A new Covenant Hills custom home design has developed into an architecturally significant project. After finding the ideal homesite to build their family home, these homeowners have selected a design style that both fits their desired functionality and also reflects the area’s heritage; the San Juan Capistrano Rustic style.
Coming from a coastal neighborhood that’s saturated with kids and has a great family environment, the homeowners sought a community with the same active, family atmosphere. They say, “Ladera Ranch and Covenant Hills has become the go-to place for families looking to capture that feeling.” The couple considered a number of other communities, and was surprised to find that some had no kids in sight on a Saturday afternoon. While attending an open house in Covenant Hills, their current homesite caught their attention. They both agreed, “That’s the lot we want!” They were thrilled when it soon came on the market and equally pleased to find that building a custom home was ultimately an attainable option for them.
The home, which will be the first of this style built in Covenant Hills, is being designed by Architect David Ko of Angeleno Associates. The homeowners immediately connected with Ko’s understanding of how families utilize their living spaces, and were equally impressed with his expertise in historically documented architectural details.
The homeowners’ priorities were clear; create a home for comfortable living filled with love and family. They wanted lots of grass and open space and a home that would withstand the wear and tear of kids. Ko was inspired by the home’s location; situated on the promontory of a prime Covenant Hills cul-de-sac, with expansive mountain views, and adjacent to a trailhead. He presented designs in the San Juan Capistrano Rustic design style, which so strongly relates to the natural
environment of the home’s location. The homeowners say, “We were blown away with the first concept drawings!” Following the aesthetics of the classic California hacienda, “The concept is that we are building a home reminiscent of the original ranch house on the historic Rancho Mission Viejo.”
While Ko admits that San Juan Capistrano Rustic is by far his favorite design genre, he notes how appropriate the style’s incorporation of indigenous elements from California adobe and ranch houses is for this area, and how well it relates to the casual lifestyle of his clients. Aesthetically driven by a timeless quality, the five bedroom, five bath open floor plan is primarily single story, featuring several wings, while the limited upstairs areas are designated for private spaces. He explains, “Our objective was to create a comfortable family home, with a pedigree.”
Ko has skillfully positioned the home on the site, saving over 5,000 square feet for outdoor living and backyard use. On board early in the project is landscape designer, Alvin Johnson, of Boyd Johnson Designs, who will be customizing the exterior spaces to include a pool and natural elements tied to local history such as signature pepper, oak, and fig trees. The plans even include an edible garden to let the kids dig and get their hands dirty.
After looking at all types of homes on the market, the list of what this family wanted in their home just continued to grow. “We found that building our own custom home would be the only way to get everything we wanted in one package,” the homeowners conclude. Now, they couldn’t be happier with their decision, sharing that, “We are designing a house that facilitates the way we want to live as a family. This home will be the setting for our sons’ childhood memories and extended family gatherings, and a place where they can ride their bikes
around the neighborhood and explore the open spaces beyond.”
Recognized as one of the most unique and exclusive family-oriented communities in southern Orange County, homeowners are drawn to Covenant Hills for its open space and natural beauty. This extraordinary environment for relaxed family living is exemplified in the community’s numerous parks, private recreation facilities, and hiking trails. Surrounded by more than 1,600 acres of pristine, protected ridgelines, many are surprised by how easily accessible Covenant Hill’s Ladera Ranch location is to Orange County’s beaches and shopping destinations. This combination of unparalleled lifestyle in such a panoramic setting is a true distinction of living in Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch.
Covenant Hills’ custom homesites are available in limited release, priced from the high $300,000s to over $1 million. For more information regarding the custom homesites and custom homes at Covenant Hills, call the Custom Sales Gallery at 888.220.2303 or visit www.covenanthills.com.
To reach Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch from the I-5 Freeway in south Orange County, exit Crown Valley Parkway and proceed east approximately 2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn right onto Antonio. Turn right onto Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse. Signage will direct you to the Custom Sales Gallery, which is located at 63 Bell Pasture Road, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694.