Sited just a half-block from the Pacific Ocean and neighboring a 70-acre ocean-side preserve, the location of the 1952 ranch-style dwelling could not have been better. Yet, homeowner Heather Greene of Sprout Concepts envisioned a more modern look for the modestly sized 1,100-square-foot residence in Santa Barbara, California.

To take charge of the project, Greene called upon local firm Anacapa, where she worked in collaboration with architect Dan Weber. Given the extensive updates that needed to be completed on the three-bedroom, two-bath property, the redesign soon turned into a three-year project.

At the start of the project, the team planned to incorporate the home's basic footprint into the redesign and retain the original foundation. Yet, once the demolition took place, the architects determined the foundation was not safe to build on and needed to be completely replaced.

By relocating the garage to the front, the architects reconfigured the home's floor plan to transform the carport structure into a new master suite, which increased the home's square footage by approximately 1,000 square feet. Now, this area, along with two guest bedrooms, are located in the "private" wing of the home. The new design maximizes natural light through extensive glazing via skylights and oversized sliding glass doors.

The team selected a simple material palette of Ipe wood and white stucco for the exterior, and brightened the interiors by painting the walls a crisp white and allowing ample opportunity for natural light to flood inside.

After three years of strategic design and a thoughtful remodel, the result is a stunning, 2,500-square-foot home—including a covered outdoor deck—with a luminous open floor plan that centralizes the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, all while showcasing uninterrupted views of the private backyard garden and fire pit.

The residence is now both comfortable for everyday living and convenient for entertaining family and friends. Simple and elegant, the home has been transformed into a serene retreat that is the epitome of California indoor/outdoor living.

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"This home feels like my personal paradise," exudes Greene. "Anacapa elevated the design way beyond what I could have imagined on my own, and yet, it feels totally aligned with my sensibilities. It is flooded with natural light, there is a connection to the outdoors in every room, and the home’s clean lines soothe my soul."

Project Credits:
Architect: Dan Weber of Anacapa Architecture / @anacapa_architecture

Structural Engineer: Paul Belmont, Ashley & Vance Engineering

Interior Design: Anacapa Architecture

Cabinetry Design/ Installation: Joseph Franklin, Lotus Cabinetry

Custom Dining Table & Master Bed Frame: Nate Modisette, Bomo Design

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A Dark Midcentury Becomes a Luminous Gem