PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
Designed by Brandon Architects, this stunning Newport Beach saltbox embraces contemporary stylings and plenty of natural light.
The gourmet chef’s kitchen invites up to five guests to take a seat at the sprawling island PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
Tucked on the tony Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, this charming family home came to life thanks to a dream team of local industry experts. “Our client brought this project to us when he was expecting his first child and wanting a place to call home and raise a family,” says Christopher Brandon, president and principal architect of Costa Mesa’s Brandon Architects (brandonarchitects.com). “Throughout the process, their child grew until they were able to move into the home and enjoy the future growth of their family.”
A contemporary fireplace serves as the focal point of the living room. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
That process kicked off in 2018 and came to a close in July 2020. During the two-year span, Brandon teamed up with Patterson Custom Homes (pattersoncustomhomes.com) to build the family’s dream space before Stockpile Goods + Gatherings (@_stockpile) came in to outfit the home’s contemporary interior design. While the property’s positioning on West Bay Drive is certainly a coveted one—complete with its own private dock and direct water access to the beautiful Newport Harbor—the neighboring houses presented a welcome challenge for Brandon Architects. “This project enhances our understanding of maximizing an interior lot’s best attributes,” says Brandon, who was keen on flooding the space with California’s signature sunlight. “We sought to bring natural light into all spaces, using a central courtyard for open volume and allowing light to penetrate the center parts of the home.”
PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
Clocking in at 4,185 square feet, the three-story abode features five bedrooms and six bathrooms, offering plenty of space for the client’s growing family. “The property was identified by our clients for its potential and proximity to the harbor,” notes Brandon. “The client envisioned creating his new family home there as an heirloom, built to a high quality to be in the family for generations.” Disappearing pocket doors in the adjoined kitchen and living room space draw visitors to the great outdoors that lie beyond. Greenery gives way to a waterfront lounge area, while a private boat slip and storage for the family’s stand-up paddleboards have them living the California dream year-round. Upstairs, the primary bedroom embraces sightlines of the water with retractable walls that allow the homeowners to lie in bed and take in the rolling tides. The primary bathroom also dazzles with dual vanities, an oversize glass-enclosed shower and a free-standing tub, from which ethereal views are found. “We wanted the home to feel bigger and taller than it actually was, and with the use of glazing, natural light, open concept and a central courtyard, we were able to bring plenty of light and open volume into the home and help the open layout flow with great indoor-outdoor connection,” adds Brandon.
Whether in the primary bathroom or bedroom, views of the Newport Harbor are never far from sight. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
The home’s rooftop was also utilized, giving the discerning residents even more space in which to entertain or relax at the day’s end. “This project takes advantage of all developable space, including the rooftop, to provide exterior amenities that help take advantage of the climate and views of the surrounding harbor and sunsets,” shares Brandon. “Rooftop planters help soften the urban landscape.”
The home’s sleek exterior design comes courtesy of Newport Beach’s Patterson Custom Homes. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN GARVIN
The end result is a place the owners are happy to call their forever home. “The finished product has greatly impacted and benefited the clients’ lives,” says Brandon. “They have really enjoyed the process and are especially enjoying the home, realizing their inspiration and goals came to life in a home that was built with them as the inspiration throughout the process.” Talk about a family affair.
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