The blufftop house that architect Ione Stiegler designed for La Jolla clients is a U-shaped plan with rooms that step out to capture outstanding ocean views. The best views in the house, however, may be in the intimate space inside the U, where Stiegler created a covered 750-square-foot outdoor room with built-in barbecue on one side wall and a limestone fireplace flanked by sconces on the other. A trio of loveseats and a coffee table form a cozy conversation grouping in front of the fireplace. A dining room and a wall-mounted plasma TV provide more entertaining options.

Reclaimed wood beams bolster the ceiling, which features eight skylights, built-in infrared heaters and a two-tiered iron chandelier.

Pocket doors open the space to the living room behind, and two pairs of French doors open the family room to the outdoor room to the side.

“At first we couldn’t believe the space was actually outdoors,” says Homes of the Year contest juror Pamela Magnus. “You don’t even need an indoor living room when you have something like this.”

“I like the indoor/outdoor blending of the architecture,” says juror W. Dean Meredith. “The architect crafted an exterior room for entertaining with grand exposure to the oceanfront hardscape, landscape, spa and the views. It’s a great way to transition from house to the outdoors.”

“A truly romantic outdoor living room,” says juror Kevin deFreitas, “with a roof just in case it rains.”