Wander along Tia Juana Avenue in the hills above Laguna Beach and you'll find a row of houses built as weekend beach get-a-ways in the '60s and '70s , meant to last for 30 years, maybe.

This little house was past her prime, but the corner lot, great views, and thoughtful homeowners suggested otherwise. It was time to breathe another 30 years of life into her and to give her.

With enthusiastic support from the owners we completely transformed the home, inside and out, with a new plan for the upper floor kitchen, living, and master bedroom areas as well as a new entry, office and guest room layout downstairs.

The dark and stuffy stairs that were located in the middle of the house were moved to the outside wall and celebrated with a two-story glass wall that shines like a lantern in the evening. Above the kitchen island a new ridge skylight invites the sun deep into the home bringing light to the deepest corners of the space.

Outside a new wardrobe of smooth white and gray plaster accented with Brazilian iron wood siding sets a dramatic backdrop for the water-wise and sculptural cactus landscape.Refreshed and renewed the house looks to the future, and several more decades of sun, ocean views, and good memories to be made.

Team:

Architect: Anders Lasater Architects

Photographer: Chad Mellon / Mellon Studio