72 DIGS.NET
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2.7.2020
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L I M E L I G H T | 3 2 1 6 V I A L A S E LV A
SOPHISTICATED CHARM
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
LL projects begin with the intersection of a
parcel of land and the unique needs of a client,"
says Russell Barto, founder of Russell E.
Barto Architecture. "Transferring the client's
vision into a comfortable and functional residence
requires passion, attention to detail and, most impor-
tantly, the ability to communicate and translate ideas
and dreams into physical beauty." Barto's philosophy
pervades every nook of this 3,800-square-foot home,
located at 3216 Via la Selva in the Valmonte area of
Palos Verdes Estates, offering enhanced quality of life.
Originally built in 1992 on a 7,970-square-foot
lot, the house is spread over two floors and comprises
five bedrooms (one downstairs and four upstairs), plus
four bathrooms.
"When we bought the house, it was relatively new
(less than 10 years old), so it had nice-sized rooms
and all the comforts of a new home, but it also had
many architectural and design features of an older
New England house," remembers the owner. "Each
bedroom had a unique ceiling as well as a different
built-in, giving all of them a unique character and
charm. It felt like a home and not a new house."
e family decided to make some improvements,
including the addition of French doors and custom
bookshelves to the downstairs office, a custom mantel
to the fireplace and wood floors in the family room,
the hand-painted ceiling in the master bedroom and
the 12-foot kitchen island. "All of our improvements
have built on these elements of character and charm
to create a modern yet timeless home that looks and
feels like it has evolved and matured over many years,"
the owner says.
In this cozy family home, natural tones such as
brown and green and materials— especially the dining
room and upstairs hallway wall coverings—prevail.
e home meets the needs of a contemporary
family with basics like air conditioning, an expanded
laundry room, and a sound system, but also goes
"A
In Palos Verdes Estates, this two-story family home has evolved throughout the years, keeping
its original charm while adding contemporary, high-end features.
