Laguna Beach estate
chosen as L.A. Times Home of The Week. Cut into a steep hillside, this contemporary-style home in north Laguna Beach reflects the changes the city made to its municipal code in 2002, commonly known as the “mansionization ordinance,” to reduce the appearance of mass from the growing number of stacked homes.
Developer Jeff Day and his associates purchased the 1949 home that stretched across two lots, tore it down and subdivided the lots equally. Paul McClean of McClean Design was hired to design both homes.
The contemporary combines nautical elements with natural materials.
“One of the issues with a four-story structure is that we were trying to soften the impact and make it as different as we could from the house next door,” McClean said. “The curves bring movement into the design; otherwise it tends to look kind of boxy and static.”
Because of the hillside, several large retaining walls were constructed. Along the back and sides the wall steps down in areas and back up in others. The grading, excavation and retaining walls added six months to the project.
“We thought it was important to pull the house away from the retaining wall,” McClean said. “So even with the tall retaining wall in the back, it’s better to have the courtyard space, so you don’t have the feeling of living in a hill.”
The courtyard features a fireplace, built-in barbecue and bar area with access to the kitchen.
From the driveway, stairs lead up to the first level. An approximately 800-square-foot guest suite over the garage has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette with a stacked washer-dryer and a patio with an ocean view.
Its private entrance provides flexibility for guests who aren’t using the main section of the home. A short flight of steps (or the elevator) opens to the main level where the living room, dining area, den/office and kitchen are.
The loft-like space measures approximately 1,500 square feet and features mahogany floors, cabinetry, sliding doors and windows. Frosted glass is used to create privacy while allowing in light. The desert suede color paint complements the natural look on the exterior.
A deck of over 600 square feet offers a panoramic view of the Pacific. The top floor encompasses the master suite, second bedroom, two bathrooms and a laundry area. The master bathroom features a limestone countertop, frameless walk-in shower and spa tub with an ocean view.
The home is currently listed at $3,845,000. For more information, please contact Michael Gosselin and Gary Boisen of Surterre Properties®. Gosselin can be reached at 949.464.3210, or e-mail him at mgosselin@surterreproperties.com. Boisen can be reached at 949.274.2236, or e-mail him at gboisen@surterreproperties.com.
