California Country

DTLA worked closely with the architect and owners to help realize a family’s vision for rugged charm that both recalls their Texan roots and draws upon the horticultural richness of the Bay Area.

Outdoor vignettes were designed to be viewed from various vantage points throughout the lodge-style home. A wraparound porch provides distinct views to the landscape: from the front porch, one can look over the grand entrance to survey the orchard and untouched hillsides beyond; from the indoor-outdoor banquet room on the spacious rear porch, the family and guests have serene tableau of the pool, lawn and gardens. Just off the pool house, a secluded terrace opens up to a quieter view of a redwood grove and bioswale filled with clusters of California grasses. Elements of a working farm are woven through the landscape while a gravel bike path circles the entirety of the estate.

Team: David Thorne, Kristina Kessel, Hillary Curtis

Photography: Marion Brenner