JUST CHILLIN’ Surfboards, high ceilings, huge windows and outdoor living make for easy-meets-exceptionalliving along the beach.
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aving grown up in the South Bay, Janette and Peter Ocampo understand the value of land— particularly land with ocean views. When a teardown with an ocean view became available in Manhattan Beach, they snapped up the opportunity to build their dream home. They contacted Kim Komick of KKC Fine Homes to build the house, and Kim helped determine the best use of the land. By selling the lower portion of the lot and keeping the rear portion, they maintained the ocean views from the top floor of their new house. KKC brought in Hermosa Beach architect Jon Starr to design a beautiful, compact home that has all of the necessary rooms for a busy family. In a very creative use of space, the house has multiple levels connected by one narrow staircase, thereby permitting as much living space as possible—including a top-floor patio. When African wenge wood was recommended for the floors throughout the house, Janette says. “I wasn’t confident about them at first, because the striation and variation in the sample was very busy. However, they turned out beautifully, and we love them.” Other confident design considerations include the limestone fireplace surround. Each piece of limestone was cut slightly differently and arranged so the pattern does not repeat. Nestled into the below-ground floor are the teenage daughters’ bedrooms and sitting room area. “We gave them the entire floor to live, study and entertain, and they love having their own space,” says Janette. With creative touches such as an entire wall of chalkboard, bohemian-influenced textiles and mirrored vanities, the rooms emanate the colorful exuberance of youth. The master bedroom is a reprieve on the middle floor—complete with a grand master bathroom and a small outdoor side terrace. Encased in cool grey and white, the entire space is a restful cocoon.
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southbay HOME I 2013