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o say that they're not creating more ocean-
front property is an idea that becomes even
more evident when it comes to the treasured,
and limited, inventory of beachfront homes
in Manhattan Beach. Factor in the reality of
finding a beautifully turned-out residence on a
corner lot in a premium location along the sand,
and the probability of hitting pay dirt shrinks
to nearly nil. "In the last 20 years," explains
real estate agent Bryn Stroyke, "there have only been three
properties that have come on the market in Manhattan Beach
that meet the following qualifications: they have a fully built-
out home on them, versus a tear-down; they're located on a
corner lot; and they're positioned in one of the two most elite
areas of The Strand, either South Manhattan, on 2nd to 7th
Street, or here, between 16th to 20th."
Part of the exclusive group, this Montecito-style home,
located at 20th Street and The Strand and approximately
6,000 square feet in size, was designed by well-known Beach
Cities architect Doug Leach and built by custom home builder
Mike Davis. Notable is the warm atmosphere of elegantly
sculpted, seaside ease that spans its three levels. "The house
has a lot of ins and outs," says Leach of the five-bedroom,
seven-bathroom residence, which has been inhabited by its
original owner since its 2004 completion. "It's not bulky."
Significant is this free-flowing feeling of space and privacy
in a home in an otherwise public location. Much of this is due
to its position on the corner of 20th Street, one of Manhattan
Beach's most mellow, spacious walk streets. The result is that
one enjoys vivid coastal views along the entire north-facing
length of the home, in addition to the uplifting whitewa-
ter-and-sand beach scene out front, along the Strand-facing
section of the home. Along this section of The Strand, points
out Stroyke, "you get this elevated view, where you're sitting
above the beach." This higher than usual vantage point has
been optimized by a strategic placement of windows, and
intentional design of the home's diverse spaces, which means
that views into the home are obscured from passersby. Here,
one lives amidst a super-sized bounty of beach views and
atmosphere while also maintaining a peaceful distance from
it. "This home has tremendous privacy for being not just a
Strand lot, but a Strand corner lot," Stroyke adds.
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