64 DIGS.NET
| 2.25.2022
S W E E T D I G S | 7 3 2 T H E S T R A N D
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The sparkling four-mile stretch
of the Strand that snakes along the coast of Pacific Ocean through
the Beach Cities is a natural setting to envision building one's
dream home. At least it was for the entrepreneur who purchased
732 The Strand, and set about building a bespoke beach home
for him and his family. "At the time he had just sold his company,"
says real estate agent Shawn Dugan, "so he spared no expense in
absolutely everything, from A to Z, in the home. He handpicked
the best guys for the project, and wanted to design a home that
maintained privacy, but still showcased the amazing views."
Award-winning Los Angeles architect Michael Lee and
luxe local builder Dave Baldwin satisfied the brief with this
approximately 3,412-square-foot Modernist home—a time-
less three-level residence decked in superb earthy materials. A
place where you can indulge in the surf, sand and sea each day
while enjoying life on this low-key stretch of the Strand, just
five minutes on foot from Hermosa Beach Pier. "It's a perfect
distance to the Pier," Dugan says of the address, located south of
the scenic landmark. "It's an easy stroll to town, but far enough
so you have a nice buffer from any noise or commotion."
Notable is the calm, fluid atmosphere of this 4-bedroom,
3.5-bathroom residence, which was designed to suit differ-
ent moods and moments, from low-key family living to lively
beachfront entertaining. Zen style was also an influence, and
its streamlined, tranquil aspects are on display in the home's
deft balance of light, nature and materials. The home's user-
friendly quality can be experienced most keenly in the oft-used
public spaces (kitchen, dining, family and living rooms) located
on the home's middle level. "The home has an open floorplan on
that level, from the very back of the house to all the way to the
Strand," explains architect Michael Lee. "If you're sitting in the
back—watching TV or cooking in the kitchen—it's private and
quiet, but you can look out and see the ocean. It's quite lovely."
