A storied Newport Beach site’s modern look
The view from the waterside terrace of this French-Mediterranean in Corona del Mar reveals a clue about the old China House that stood on this and adjoining land 22 years before: Sea-battered posts that once supported an Oriental-style walkway still stand a few feet out into the Newport Bay. Nearby on Way Lane, a section of its pagoda roof was saved and reconstructed above a retaining wall.
Built in 1929 by Pasadena residents W.J. and Sara Lindsay, the China House was designed as a family summer retreat. Because of its curled horns, lacquered bridges and ornate gold-leaf dragons, it quickly became the harbor landmark for which the China Cove neighborhood is named.
After the Lindsay heirs sold it in 1986, efforts to save China House failed and it was torn down a year later.
The current home, which has numerous curved archways, windows and glass double doors, underwent a $400,000 remodel recently. Its open floor plan facilitates entertaining. The grand entry hall is finished in honed limestone and leads to a formal living room or to the great room and main-level limestone terrace.
The two-story home’s southwest position takes in sunsets that silhouette the long West Jetty that sticks its finger out to sea. On the other side of the jetty lies the notorious Wedge, where merging waves in a south swell will crash together, challenging even the best bodysurfers.
On the second floor, the master suite with a private balcony also takes in the views. The sky-lit master bathroom was refinished in Italian marble. Across the hallway, his and her walk-in closets both have skylights. A 200-square-foot office with French doors and laundry room separate the master suite from two bedrooms, each with a private bath.
A stairway leads down to the 1,100-square-foot subterranean garage with space for four vehicles plus storage and a powder room.
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.
