This project posed significant design challenges; the entry sequence to the house was not clear, and the upper and lower sections of the site were not well connected. Although the Gallery of the original house was a significant space, most others were not, being the result of poor adaptations of the rear portion of the original estate to a single family residence.
To remedy this issues, a new entry sequence was designed, complete with a succulent garden and Andalusian fountain courtyard. At the Owners request, the existing Kitchen became the Dining Room and the Dining Room the Kitchen. Other changes included the addition of a new Laundry Room and a relocated Powder Room. The original Playroom was remodeled as the Master Bedroom suite. A Garage was created where there had been an Office, and a carport in front of it was removed. All finishes are new, including the stenciled beam ceilings based on original designs by George Washington Smith.
Internal reorganization of the spaces in the structure itself were not the only significant changes to the property; site work was a major component of the redesign. A large swimming pool and Pool House existed on the upper site, but were cut off from the circulation flow of the lower house. Changes were made to reincorporate these elements so that the layout of the entire property was more cohesive. An existing front garden axis ran from the entry drive, through the Living Room and Courtyard. This axis was continued up a new garden stair, beside an existing wall fountain, to a new fountain court, redirecting the axis to the swimming pool. The swimming pool was also connected on axis to the Master Bedroom via a new garden stair.
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