Ridder Spencer Residence – Cardiff by the Sea, CA

This residence on a corner lot, a block from the San Elijo lagoon, had a decent ocean view but lacked useable outdoor spaces. The interior of this home had been beautifully remodeled by the owners and had been featured in several prominent magazines. The exterior, however, was still clad in aging avocado green wood siding and was surrounded with a fence that provided privacy but blocked the view. After replacing the siding with warm gold stucco and panels of horizontal ipe slats, we created several distinct outdoor spaces along with an expanded entry to the home. The new outdoor kitchen and dining terrace is surrounded by a low stucco wall and softened by grasses and kangaroo paws, which allows for an unobstructed view of the ocean. Taller stucco and ipe walls enclose a more private patio that features a gas black granite and ipe fire element, cozy built in seating, a long elegant drinks table and water feature. Beyond this is the abundant kitchen garden, with raised masonry planters surrounded by citrus, lavender, artichokes and herbs.