A Case Study–Style Home in San Luis Obispo Lists for $870K
The post-war Case Study program by Arts & Architecture magazine was made famous by many of its iconic collaborators—architects like Richard Neutra, Craig Ellwood, and A. Quincy Jones. While the original designs number just over two dozen and are mostly found around Los Angeles, the efficient and experimental style inspired other architects during the program's run from 1945 to 1966. One such property, built in the case study style and completed in 1965, can be found a few hours up the coast from L.A. in San Luis Obispo.
This case study-style home is located in San Luis Obispo, California—a coastal town situated roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the world-famous Highway 1 . An outdoor space stretches along the front of the stilted structure.
Inside, handcrafted terrazzo flooring contrast with natural wood ceilings and wall cladding. The nearly 1,300-square-foot floor plan makes efficient use of the simple, rectangular structure by neatly fitting an open living/dining area along the front and two bedrooms along the back.
While the exact architect of this home is unknown, the overall style shares many features with the classic Case Study Homes. An open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright interior that overlooks numerous surrounding trees. Outdoor areas are also located on all four sides, with a long, partially enclosed balcony stretching across the front facade and additional private outdoor spaces off each of the two bedrooms. More unique features include a sunken shower in the bathroom and a multi-level deck in the backyard.
Another view of the living area as seen from the main entry. Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps around three sides of the space, which opens onto a covered balcony.
Just minutes from the center of San Luis Obispo, the hillside home is nestled among the curvilinear streets and pocket parks of Monterey Heights, a historic community designed by the landscape engineers behind Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The home's stilted construction raises it to meet the surrounding hills while creating generous parking and outdoor areas on the approximately .11-acre lot. Keep scrolling to see more of the property, currently listed for $870,000.
A large dining area sits adjacent to the living area and next to the kitchen. A sliding glass door opens onto the opposite end of the covered balcony along the front.
An opposite view from the dining area looks into the kitchen. A small peninsula connects the two spaces while another sliding glass door opens onto the side patio.
The kitchen also features a long window stretching above the countertop and sink. A doorway leads to the two bedrooms and bathrooms.
Outside, a cutout in the roof hangs over the enclosed patio area.
Back inside, each of the two bedrooms offer large windows and private outdoor spaces overlooking the lush backyard.
A look at one of the bathrooms. Mirrors and a wall of glass make the space feel larger.
A sunken shower area is bound by floor-to-ceiling glass along one side. Some privacy is created by the partially enclosed outdoor space off one of the bedrooms.
A larger patio deck awaits in the back, accessed directly from the two bedrooms or by a walkway from the kitchen patio. Stairs lead up to a secondary deck atop the hill.
314 San Miguel Avenue is currently listed for $870,000 by Elena Satmari (DRE# 01946074) and Jeff Prostovich (DRE# 00800031) of Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate.
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