52 DIGS.NET
| 9.6.24
S W E E T D I G S | 4 0 1 2 7 T H
P
erched on the crest of 27th
Street and Alma in Manhattan
Beach is a residence that embodies
an ideal of 21st century oceans-
ide living. The approximately
6,227-square-foot home, aptly named Cloud-
break, is the harmonious blend of a prime location,
generous proportions and imaginative design.
"It's all based on math, but in the end it's
just your instincts and your eye," says Jonathan
Starr of his approach. The notable designer of
innovative coastal residences was tasked with
designing the custom home over 20 years ago,
which was constructed by fine home builder Dan
Bronner. Yet its vintage is hard to believe when
one glances at its crisp silhouette—made up of
two sturdy geometric volumes dressed in clean
stucco and rich mahogany; with large-scale
windows framed with patina copper finishes.
OF ITS TIME—WITH UNBLOCKABLE
OCEAN VIEWS
It's a perennially Modernist style, crafted in rich
woods in league with airy, open-air spaces to take
in rousing spans of ocean and sky. "That's the goal,"
explains Starr: "It's supposed to be timeless."
And grand. When you arrive at the prop-
erty—located in the oft-snug Sand Section of
town—there's an a-ha feeling of roomy calm due
to its abundance of space. The designer made
the most of the oversized lot, and its uniquely
elevated position."The lot is a trapezoid," real
estate agent Robb Stroyke explains, "so it's 17
percent wider than an average lot."
And sits high on an enviable northern corner,
at 27th Street and Alma Avenue. This vantage
point gives it, among other natural advantages,
panoramic ocean views from Palos Verdes
Peninsula to Point Dume and Malibu. "We
knew that when you designed the house, you
would have unblockable views over the entire
top level," says Stroyke.
Inside, the atmosphere is solidly au courant,
consisting of three-levels of gleaming mahog-
any and cedar splashed in soft beach light. And
a 4-bedroom, 6-bath floorplan that considers
domestic life as carefully as it does the desire
for hosting get-togethers of all stripes. Plus the
joy of epic, sky and sea views from every level.
A PRIVATE RETREAT AND ENTER-
TAINER'S IDEAL
The main floor houses the primary living areas,
including a gourmet kitchen that connects to
the fresh-air courtyard. There's a dramatic great
room with 20-foot ceilings, ideal for a grand
soirée. By contrast, you can effortlessly head
to the uppermost floor for sunset-soaked drinks
after a day at the beach, which is only three
blocks away. "I really focused on the top floor
A
R
C
H
I
T
E
C
T
U
R
E
+
D
E
S
I
G
N
