SOUTH BAY DIGS | Digital Edition Online

S W E E T D I G S | 6 0 1 V I A M O N T E ''E very once in a while," says real estate agent Rachel Ezra, "a very special home with a unique story to tell comes avail- able in the South Bay market." Such was the case when she toured a graceful Mid-Century residence perched on a gently slop- ing hill in Redondo Beach. "With so many cookie-cutter new builds and boring remodels out there, this one truly breaks the mold," says Gabriel Miller, a designer, builder and artist responsible for the home's transformation. Sunlit and with abundant glass, all the better to take in dramatic views span- ning from ocean and coastline to Downtown, the 2,296 square foot home retained many bona fides of its 1950s vintage—a benefit of having had only one owner through its 70-year history. There were clean-cut geometric silhou- ettes, exposed ceiling beams and a distinctive low-pitched roof. And in classic California fash- ion, the home—and its generously sized lot of 9,890.00 square feet, or about .21 of an acre— were created to showcase natural treasures, like lush greenery and poetic old-growth trees. "When I was in the backyard," says Ezra, "it felt like you were somewhere else. You have ocean views and city views, and it's very private. It's like a sanctuary." VISION AND TRANSFORMATION Miller, driven by a vision to create a home for himself and his young family, has spent decades uncovering and elevating unique residences, was struck by the original 4-bedroom, 3-bath- room home he toured on Via Monte Doro. His first impression? "It was a Mid-Century home built in 1954 that was stuck in 1974." "The area is known as Riviera Village," he points out, "but people forget the original name is Hollywood Riviera." This inspired Miller to undertake a new project where he would bring, as he states, "glamour and drama back to a neighborhood that has long been a hidden sanctuary in the hills of the South Bay." Miller's take on the concept is a modern one, marked by high style alongside an unstarched, fresh-air mode of living. Now, with his work complete, he says of the residence: "This isn't just a home, it's a lifestyle. One that brings the idea of Mid Century very much into this century." The property has been recast from its frame, foundation and landscaping. The floorplan was opened up in strategic fashion and the entire infrastructure was made anew; everything from appliances and electrical to plumbing and tech- nology. "It's a smart home," the developer notes. "Everything can be operated by an app if you wish." Miller, who is also a painter, with some of his artwork placed throughout the residence, points out that he built the home for a type of customer who has "a keen eye, great taste and wants to make a statement." He combined a rigorous build quality and design aesthetic into a prime location, one that's ideal for what he calls "a forever home." The result is a property that's been elevated into A R C H I T E C T U R E + D E S I G N 52 DIGS.NET | 1.24.25

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