64 DIGS.NET
| 2.24.23
S W E E T D I G S | 4 1 3 9 T H S T R E E T
M
anhattan Beach walk
streets are charming places to
live—neighborly and unique
to the area, with Mediterra-
nean landscaping and blue
Pacific Ocean views nearly always in sight. On
9th Street, just a 5-minute stroll from the sand
and tucked between Crest and the Valley-Ar-
dmore green belt, the scene is particularly
inviting. The walkway is wide and even, with
a charming mix of new and vintage coastal
homes, and gated yards buzzing with life.
"People love living here for the social
dynamic of the street," says real estate agent
Alexandra Gauss, who herself previously lived
on the block, describing get-togethers ranging
from annual chili cook-offs to holiday parties
and off-the-cuff gatherings happening any night
of the week. "With close to 40 kids living here,
it feels like a big family, and is a lot of fun."
The large, relaxed coastal residence at 413
9th Street is an ideal match-up for this welcom-
ing hub. Originally built decades ago, the home
was taken down to the studs a dozen years ago
and re-cast as a bright coastal home—beach-el-
egant and remarkably user-friendly—that spans
three levels and is approximately 3,800 square
feet, with a smartly engineered 6-bedroom,
5-bathroom floorplan.
The project was completed by Waterleaf
Interiors, whose offices are within walking
distance of the home. The 9th Street design-
ers, known for their cleancut coastal aesthetic,
deftly wove elements of the original home into
the new one—resulting in a freshly elegant
atmosphere with a well-seasoned soul. "A lot
of the charm from the existing structure was
incorporated into the new home," Gauss points
out. Brick walls were painted white, vintage
molding was refreshed and richly grained
wood floors were re-finished; the latter casting
a rich glow throughout the home as beach light
funnels in through windows and French doors.
The front entrance is a wide Dutch door,
divided so the bottom half stays shut while the
top is open, and keeps the interior connected
to the peaceful courtyard. This is the fresh-
air heart of the home—with spacious dining
and lounge areas that are very much meant
for everyday use. Bordering the courtyard is a
lush shroud of old and new-growth trees and
shrubs that are aesthetically pleasing while
serving as a moat of sorts between the home
and the walk street. "It's a great entertaining
space with an easy flow from the house to the
street," remarks Gauss. "You can get the best
A
R
C
H
I
T
E
C
T
U
R
E
+
D
E
S
I
G
N
