the pool deck allow us to enjoy the outdoors even (and especially) when it is raining. It’s magical. The light that flows in from the courtyard patio doors and windows floods the house with brightness throughout the late morning and all afternoon.
The design of the house is so flexible. There are many places to gather and entertain, and yet space to spread out and have privacy. The house has no ideal owner - it would be a wonderful home for owners to entertain their family, and to have plenty of space for sleepover parties. The saltwater pool is designed with easy steps to accommodate access. The balance of patio scape, trellis, secluded bower and grass is both lovely and cool and refreshing in the warmer weather. The secret garden with a fabulous playhouse is so delightful, and the shaded patio area there makes it comfortable to enjoy the space year round.
The large lot affords a number of discrete areas to enjoy the outdoors and plantings.
Classic style: Because the Mediterranean revival home was so faithfully restored, preserved and enlarged with great attention to design and continuity, it would be a wonderful home for many different kinds of families for generations to come. It is intimate enough for a couple to live in and entertain, and to welcome families overnight without disturbing their flow and privacy. Alternately, it provides the opportunity for multigenerational family living, with two distinct and separate master bedrooms. Or it would be an ideal situation for a blended family with young children and older, with option for the older children or young adults to occupy the two back bedrooms (as currently configured.)
The historic nature of the house has been retained. In our experience, the ability to have defined spaces and not the constant ricochet of noise and activity that comes with open concept is ideal.
Many times we have received awestruck compliments on the home and its finishes, both from people who love and value the preservation and care with which the house has maintained and modernized, as well as individuals who immediately feel at home when they enter.
The secret of the house may just be the devotion to details in renovating the home so as not to disturb or take away from the intended careful design and balance of light, space, serenity and playful spaces.