S W E E T D I G S | 2 1 6 0 M O N T E R E Y B LV D
for more than a hundred guests, as Yarema
notes it has on many occasions during large
family and community events.
The genius of the design lies in its deft
utilization of space, and its ability to trans-
port you along different scenes, spaces and
moods—notably shifting from the tranquil
retreat of the first level to the scene-steal-
ing ocean views on the second, third and
fourth. "There are views, then there are
views," remarks Yarema. "The interplay
among the sun, sky, moon and ocean has
always reminded me of a constantly chang-
ing Impressionist painting. Always different,
always breathtaking."
At 2160 Monterey such vistas are due
to the home's unique geographical position.
It's perched atop of the hill, the home-
owner explains, at the axis where Monterrey
Boulevard, running east to west, makes a
sweeping turn, switching to north by south.
Coupled with the distinctive, quasi-square
shape of what's effectively a double lot,
the result is panoramic views from the top
three levels, which include an uber-private
rooftop deck with 360-degree views. "And
those views are intrinsic to almost every
room in the house," Yarema describes. "If
you're not looking at the ocean, then you're
looking at the Zen garden."
Bird's eye ocean vistas pour into the
fireplaced living room and dining room on
the middle floor. Ditto on the third floor,
which is home to the primary bedroom
suite and a spacious office that leads to a
grand, fresh-air living space. "It's a huge
indoor-outdoor space that handles 40 or
50 people—and has many times," Yarema
says of the sun-splashed lounge where you
recline on built-in furniture to witness the
vivid hues of sunset, and ponder the glow-
ing flames of the fire feature after dark.
Motorized awnings extend over the whole of
the space, sheltering it from sun and rain.
Steward might be a more appropriate
designation for Yarema, who has faith-
fully attended to the home for the last 36
years, down to the rows of slender verti-
cal windows that cast golden beach light
throughout the floors. ("We found the
same company that made the original
steel casement windows," he recounts, and
purchased more when he commissioned
architect Burch to add to the home.)
In turn the residence has rewarded
the homeowner and his family with
years spent amid its singular beauty,
with days enhanced by the ocean's bold
nature, amplified and experienced from
the comfort of this finely crafted hilltop
perch. "It's the ultimate combination of
near-oceanfront living, the joys of Hermosa
Beach and a small, private resort," says
Yarema. "When I go away and come back
it's always an emotional experience, and I
ask myself, 'Is this really home?'"
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