The skillful use of eco-sensitive landscaping not only eliminates the need for fences enveloping property lines, but helps to define what a niche builder could be

Banner image above: The home’s central living space is designed to be an island in the midst of surrounding patios

Baywood Beauty
Site-sensitive landscaping starts with an understanding of climate and topography. Native plants not only help with water consumption — a growing concern for San Diego — but also help to keep the existing ecosystem, vegetation, and wildlife preserved. Efforts to promote the natural beauty that can only be found in the desert are commendable and not necessarily an expected feature to find in a planned community. The skillful use of eco-sensitive landscaping not only eliminates the need for fences enveloping property lines, but helps to define what a niche builder could be.

Entering the property, up a small grade, past succulents, cacti, and various species of native groundcover, the entrance courtyard welcomes without the domination of a garage. In fact, the enclosing procession of space begins to play with expectations from the start. One enters through a wooden door that appears to be the front door of the estate, only to open to a covered loggia, an outdoor covered corridor that connects various outdoor gardens and courtyards to the home’s main interior spaces.

Taking advantage of the climate, French doors open up to fountains and uniquely distinguished outside areas, while the inside floor plan has been graced with high ceilings and open connections between the main rooms. The dominant connection to the outside courtyards on either side allows plenty of natural light into the living space and confirms the importance of the connection to the outdoors. The doorways are distinguished with archways and a combination of finishes on the floors and ceilings offers a more casual atmosphere where wrought iron accents and carved alcove windows reflect a rustic sensibility.

As the home’s central living space is designed to be an island in the midst of surrounding patios, the outside areas become as much a part of the home’s square footage as any other fully closed indoor area. The bedrooms are located off the farthest wings of the home. The master bedroom suite, located off of the great room, is finished with his and hers baths, separated by a central dual-door glass shower that allows the room to stay open and light. A private room off the master suite quietly hides its dual function as a massage room and exercise area.

Other ancillary rooms used as guest quarters above the detached garages are delineated by stairways and balconies, accented by the tile roof, and connect to the covered corridors to create interesting perspectives that frame the surrounding gardens; a sense of privacy and separation is achieved without being too removed from the main rooms of the home.

This home is part of The Baywood Collection at Santaluz. In June of 2005, Builder Magazine awarded the design a "Gold Nugget" for Residential Project of the Year, Home of the Year, and the Grand Award for Best Single-Family Detached Home. "What often distinguishes a spectacular residence," Builder Magazine asserts, "from simply a ‘nice’ one is how it relates to its environment."

For more information, contact Santaluz Realty. (858/759-4570, www.santaluzrealty.com)
— Hallie Wilson, photography by Eric Figge

Baywood received the “Gold Nugget” for Residential Project of the Year, Home of the Year, and the Grand Award for Best Single-Family Detached Home

Thankful For Style
Shelve the turkey theme this Thanksgiving and introduce a regal look to your holiday table. A study in contrasts, hefty pewter and subtle porcelain combine to create heirloom-style dinnerware. Ironwork pieces and delicate glass also play together in a fresh amalgamation. "This look is Old World elegance," says designer and Bella Castilla owner Corey Sanchez. "Guests will want to dine at this table." — Tanja Kern, photo by Vincent Knakal

Pewter and porcelain dinnerware, leather placemat, and Jan Barboglio napkin ring and iron charger from Bella Castilla in Del Mar, glassware from Z Gallerie in Carlsbad, and candle from Knorr Candle Shop in Del Mar

Organic Art
Some of the best interior accents are both art and accessory. Such is the case with Aviva Stanoff’s infused glass vases and votives. The New York-based designer grew up in Northern California and spent summers in Japan, tending flowers near a Buddhist temple where her grandfather was a priest. Today, from her Brooklyn loft studio, she creates glass and textile pieces that are known for sophistication and subtlety. "My heritage and the natural setting I grew up in compel me to view the city as organic, like the subway violinist who is compelled to play, not for small change, but to hear the strains of her music weave between the concrete forest and glass cliffs," Stanoff says. — Tanja Kern, photo by Vincent Knakal

Aviva Stanoff vases and votives from Merino Home in Carlsbad, gold pumpkin and squash ornaments from Perfectly At Home in Carlsbad, Harvest tablecloth from Crate & Barrel, and luxurious chocolate throw from Restoration Hardware in Fashion Valley