A Renovated Cliff May–Designed Home in a Historic SoCal Enclave Asks $1.5M

The 1954 residence in Long Beach’s Rancho Estates is all about indoor/outdoor living.
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The Lakewood Rancho Estates in Long Beach, California, was designed by architects Cliff May and Chris Choate in the 1950s for developer Ross Cortese. The historic, 700-house tract is characterized by May’s casual, ranch-style homes, a style he popularized throughout Southern California. Now, one of his prized designs is on the market.

Originally designed by Cliff May in 1954, this Rancho Estates residence recently underwent a complete overhaul and is now a two-level, single-family home measuring 2,288 square feet. 

Originally designed by Cliff May in 1954, this Rancho Estates residence recently underwent a complete overhaul and is now a two-level, single-family home measuring 2,288 square feet. 

As part of a recent renovation, the 1954 residence was expanded into two levels and now features nearly 2,300 square feet of interior space. The flexible floor plan merges three separate living areas which prioritize intimate indoor/outdoor connections by offering direct access to either private patios or the backyard garden. 

A two-story foyer opens up to one of the home’s bright and airy living spaces. Exposed beams pop against the surrounding white walls.

A two-story foyer opens up to one of the home’s bright and airy living spaces. Exposed beams pop against the surrounding white walls.

Another view of the living space highlights one of the many indoor/outdoor connections found throughout the two-level residence—a signature of May’s designs. 

Another view of the living space highlights one of the many indoor/outdoor connections found throughout the two-level residence—a signature of May’s designs. 

Steps away from one of the main living spaces is the minimalist kitchen, complete with an anchoring quartz-capped island and top-of-the-line appliances. A large, well organized laundry area adjacent to the kitchen offers an additional sink and more counter space. 

Bifold doors open to extend the living space to the private, concrete patio in the backyard. Plush seating and a fire table offer a cozy, secluded place to gather and entertain.

Bifold doors open to extend the living space to the private, concrete patio in the backyard. Plush seating and a fire table offer a cozy, secluded place to gather and entertain.

In total, the home features three bedrooms, two which are primary suites located at opposite ends on the ground level. Additionally, there are three-and-a-half baths, each renovated with sleek, modern finishes. The upper level includes a lofted living/sleeping area as well as a kitchenette, bedroom, full bath, and balcony. Scroll ahead to see more of the residence, currently available for $1,495,000.

An open-concept kitchen merges with the light-filled living room, benefitted by generous windows and doors.

An open-concept kitchen merges with the light-filled living room, benefitted by generous windows and doors.

Sleek gray cabinetry complements a quartz-topped kitchen island while refinished wide-plank hardwood flooring adds warmth to the space.

Sleek gray cabinetry complements a quartz-topped kitchen island while refinished wide-plank hardwood flooring adds warmth to the space.

Both of the home’s primary suites, sited at opposite ends of the home on the ground level, offer direct outdoor access and a connected bathroom.

Both of the home’s primary suites, sited at opposite ends of the home on the ground level, offer direct outdoor access and a connected bathroom.

Each of the bathrooms was treated to a top-down renovation with new fixtures and finishes. This one includes a skylight, large glass shower, and oversized tub.

Each of the bathrooms was treated to a top-down renovation with new fixtures and finishes. This one includes a skylight, large glass shower, and oversized tub.

The upper level comprises a spacious loft, which can easily function as an office, guest suite, or kids’ wing.

The upper level comprises a spacious loft, which can easily function as an office, guest suite, or kids’ wing.

A kitchenette sits outside the upper-level bedroom.

A kitchenette sits outside the upper-level bedroom.

A look at the upper-level bedroom, complete with a private balcony overlooking the front yard. 

A look at the upper-level bedroom, complete with a private balcony overlooking the front yard. 

In the backyard, a solar-heated lap pool sits sandwiched between the home's two patio areas.

In the backyard, a solar-heated lap pool sits sandwiched between the home's two patio areas.

3110 Pattiz Avenue in Long Beach, California, is currently listed for $1,495,000 by Nate Cole of SUPRSTRUCTUR / Unique California Property. 

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