Santa Lucia Preserve Residence One by Richard Beard Architect

Santa Lucia Preserve Residence One is a getaway for a London-based couple designed by Richard Beard Architect in 2009. Situated on former 20,000-acre (8,100-hectare) ranch land in Santa Lucia Preserve, California, the United States, the new ranch-style home totals 11,677ft² (1,085m²).

The house is loosely based on traditional California ranch houses. Nestled among oak trees and into the contours of the site, the house defers to its surrounding. Composed of two primary elements—residence and pool house—the compound is defined by low-slung wings that form a central, private courtyard within. A series of integrated courtyards and terraces accentuate indoor-outdoor relationships. The courtyards and terraces provide refuge from the wide-open spaces, establishing intimate settings for the adjacent living areas. Trees frame views from the house to the landscape beyond.

Interior floor elevations and low-sloped roof forms step to follow the natural slope of the site, further merging the 11, 677-square-foot house and pool house, with its site. Hospitality and relaxation are the focus for the interiors, with large gathering spaces, and two wings for the six guest bedrooms and master suite, including a private master living room. A sense of luxury is created through a subtle, yet complex, layering of furnishings within the elegantly proportioned rooms. Natural materials and a neutral palette ground the clean and contemporary interiors, which are accented by pops of color introduced through artwork and accessories. Generous roof overhangs provide shelter from the southern and western sun and add substantial shadow relief on the building’s public face. The material palette is simple and practical, in keeping with ranch house traditions. The walls are predominantly wood siding. Deep eaves incorporate copper gutters and exposed eave framing. Retaining walls, integrated with the colors of the site, are of stone.

— Richard Beard Architect