PASEO DEL MAR
PALOS VERDES
ITALIAN FARMHOUSE
Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes, California
Nestled above Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes Estates, this enchanting Italian farmhouse is a masterclass in thoughtful design and strategic siting. Despite its cozy charm, the true brilliance of this residence lies in its innovative layout. Situated on a narrow, elongated lot, the home features a subterranean garage, essential given the lack of views from the daylighted basement.
The two upper levels, however, boast some of the most stunning vistas of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Ingeniously sited not for traditional street frontage or front yard setback, but for optimal driveway access to the underground garage, this design achieves more than mere practicality. It also optimizes solar orientation and maximizes scenic views, ensuring the residence captures both light and landscape in perfect harmony.
The client initially hesitated at a design that prioritizes view over street appeal, but the unique curved and uphill street frontage creates the illusion of a rural retreat rather than an urban dwelling. The house, with its distinctive 'saw tooth' front massing, integrates seamlessly with the natural contours of the land, evoking the character of an estate set amidst open countryside. The result is a home that not only meets the client's needs but exceeds their expectations, eliciting yearly affirmations of delight and disbelief at its enduring beauty and functionality.