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t 2826 The Strand it's
the private rooftop that steals the
show, though it has lots of compe-
tition from other parts of the
home. Standing on the uppermost
level of the spacious beach residence, you're
privy to sparkling coastal views spanning from
Malibu and Santa Monica to the north, to Palos
Verdes Peninsula in the south. Along the way is
a panorama of perpetually blue sky set against
crisp, white-capped Pacific Ocean—your
constant backdrop whether stretched out on
the elevated sun deck, or floating in the warm,
bubbling waters of the six-person Jacuzzi while
flames flicker in the nearby fireplace.
Not just a rooftop deck, it's a destination that
invites daily use—since steps away there's a
delightfully tucked-away living space consisting
of a sunlit studio and an en-suite bedroom. It's a
deft design feature among many in this sizable
5-bedroom, 8-bathroom residence, which was
crafted to keep a close connection between sand
and sky, ocean and home. "It's an oversized lot
that has 39 feet of beach frontage, which is
significant," points out real estate agent Tad
Thormodsgaard. "It feels wide and expansive,
particularly when you're in the home."
Throughout the house, a crisp Modernist
atmosphere is warmed by luxurious, earthy
elements—a signature of notable California
architect Louie Tomaro, who designed the
residence. (The construction arm of Tomaro's
Manhattan Beach firm was responsible for the
build.) There are sun-kissed Walnut hardwood
floors, for instance, chosen for their durabil-
ity and tendency to beautify over time; and a
three-story water feature that shimmers pale
blue up and down the walls.
Notable too, is the sheer size of the place. At
approximately 8,000 square feet—not includ-
ing a rooftop deck of nearly 1,400 square
feet—the four-level home is an airy ocean-
front retreat that packs a thoughtful array of
lifestyle features under one roof. This roomi-
ness is echoed along its exterior. Located along
a super-desirable stretch of North Hermosa
known as the Shakespeare Beach Tract, the
generously sized lot (approximately 4,640
square feet), has no direct neighbors along
the rear of the residence. The street, Hermosa
Avenue, is extra wide, and there are separate
paths for walking and biking.
Another positive of this niche neighborhood
is its proximity to either downtown Manhattan
Beach or Hermosa—you can pedal to either
town's pier in about 5 minutes. Despite its
central Beach Cities location, however, the
atmosphere is low-key and out of the fray, with
a neighborhood grocery and a cafe just a few
minutes' stroll away. "It's more private and less
traveled," says Thormodsgaard of the area.
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