On a budget and on the beach
Don and Gigi Maurizio’s Baja California vacation home underwent a major face-lift that included adding upscale features and moving windows and walls -- all for under $70,000. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
A Claremont couple tackle a major remodel of their Baja getaway to maximize its seaside location.
The couple relax in the living room, which overlooks the ocean. The small room in the background is the den, which can double as a bedroom when family and friends are visiting. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
The kitchen was built with a dropped ceiling. But Don Maurizio discovered that the room featured the same open-beam effect as the rest of the house. He and his wife also added a tumbled Travertine backsplash and cabinets purchased from Ikea in Southern California, which they transported to Baja in their pickup truck. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
The Maurizios’ remodeling plan included moving the window on the left closer to the sink. Now, doing the dishes is a little more pleasurable because of the ocean view. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
The Maurizios of Claremont had initially selected another vacation home in this Rosarito Beach condo complex, but when they learned of new units being built closer to the shoreline, they quickly reserved one. With both working in education, they figured an oceanfront home in
As part of their condo remodel, the couple redesigned the guest bathroom by adding a window of glass block to let in natural light. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
Because the condo was built with cinder-block walls and steel-reinforced concrete, it was easier for the couple to move windows and doors and take advantage of the unit’s ocean-adjacent location. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
For the master bedroom, Gigi Maurizio found a headboard at Pier One for $5 and designed the entire room around the piece. The seaside condo’s three bedrooms all feature an ocean theme. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
Don and Gigi Maurizio relax with their dogs, Falco, left, and Devo, on the patio of their Rosarito Beach vacation home, which they remodeled over the course of a year. The Claremont couple visit the condo about once a month and entertain family and friends. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
After taking on an affordable remodel of their vacation condo in Mexico, the couple now enjoy views of whitecaps from their front porch. “You know that house in Malibu? Its never going to happen,” says Don Maurizio. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)
