Story by Rebecca Foster
Photos by Liz Chalmers (LizChalmers.com)
Five exceptional homes, ranging in style from Santa Barbara Revival to California Cool are featured on the 43rd Annual American Martyrs Sophisticated Snoop 2016 Home Tour. The tour benefits American Martyrs School and will be held next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 13, 14 and 15.
Santa Barbara revival
The Traylor home in Manhattan Beach was inspired by the Spanish revival homes built in Santa Barbara in the 1920s and 1930s. Interior details were chosen for their feeling of a, well-lived life. The large Spanish style front door opens to a generous foyer, including an open circular, vaulted stairway connecting all the floors. The living areas have reclaimed ceiling beams, plaster walls, custom wall vents and painted ceilings, lending an air of Old World charm. The kitchen and family room allow space for studying at a built in oversized desk. The foldaway doors open to a covered patio, complete with a pool, hot tub, fire pit, sports court and outdoor kitchen. When it is time to come back inside, there is a basement with an entertainment room, wine cellar and bar. All five bedrooms are decorated in soft colors and fabrics, representing Old World Santa Barbara Spanish at the beach.
Hip and childproof
The Horan home in the Manhattan Beach tree section will make you look at your GPS to make sure you are in Manhattan Beach and not Venice Beach. The architect and builder used his commercial expertise to build his family a be stylish and childproof home. Three rolling doors allow the walls of the home to disappear, letting the inside in. The home boasts a true front stoop — an old fashioned porch in a modernist vocabulary, to encourage mingling with the neighbors. The back yard is lined in bamboo, providing a quiet escape from the world. A 30-foot long, 16-foot high bookcase runs through the center of the house, creating a symbolic spine that connects the first floor, mezzanine and top levels of the home. The 2,400 square feet packs in a music room, a TV-room, an exercise porch, three bedrooms and an upstairs playroom.
Hermosa Hills resort
The Harris home in Hermosa Beach’s hill section has been dubbed by its owners as the “Hermosa Hills Resort and Spa.” This international couple, who now calls Hermosa Beach home, has introduced hints of South Pacific splendor at every turn. The entryway’s huge, double, swinging teak door and hanging water feature immediately relax visitors. The resort moniker comes from the 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 7-car garage and home gym. The palette and décor are neutral and serene, complimenting the beautiful landscaping and gorgeous building materials. The roof-top deck boasts views from Malibu to Palos Verdes and includes a sunken hot tub. The upstairs is made for entertaining and relaxing with an emphasis on the outdoors. The only TV in the home is downstairs in the beach chic media room.
Beach modern hybrid
The 5,000 square foot Hasso home in Manhattan Beach is a hybrid of beach and modern styles. It was completed last year and features a gray palette throughout each room. But when coupled with show-stopping tiles, fabulous light fixtures and incredible fabrics, it shows you just how versatile the new “neutral” can be. The home is a beautiful back-drop for this growing family’s art collection. It is both sophisticated and child-friendly. The huge ocean view deck on the top level is the perfect place to gather for a cocktail while the kids play in the “ode to America” playroom/dining room on the other end of the top floor. In between ocean-gazing and playing, is a gorgeous eat-in kitchen with both a huge island and a built in banquette. In addition to a heavenly master suite, there are five additional bedrooms and a ground-level sports viewing room that will have both men and women wishing they could stay around for the next big game.
Art world
The Coppersmith home in Manhattan Beach exudes Old World charm with modern conveniences. The four-story, floating stairway reminds you that some trades are still alive and well. This empty-nester couple built a home to allow them to display their treasures collected from years of travel. That same travel influenced their design so at times you think you are in Italy and at other times Mexico. Throughout the house are curated fabrics and special touches, like a quilted cabinet door front. Similar attention has been paid to lighting, cabinetry, hardware and tile. The lower level powder room sink is an antique reclaimed from a hotel in Marseille, France and suggests a home that is timeless. While feeling heavenly on the lower floors, this home truly has a “Stairway to Heaven.” The views on the top floor take your breath away. The TV is hidden behind a custom work of art so you are not distracted from taking in the fresh air and ocean breeze from the over-sized patio that feels like a second living room. ER
Tickets are available in Manhattan Beach at: Patterson Cleaners, Tabula Rasa, Bristol Farms, Pages, Look! Optometry
Hermosa Beach: Aaron Brothers. Uncorked The Wine Store
Redondo Beach: Card de A
For more details or tickets by mail call (424) 327-9572or visit AmericanMartyrs.org
