12.16.2016 | DIGS.NET 71
estled into East Manhattan Beach, this home achieves a hard-to-find
sense of coziness within a sprawling space, marked by bright-white walls
and dark wood in the floors and beams. "The flow and warmth of the home"
have made living in it especially enjoyable says current owner Mike Wells. "With
almost 5,000 square feet in living space, it feels like a home that captures the
essence and warmth of a family gathering place."
Located on the best block of arguably the best street in the area, there is
no through traffic, making the home's location one of the most peaceful. "The
street is wide and open and the house sits up high with an amazing presence
from the street," says Wells. Within easy walking distance to Pennekamp
Elementary School, Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa High
School, and roughly a mile in either direction from both the Strand and Polliwog
Park, there's no lack of access to outdoor options.
But, if you don't want to leave the property, the house makes full use of its
own outdoor living areas. A covered patio in front features an outdoor fireplace
perfect for enjoying the tree-lined street from your own quiet haven. The
architect, Luis de Moraes of EnviroTechno Architecture, describes this patio as a
"unique social space promoting interaction with the neighborhood" and one of
many contributing factors to the home's open floor plan; the latter, he explains,
is "enhanced with multiple outdoor patios and gathering spaces, allowing a
clear line of sight between most spaces."
Out back, the fire pit and lounge area call to mind evenings curled up
under the stars with a glass of wine—or perhaps roasting s'mores with the
kids. In an area known for large lot sizes, this property's 6,654-square-foot
lot is no exception.
The indoor space (nearly 4,800 square feet) is equally inviting. Built in 2014
by California Custom Homes, the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom
house has every modern creature comfort while maintaining a classic Spanish-
style ambiance throughout. "Without a doubt, the architecture sets this home
apart," Wells says. "The architect went to great lengths to work with me to
create a home that best captured the look and feel of an authentic Spanish/
Mediterranean style home."
The copious natural light in the home illuminates its vibrant interior, set off
by dark hardwood floors with planks of mixed lengths and widths. Exposed
beams and wide arched entrances and windows complete the home's simple
yet romantic style.
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