1929 Spanish Colonial Revival in San Clemente
When San Clemente-based architect Michael Luna designed the two-story, 1,141-square-foot addition to the back of this 1929 home, he sought to revitalize the historic property while respecting the original structure.
Virgil Westbrook, one of several architects brought in by Ole Hanson, the founder of San Clemente, conceived the original 1,018-square-foot home.
A combination of brick pavers and sea blue tiles, which outline the front door, and red clay tiles from the roof’s low overhang retain the period ambience.
In the living room, a corner fireplace with a raised hearth is made of adobe bricks. Casement windows, wrought-iron curtain rods and a wood-beam ceiling are all part of the original structure. Lath and plaster walls are painted a soft, buttercup yellow.
The 2003 addition starts on the back of the kitchen where a doorway opens to a large family room. A conventional, hand-trowel finish emulates the walls of the 1920s part of the home.
Side-by-side, Mission-style arched double doors open to a courtyard with a Moorish-style wood-burning fireplace and sitting area. The courtyard is accessible from the dining area as well.
At the top of the traditional staircase tower, a circular wrought-iron chandelier hangs from a wood beam. A vertical stained-glass window brings in natural light.
The master bedroom occupies the entire second floor. Double doors open to a small covered balcony with an ocean view over neighboring rooftops. A hallway leads past two naturally lit walk-in closets and into the master bathroom, which has twin pedestal sinks and a claw-foot tub with hand-painted flowers matching those in the stained-glass windows.
A consequence of San Clemente’s post-war growth was the loss of early Spanish-style architecture, which embodied Ole Hanson’s vision. In order to save those structures from the wrecking ball, the city, using the Mills Act guidelines, established Historic Property Preservation Agreements in 1997. Since then, more than 50 properties, including this one, have qualified for tax relief as part of the program.
To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution color photos with caption and credit information on a CD and a detailed description of the house to Lauren Beale, Business, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012. Questions may be sent to homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
