62 DIGS.NET
| 6.25.2021
S W E E T D I G S | 2 5 2 2 T H E S T R A N D
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HE CORNER OF the Strand and 26th Street in Manhat-
tan Beach has long been home to an eye-catching
structure, with a striking geometric profile that
contrasts against the stunning natural environment of
rolling blue waves, manicured green grass and pearl-
hued sand. Built in the mid-1980's, the building is home to two
distinct residences, one of which—the uppermost penthouse
condominium, spanning approximately 2,740 sq.ft.—underwent
a complete re-set in 2020. "I gutted it all the way to the studs,
basically," says designer and developer Brian Taylor, who is a
partner on the project. Though the changes to the two-story resi-
dence were many, from tech to aesthetic, throughout the process
Taylor stayed committed to the contemporary—and evergreen—
profile of the home. "I kept it as it was originally," he describes.
"I just did an updated version."
Taylor's work resulted in a high-style oceanview residence, with
three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with high ceilings
and lots of open-air spaces to soak up exquisite, unblocked
vistas of the beach and Pacific Ocean. Speaking of views, at
this home there's more than usual, even for a Strand property.
"Corner lots are the most valuable of Strand lots" explains real
estate agent Shawn Dugan. "There's usually a premium of
about thirty percent on a corner lot because of the additional
views, and because of all that extra outdoor space." The orien-
tation of the home means that along the west-facing side of the
home, where the beach is located, there's 30-something feet of
unblocked ocean views, which is standard for a Strand home.
Due to this home's corner-lot placement, however, one gets the
bounty of an additional 105 feet of ocean views along the north
side of the home, where there's fresh green landscaping and a
gently sloping walk street leading to the sand.
"Most Strand properties have amazing views due west," Dugan
points out. "This one has great views due west, plus all along
the northern side of the property." Coastline views from Malibu
to the Palos Verdes Peninsula are exploited mightily in the home,
particularly in its three private decks where one can carve out
