Spanish-Eclectic Home in Monte Sereno, CA

A space can have grandeur without being ostentatious. A beautifully choreographed space evolves without anyone shouting what it is supposed to be. When the owners bought this lovely one-acre property in Monte Sereno, they had a list of must-haves for their forever home but didn’t have a set of strict parameters for how the space needed to look. Instead, we let the design develop based on how they wanted the space to feel and how their home would be enjoyed for years to come.

As longtime Californians and transplants from the Midwest, Brian and Traci have a fondness for historic Spanish architecture and a deep appreciation for sustainability. They knew they wanted an eco-friendly, modern home that incorporated elements of the Spanish architecture they love and the indoor/outdoor living they were accustomed to. The resulting design includes a 6000 square foot main house with a three-car EV-capable garage nestled into the hillside for passive cooling and a guest house with a full wine cellar. Solar and Tesla batteries power appliances, cars, lights, and water heaters throughout the property. Recycled materials, radiant heating, indoor air cleaning fans, smart systems, and intentional use of natural light can be found in the main and guest house. The event-worthy property includes a pool, multiple water features, a bocce court, and a rooftop terrace. The vineyard, fruit trees, drought-tolerant plants, and kitchen garden are all irrigated by reclaimed ground and rainwater.

When speaking to Brian and Traci early in the process, it was clear that family is a priority and that creating a comfortable place for multiple generations to gather was paramount. By incorporating architectural layers into the design, we created a natural flow throughout the property that includes communal and private spaces while optimizing beauty, functionality, and accessibility. Each space was thoughtfully designed as it relates to the next, and every indoor space was designed with a corresponding outdoor space in mind. The intentional relationship between areas creates a warm, inviting, and highly-functional layout for family and friends, no matter what their age. It’s honestly hard to say what aspect of this beautiful home is my favorite. For me, it’s not just one element; it’s about the collective.

Exterior

AFTER

The new 6000 square foot home blends into the surrounding landscape while incorporating many Spanish-eclectic architectural features the homeowners love: covered and uncovered balconies, a tower, arcaded wing wall, decorative iron, exterior stairs, thick walls, stucco and Spanish tile roofing.

Main house and EV-ready 3-car garage.

A thriving kitchen garden full of herbs is directly outside the main house kitchen.

Pebbles and a fountain in the Shade Garden connect bedrooms with an oak tree view.

Main house and EV-ready 3-car garage.

A sloping decomposed granite path was created to not only add accessibility to the front door, but to slow and capture rain water to recharge the water table.

BEFORE

The existing one-acre site had many impressive physical benefits. The south sloping lot with good solar exposure, gorgeous hillside views, majestic oaks, and a seasonal stream running through the property gave us a big canvas with valuable, innate qualities to work with.

Main House

12' island, dual dishwashers, storage, and walnut sculpted stools for seating for five

In the entryway, guest are greeted by a beautiful set of stairs leading up to the second story that are adorned with hand-painted recycled clay tile. A flood of natural light bathes the entry, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows.

LIBRARY

The color palette for the house started with this limestone tile which is featured both inside and out. The tile is effective in keeping the house cool in the summer and is an excellent heat conductor with the radiant flooring in the winter.

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is equipped with with top-of-the-line appliances, artisan-crafted island seating for six and is centrally located to the living room, family room, dining room, and pool deck. 

Situated right off the kitchen, the dining room can easily host 10 or more for family gatherings in its custom upholstered chairs and opens to the covered walkway for extended banquette seating outdoors.

Just down from the kitchen and dining room, the great room serves as a comfortable spot to relax with on-level access to the pool deck.

The pool awaits just outside of the great room, with a floating view of the TV that drops down over the fireplace mantle.

ART ROOM

Lovely archways create a multi-layered look in the primary bathroom and a peaceful place to relax and take in the mountain views during a soak. 

An infinite mirror moment in the primary bath.

The view outside is perfectly framed in the primary bath arched window.

Natural bedding such as latex mattresses, cotton sheets, linen duvets, and wool comforters help to create a healthy air environment in every bedroom.

The oak tree outside is framed perfectly by this beautiful arched door.

Mountain views are highlighted through the expansive windows creating a constant connection to the outdoors.

The vaulted ceiling in the entryway is sheathed with brick like an old spanish villa and is home to three artisan-created steel lighting pendants. A custom designed wrought iron railing wraps around the stairwell and bridge to the exterior roof deck.

A set of sister stairs with recycled tile are visible from the staircase within the house. 

An antique Spanish bench, is recycled furniture, but also provides charm, interest, and function at the entry door.

Custom upholstery pieces and artist-made furniture creates an elevated yet simple and quiet space to read.

Mirrors are playful extensions of lines in space, as well as utilitarian items at a vanity.

The living room features beamed ceilings, more brick to mirror the ceiling in the entry, and boasts a beautiful cast stone fireplace with custom detailing right off the kitchen. 

The floor plane can be interesting too, with the design of these recycled clay tiles. Select tiles provide color and pattern along with slip-resistance in a shower.

Custom designed stone mantel to represent the family.

Guesthouse

Located right next to the pool, waterfall, and spa, the guesthouse can serve as a perfect place for a pool party or a comfortable guest retreat.

The pool/spa inspired all-electric guesthouse features a gorgeous blue quartzite slab and seating for four.

A forged iron chandelier is a nod to the family’s ranching history and a centerpiece in the wine cellar.

Grounds

The second story balcony showcases a view of the courtyard below and the hills beyond.

The property has an extensive water storage and irrigation system. Here, the citrus grove lining the bocce court is watered by reclaimed water on the property.

The house is oriented  to maximize the use of solar to power all the interior and exterior areas. Not visible from inside the house and hidden behind an arcaded garden wall, Tesla batteries are hard at work storing energy produced from the strategically placed solar panel arrays.

Seating for six surrounds a fire table on the roof deck which has 360 degree sky views for star-gazing.

The covered dining area overlooks the pool to the right and features reclaimed barn wood, which speaks to the family’s heritage and history.

The pool, located between the main house great room and guesthouse, features a waterfall and hand-painted recycled clay tile.

A sloping decomposed granite path was created for accessibility to the front door and permeable pavers cover the walks and driveway.