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Collection by Luke Hopping

Beachfront Homes in Los Angeles

As these homes demonstrate, the unique allure of Los Angeles is the ability live quietly by the sea in a buzzing city of millions.

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It was the surf and the artsy vibe that attracted Eric Grunbaum to Venice Beach, California, 18 years ago. An avid surfer and creative director for an advertising agency, he thrives on lively environs. So it’s no surprise that he turned to the Los Angeles–based architect Barbara Bestor to design a house for him near the Pacific. Bestor, the chair of graduate studies at Woodbury University School of Architecture, has a formidable reputation in Southern California for her bohemian modernism, and for Grunbaum, she created a 2,000–square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath home that harbors a traditional sensibility with a contemporary heart. From the deck off the master bedroom, Grunbaum looks across his front yard. Bestor designed the second story to float over the ground “like a cloud.” Grunbaum guides us on a tour of his modern surf shack.
It was the surf and the artsy vibe that attracted Eric Grunbaum to Venice Beach, California, 18 years ago. An avid surfer and creative director for an advertising agency, he thrives on lively environs. So it’s no surprise that he turned to the Los Angeles–based architect Barbara Bestor to design a house for him near the Pacific. Bestor, the chair of graduate studies at Woodbury University School of Architecture, has a formidable reputation in Southern California for her bohemian modernism, and for Grunbaum, she created a 2,000–square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath home that harbors a traditional sensibility with a contemporary heart. From the deck off the master bedroom, Grunbaum looks across his front yard. Bestor designed the second story to float over the ground “like a cloud.” Grunbaum guides us on a tour of his modern surf shack.
In a Manhattan Beach home, homeowner Matt Jacobson and architect Michael Lee designed the long steel-and-Ipe bench surrounding a square, concrete outdoor fire pit, which suspends from the low concrete wall in their outdoor space. Dukes relaxes on a Willy Guhl Loop chair with her German Shepherd, Major.
In a Manhattan Beach home, homeowner Matt Jacobson and architect Michael Lee designed the long steel-and-Ipe bench surrounding a square, concrete outdoor fire pit, which suspends from the low concrete wall in their outdoor space. Dukes relaxes on a Willy Guhl Loop chair with her German Shepherd, Major.
Howard and Shumate in the living room, where Commune designer Steven Johanknecht introduced custom built-in daybeds with storage beneath. The carpet-fragment pillows are from Commune, as is the table, designed by Joshua Tree–based sculptor Alma Allen. The poster is by Mike Mills.
Howard and Shumate in the living room, where Commune designer Steven Johanknecht introduced custom built-in daybeds with storage beneath. The carpet-fragment pillows are from Commune, as is the table, designed by Joshua Tree–based sculptor Alma Allen. The poster is by Mike Mills.
For this Manhattan Beach renovation, builder and designer Robert Sweet created a casual, open floor plan with an abundance of natural light. The original house was a boxy, Spanish-style bungalow, which Sweet transformed into 2,600-square-feet of modern beauty. A handpicked selection of vibrant Moroccan tile accents the minimalist interior. Various outdoor spaces let the residents make the most of the sunny beachside climate. Grandview House is part of Dwell on Design Los Angeles' South Bay Home Tour, taking place on Saturday, May 30.
For this Manhattan Beach renovation, builder and designer Robert Sweet created a casual, open floor plan with an abundance of natural light. The original house was a boxy, Spanish-style bungalow, which Sweet transformed into 2,600-square-feet of modern beauty. A handpicked selection of vibrant Moroccan tile accents the minimalist interior. Various outdoor spaces let the residents make the most of the sunny beachside climate. Grandview House is part of Dwell on Design Los Angeles' South Bay Home Tour, taking place on Saturday, May 30.