Two enormous Juniper trees give privacy to this '50s era fisherman's cottage in Bird Rock. The owner's grandmother lived there, then his mother and now it was his turn. He had many childhood memories in the house and wanted to honor the cottage charm, yet he wanted to instill his own personality into the house.

The trees remained, but beyond, the house has been reinterpreted for modern easy living. Ceilings and walls are opened to display playful furniture and art. Low maintenance porcelain flooring flows inside and out. Large glass panels slide past each other to bring in light and draw you to the private courtyard. The original garage was transformed into the “cube" where the owner can sit back and chill in his playful “white room." When you open the upholstered garage door, the “cube” becomes an indoor/outdoor entertainment spot. Stairs then lead you to the deck above which overlooks the house, courtyard and nightly ocean sunsets.

The owner feels the spirit of his mother and grandmother in the house but adds his own spirit, bringing a new generation into the home.

Photo credits: Architects Magnus and SandKasl Imaging