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A Renovation Of La Jolla History
Looking back to 1915, it is hard to imagine La Jolla as an open coastal expanse of rolling hills and farmland; even harder to think that a home could have been built without considerations of neighbors or property lines. Carlton Winslow had the unique ability to design one of the first homes in the area, taking advantage of the site's naturally protective land contours, it's location, and of course, the timeless asset of heart-stopping views.
Anyone who has lived through a remodel project will tell you it isn't easy. After nearly two years, the renovation that began on this home in 1989 was completed nearly three quarters of a century after the original footprint had been laid. The finished product is an astonishing blend of historic preservation and contemporary design with influences from Italian, French, and Spanish architecture, and a garden-scape that conjures up thoughts of Fellini's La Dolce Vita and passages from Frances Hodgson's Secret Garden.
The entry courtyard, just inside of the gate, is a tropical paradise with tall mature palms and lush green landscaping that shade and protect the inner sanctuary of the home's periphery. The pathway, lined with the home's original terracotta pavers, transitions into imported pavers from a French chateau as it makes its way into the home. One cannot ignore the size of the majestic garden that handsomely engulfs the grounds, meticulously accented with a vast collection of hand-painted tiles from around the world. The exterior walls of the home and outdoor cabana are decorated with beautifully painted Fresco images on tiles. Other accents include antique, hand-painted roof tiles brought back from Florence, Italy.
The pool lies beyond the tropical canopy, set into an open grass plane protected by a glass railing. The glass is the only obstruction to the devastating 180 degree views of the ocean and miles of coastline beyond. As seen from the inside of the house, each room uniquely frames the views created by the grounds and the natural lines of the property. A canopy of ? mature Pines, among them, Canary, Leppo, and Monterey Pines, along with other species such as a rare Australian tea tree ensure this uniquely private experience just blocks from Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla's main artery.
Much of the renovation took place on the inside of the home while the house footprint was respected. New, lighter spaces were achieved by reducing the congested quarters of the house's original design. By replacing the series of small rooms, with large open rooms, each graced with updated picture windows, full advantage has been taken of views and daylight. The home's original two galley kitchens, for example, were replaced with an open modern kitchen and family room space accented with crafted arched insets and doors. Exposed beam ceilings and hand painted fresco walls reach throughout the house.
The French Chateau pavers on the ground floor transition into limestone in the entrance-way. The limestone raises with the stairway, detailed with a custom forged wrought iron handrail as it reaches the second floor. The new design is highlighted here with a soaring two story space that opens to the upstairs wing where the master bedroom suite, study, and two other rooms can be found.
The formal dining room, living room, and downstairs guestroom all open to the wrapping exterior terrace that was added to the house during the remodel in 1990 and successfully extends the spaces to the outside. The ocean view from the dining room is one of the most spectacular in the house. It is accentuated by floor to ceiling glass that runs the width of the room, while showcasing a dining room table of stone, glass, and wood that was made specifically for the space.
Each room has its unique treasures, antiques and heirlooms. A chair that once belonged to President Monroe is just one of many special details that help to complete the interior design. Delicate needlework saved from a pair of antique chairs sits preserved and framed above the bed in a guest room. Gigantic hand-carved swirling corbels are set above the stove in the kitchen. Finding a creative new use for something inherently beautiful from another time seems to be a special talent found throughout the home. So one would not be surprised to find the library even has a little unexpected surprise in it. A bar, hidden behind a secret door lit by LED lighting and yes, even a wine cellar with curved arched coves gives a sense of the old world in this contemporary remodel of one of La Jolla's historic homes.
- Lauren Bender, photography by Vincent Knakal
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 Mosaic birdhouse, white cottage birdhouse, glass mushroom accent and hand-painted pot from Spain, all from Anderson's Del Mar. Accent pillow in weather-safe fabric, red paper lanterns and striped candles, all from Pottery Barn; cast iron bird feeder from Smith & Hawken
Inside Out
For many, the month of July means afternoon barbeques, pool parties, and casual dinners under stars. Why not transform your outdoor spaces into something completely comfortable? All-weather fabrics, bright colors, and festive accessories can help turn your patio into an extension of your living room.
- Tanja Kern, photo by Vincent Knakal
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Home Alone
Kim and David Taylor's sprinkler system is broken and the grass is dying at their second home in La Jolla. They're not sure who to call from their primary residence on the East Coast. Before visiting La Jolla, they were also hoping to order new tile for the foyer, but forgot to measure the area. They'd love to have it done in time for their arrival, but looking at samples, hiring a contractor from 2,400 miles away, and finding a neighbor to let him in and out seems like a risky proposition.
They decide they will deal with it when they arrive, and spend weeks chasing around landscapers, tile installers, and some guy that was supposed to paint their shed but never showed. Their car is due for a smog check, the battery is dead, and the roof leaked the last time it rained and ruined a painting.
"Just goes with owning a second home, and part of the fun," David says. At least that was his attitude until he discovered Home Alone Estate Care, a La Jolla-based company that now maintains their house, and all its upkeep needs, while they are away.
"Home Alone Estate Care allows clients to avoid the hassle of becoming part-time contractors," says owner Jeff Lhuillier. "We look after everything that requires care, including landscaping, pools, housekeeping, pest control, deliveries, carpet cleaning, billing issues, and maintenance on major appliances."
Lhuillier explains that the process is very simple. A house manager meets with contractors, serves as a local contact for emergencies, and tends to matters rapidly and responsibly in the homeowner's absence. Assigned duties are customized to each client's needs. "While some desire to be greeted with specific food items in the pantry or fresh cut flowers," says Lhuillier, "others enjoy a heated pool awaiting their return. We do it all."
A member of the Better Business Bureau, licensed and insured, the company cares for primary residences while occupants are vacationing, as well as second homes. The Taylors discovered they didn't have to be around to get things done, and now rest easy no matter which home they're in. (800/805-8280, www.homealonelj.com) - Rich Flammer
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Wash In Style
No reason to not clean your fashionables in some fashionable esquipment. LG electronics teamed up with the Designers Guild on these new steam washing machines that just debuted in Britain last month. They come in four patterns: Sevilla, Ribailagua, Imperial Flower and Cloisonn?. The machines spray hot water and steam on clothes, using 30 perecent less water and 20 percent less energy, but more importantly, they give you an excuse to decorate the laundry room. For now, they're available through Harrods for around $2,435-$2810. (011/870-873-5454, uk.lge.com) - Alicia Garcia
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