As with many Rancho Santa Fe homes, the outdoors of the Larrick residence
is a big part of the overall experience

Larrick Residence
To use words like charming, quaint, and cozy when describing a Lilian Rice home seems almost objective. The very quality of these historic homes affects people so universally that traditionally-slanted subjective adjectives demand to be taken seriously. The Larrick residence occupies a modest footprint compared to that of its neighbors, proving that in the refined details of a home, so much more can be gained than by bulking up on the construction.

When considering the significance of local architects and historic homes in San Diego, Rice, one of the first female architects in California, is synonymous with Rancho Santa Fe — one of California’s first planned communities created for the automobile. The area became the testing ground for rural living and emphasized ways to harmoniously connect dwellings to the natural land. The dominating Spanish Colonial Revival style, which has since become the essence of Southern California, was the language Rice chose to explore throughout her authorship of the area’s first private homes. In keeping with the civic center, also designed by Rice, the residences created under her vision have proven to stand the test of time.

The Larrick residence is no exception. First built in 1928, this historic home has not only changed hands but also locations over the years. Originally built on the corner of La Flecha and Paseo Delicias, the home was later relocated in 1968 to a more private property; one suited for a 300-tree lemon grove where the home and its surroundings could mature as the years passed.

With each owner, this Spanish Colonial has been revised and improved upon without losing the original integrity inherent in its design. Previous owners Amy and Steve Finley, the latter now of the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team, seem to have left the greatest impact, including a new two-story guesthouse that assimilates so well with the main home that it’s hard to imagine the property without it.

In keeping with the architectural style, the home is rimmed with French doors, terraces, pergolas, gardens, and verandas. Unique light fixtures, a lasting affect from Amy’s love for antiques, are found throughout the home. Two large murals and hand-painted Spanish tile help to set the mood, whether out by the pool or while making your way to the wine cellar.

The interior of the home, with its hardwood floors and wood-beamed ceilings, has plenty of accents unique to a Rice design. Small picture windows are centered in the stairway walls that would usually be overlooked. Sitting rooms and peaceful spaces connect to larger rooms where entertaining and family gatherings happen with a fluid connection to the outside. Details of ironwork and an antique vanity built into the master bedroom suite help make the transition between old and new seamless. The galley kitchen connecting to the main kitchen is another example of how the conveniences of a modern kitchen can work side by side with the traditional design of a historic home.

The kitchen, finished with marble countertops, connects openly to the family room. While many older homes can be cumbersome with doors and outdated room-separation plans, the Larrick residence has been remodeled so that the rooms have an ease and connection to one another, allowing for greater flexibility of function and use.

Modern updates are complete with multiple fireplaces found both inside and out, making the gardens a perfect place for entertaining. And don’t forget the music — outdoor speakers connected to the main sound system add the finishing touch to the verandas and gardens overlooking the lemon grove and raised vegetable gardens of the property’s grounds. This home is currently being listed with Willis Allen.
— Lauren Bender, photography by Vincent Knakal

Nature-inspired decor in the master bedroom helps bring the outdoors in

French bed linens in floral and stripes by Anne de Soléne, Peacock Alley Egyptian cotton towels, and Celedon bath items from Everett Stunz in La Jolla; blue and white bed linens by Nancy Koltes, Gianna Rose drawer liners, and Yarns cashmere throw from Martha Smith Fine Linens in La Jolla; and waffle-weave shower curtain from Macy’s Home and Furniture in Mission Valley

Spring Renewal
Like your favorite T-shirt, crisp bed linens feel great to slip into. So while you’re fastidiously updating that spring wardrobe with brilliant white tops, diaphanous blouses, and fashionable wedge heels, don’t forget to freshen up your bed and bath. European-made sheets in 100-percent cotton and a soft cashmere throw will make all the difference. Add a few breezy bath potions, and your boudoir will thank you. — Tanja Kern