The homeowners, long time residents of Point Loma, were searching for a property that would be better suited for their large family. With children in junior high, high school and adult children living out of the state they wanted their new house to be a place for the entire family to come home to. They also wanted to accommodate their growing family and grandchildren.

One of the homeowners is an avid sailor who has competed and won international races. In their search for a home, they wanted a property that had a connection to the water and sought out a property with views to the ocean. Their search brought them to this property, a 0.85 acre lot with sweeping views of downtown and the bay. Sadly, the existing house was plagued with significant issues. There were leaks in both the water and the gas lines, and a termite infestation so intense new large piles of termite frass could be found throughout the house daily, as they ate away at the structure. Remodeling the existing home was not a viable option, so the decision to tear down the house and create an all new family home from the ground up was their only choice.

The homeowners admired traditionally designed homes and were attracted to the shingle-styles similar to homes found in the Hamptons and in Michigan, where they frequently vacation. The exterior features strong contrasting materials of dark stained cedar shingles and white painted woodwork, paneling and columns. Dark natural stone surrounds the base of the house with the roof finished in a dark blue slate.

Parking is subterranean as the homeowner did not want their garage to be front and center. A curved sloping driveway, which follows the perimeter of the property leads down to the side of the home into a multi-car garage with room to park several cars. It was very important to have space in the garage for storage of sails and other nautical gear. A Porte Cochere creates a formal statement and comfortable place to greet guests as parking is limited on the surrounding streets. Steps from the Porte Cochere greet the visitors and lead up to the Front Porch and main entrance.

The interior continues with contrasting colors: white painted wainscots, millwork, box beam ceilings and columns juxtaposed against dark walnut hardwood floors. Working with the Interior Designer, the homeowner integrated family heirloom pieces mixed with newly purchased furniture, rugs, lighting and artwork. The paint scheme is subtle and pops of color come from furniture, light fixtures, and art work. Blue being their favorite color, the home is accented with splashes of blue throughout.

The Front Entry is a tall two-story space and features the main formal staircase and large windows facing the view. The checkered gray and white marble floors and wood wainscot encompass this formal space which leads into the main central hallway. This space also repeats the light and dark coloration of the home. Across the main entry is a custom designed dark blue glass fronted cabinet that displays their prized collection of seashells, another tie to their love of the ocean and integration of their family heirlooms.

The main central hall, the circulation spine of the lower floor, connects all the first floor rooms together with the Office at one end, and the Family Room and Kitchen at the opposite end. Flanking the central hall are the Formal and Family Powder Rooms, the Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom and a second back stairway to the second floor. Inside the Living Room is the Bar complete with a stamped tin ceiling and hidden spiral staircase to the Wine Room. Clerestory windows adorn the top of each opening down the hallway and into each room allowing more light into those spaces. Though the home is large in size, the spaces are designed to a comfortable human scale so that each room is spacious, but never cavernous.

The home is oriented to take advantage of views, with the Family Room and Kitchen being specifically designed and located to maximize those views. The optimum water view is from between two existing neighboring homes and the Family Room is placed just right for water views. The Master Bedroom, situated above the Family Room has even greater views over the rooftops of the neighboring homes. A nautical flagpole is just adjacent to the main views and is best seen from the Master Bedroom, Family Room and Covered Porch.

Two sets of multi-panel sliding doors in the Family Room pocket fully into the wall opening the room on two sides blending the indoors seamlessly with the outdoors. Wrapping around the Living Room, the Family Room and the Breakfast Nook is the 1,400 square foot Covered Porch effectively doubling the living space. The deep covered outdoor living space has multiple seating areas, a wood burning fireplace, and dining areas. A day bed swing is hung from the ceiling and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. Isinglass Curtains, similar to what you find on a boat, can be rolled down, enclosing the porch to protect it from inclement weather.

The Kitchen blends a mixture of white painted wood and dark stained walnut with two large islands. Marble is used throughout on the countertops and backsplash while brass and chrome accent adorn the cabinets. Icebox hinges and hardware on the stained walnut island give an old-world touch to this modern space. A Butler’s Pantry with deep indigo blue painted cabinetry link the Kitchen to the formal Dining Room. Tucked away is the Mud Room and stairway down to the Garage.

The Kitchen and Family Room are the central hub and main gathering place for the family, which naturally leads out to the yard. Across the yard is the Pool House and 70-foot long lap pool, which extends from the main house to Pool House’s covered patio. Running the entire length of the Pool House is a large 700 square foot Covered Patio with seating and dining spaces, a fireplace and built-in barbecue. The Pool House features a Workout Room and Guest Suite.

The Second Floor features their children’s bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, and balconies; two of which have magnificent views to the bay. A second Laundry Room is on this floor as is a dedicated Media Room. Through the double doors into the Master Suite is a sitting room with unobstructed views of the water. The Master Bedroom and Bathroom are through the Sitting Room and a covered balcony extends out into the view. The Master Bathroom is calming with its grey and white color scheme. The walls have a delicate lace-like marble mosaic tile while the flooring is made of large marble slabs. There are views out from the bathroom, although this space is intended to be a more serene and reflective space.

The landscaping creates a peaceful backdrop to the home. Low lying shrubs of varying shades of green and small flowers soften the dark features of the home, all while maintaining the ocean views. Bluestone leads up the main walkway to the Front Porch and is used throughout all walking paths on the property. A formal garden and fountain are adjacent to the front walk and are visible while inside the entryway. Large trees are planted along the rear of the home and against the bluff.