S W E E T D I G S | 5 1 1 M A R I N E AV E N U E
courtyard. "When the weather is decent, we
eat all of our meals in the dining courtyard,"
Kate points out. The other courtyard is a
serene lounging space with a firepit, ideal
for after-dark gatherings, particularly as it's
linked to a fireplaced living room. When the
two spaces are linked, it's an ideal place
for cocktails before heading to the elegant
formal dining room.
"There's wonderful outdoor space, and
it's usable," says Brett. "We constantly live
with the doors open, and everyone flows in
and out all day." Even the sprawling deck off
the second-floor primary suite was re-fash-
ioned, beckoning you outdoors for yoga
or coffee when you arise in the generous
bedroom with vaulted ceilings. "It's set up
like a spa zone," describes Forbes. Even
more so when you step into the bathroom,
decked in pale stone, that merges with the
outdoors via floor-to-ceiling glass. You can
relax in the white soaking tub while warm
beach breezes flutter through the room, or
step from the shower to soak up sun rays on
a lounger. Further beyond is another lounge
area, great for solo reading sessions or
sunset conversations over bird's eye views of
the Tree Section and further in the distance,
majestic mountain ranges.
For Brett and his family, life has been
good at 511 Marine Avenue. "Our chil-
dren want to be outside all of the time," he
says, "and because we're in such a central
location, we walk everywhere." He and his
wife's aim was to preserve its fine bones
while optimally revising it for its time and
place—a project that's now complete. "The
house needed love, attention and the right
people to give it new life," he says, before
adding in true project manager fashion:
"Now that it's done, it gives us an oppor-
tunity to find another project, which we're
really looking forward to."
end homes Brett manages professionally,"
describes Forbes. "You get a luxury home
in a slightly smaller package, but with all
the bells and whistles."
There are open spaces enhanced by
soaring ceilings and lots of natural light,
courtesy of large-scale glass that Blanton
expertly designated throughout the east
and west corridors of the home. Two interior
courtyards, completely private, are linked
via sliding glass to main living spaces—
making up the main hub of the house. A
spacious family room and a gleaming white
kitchen with eat-in bar connect with one
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