They’ve Got a Shore Thing

Newport’s Doug and Lynn Freeman, married 33 years, relax and entertain in the oceanfront home that helps keep them together.

In the spotlight: The California-Mediterranean style residence of Pacific Symphony Chairman Doug Freeman, an attorney, and his wife, Lynn, a freelance computer network consultant. The stylish 3,500-square-foot home is in the Spyglass Ridge area of Newport Beach.

The home they wanted: Former residents of Beverly Hills, the Freemans fell in love with Orange County during their frequent escapes to Newport Beach during the early ‘90s. “Those weekends turned into months and before we knew it, we were house-hunting,” Doug said.

Their criteria for a new home: ocean views from every room.

“You can’t go anywhere in this house without stopping to enjoy the view,” Lynn said as she stood in the sun-dappled living room of the five-bedroom, four-bath home.

Even the kitchen--with its shining black granite counter tops--has an orientation to the seascape. And a breakfast nook with a large bay window overlooks the flower-filled garden and beyond.

Opening their doors: Another magnet for the couple’s move to Orange County was friendship.

“We hadn’t expected to move--but we fell in love with the people here,” Doug said. “We’ve made more friends in Orange County in four years than we made in 30 years living in L.A. There’s a sense of people wanting to get to know you, invite you in.”

The couple, who have been married for 33 years, frequently entertain members of Orange County’s art set in their limestone-paved, $1.5-million dwelling.

On those occasions, they throw open the French doors in their buff-tone living areas to lure friends onto the backyard patio. Cocktails and appetizers are served as guests behold the sweeping view.

The home is also a haven for members of the Freeman family--especially during the holidays. “On Christmas Eve, we had 21 people for a sit-down dinner,” Lynn said.

Accessories with meaning: From the carved green onyx teapot that tops the dining room table to the gem-encrusted Chinese screen that stands in the foyer, the Freeman home is filled with the artistic keepsakes the couple has collected from world travels.

“Everywhere you look in this house is a memento of where we’ve been. Traveling is our favorite thing to do together,” Doug said.

A photo album on a living room coffee table is a reminder of the couple’s 25th anniversary barge trip in Burgundy, France.

To surprise Lynn with the trip, Doug placed travel brochures around the house touting the grandeur of Antarctica, he said. “When Lynn learned we were really going to France, she was thrilled--and relieved!”

Love and marriage: After a demanding day on the job, Doug relishes the time he spends with his wife in a backyard area the couple has dubbed “the point.” Two lounge chairs and a small table mark this niche where they sip drinks and watch the sunset.

If they’re not outdoors, chances are they’re relaxing on the chaise “for two” next to the fireplace in the den.

The areas of the home that bring them together promote the communication that they say fosters a solid relationship.

“Marriage is a partnership,” Lynn said. “Sometimes it’s 60-40, sometimes it’s 40-60, but the most important thing is working toward a common goal, asking yourselves questions like: ‘Where does our family want to be? What do we want for our children? How much do we want to give back to our community?’

“When you organize your thoughts and discuss them, you’re well on your way to [marital] success.”

In Home appears on the first saturday of the month. Ann Conway can be reached at (714) 966-5952 or by e-mail at ann.conway@latimes.com.