SubscribeSign In
Collection by Rochelle Kramer

Cliff May Designed Home

Designed by influential architect Cliff May and built in 1954, this residence was recently refurbished by its architect and designer owners, who drew upon their experience and talents to create a calming palette inspired by their midcentury art. Anchoring the interior throughout is a light-toned Italian terrazzo tile floor balanced with rich custom birch cabinetry, dark trim to highlight the midcentury modern post-and-beam architecture, and white walls and ceilings to reflect natural light from the original Cliff May designed floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. The open island kitchen is the centerpiece of the home and features a striking combination of birch and matte black finish custom cabinetry with soft close hardware, Fisher & Paykel appliances including built-in refrigerator, 36" wide 5-burner gas range, dishwasher with double drawers, quartz countertop and Blanco Quatrus under-mount sink. And the attention to detail did not stop at the thresholds as the living areas connect to three separate outdoor spaces that have been thoughtfully curated for serenity, beauty and function. The majority of the property is situated behind a detached 2-car garage and custom designed fence, and the house sits toward the back of the lot for maximum privacy.

View 6 Photos
Architect and Interiors: Assembledge+ | Design Team: David Thompson (Principal-in-Charge) and Mitchell Streichhirsch | Landscape: J Armstrong Design
Architect and Interiors: Assembledge+ | Design Team: David Thompson (Principal-in-Charge) and Mitchell Streichhirsch | Landscape: J Armstrong Design
The patio is on the same grade as the home, enhancing the ease of indoor/outdoor living. This was an intrinsic feature of all Cliff May designed homes. "If you can't walk out of the living room or the bedroom or kitchen onto the ground...why, you're not living like a real Californian." --Cliff May.
The patio is on the same grade as the home, enhancing the ease of indoor/outdoor living. This was an intrinsic feature of all Cliff May designed homes. "If you can't walk out of the living room or the bedroom or kitchen onto the ground...why, you're not living like a real Californian." --Cliff May.
About 700 Cliff May homes were developed in Long Beach in 1953 and 1954 in the tract known as Rancho Estates. The modular construction was ahead of it's time and allowed each home to be built in a matter of days, not months. The key design features are board and batten redwood siding, low-pitched roofs with clerestory windows, and numerous floor to ceiling glass doors and windows to connect the home to nature.
About 700 Cliff May homes were developed in Long Beach in 1953 and 1954 in the tract known as Rancho Estates. The modular construction was ahead of it's time and allowed each home to be built in a matter of days, not months. The key design features are board and batten redwood siding, low-pitched roofs with clerestory windows, and numerous floor to ceiling glass doors and windows to connect the home to nature.
Fencing was not included when the homes were originally sold. Modern home owners often construct fences to the allowable setback limit which is typically just five feet from the property line. The Rancho Estates is unique with a very minimal fence setback, a feature quite uncommon in housing developments. The lot size of this home is 5,581 square feet, yet the private outdoor space is greater than many homes on a 7000 square foot lot that have a large front yard that is open to the street.
Fencing was not included when the homes were originally sold. Modern home owners often construct fences to the allowable setback limit which is typically just five feet from the property line. The Rancho Estates is unique with a very minimal fence setback, a feature quite uncommon in housing developments. The lot size of this home is 5,581 square feet, yet the private outdoor space is greater than many homes on a 7000 square foot lot that have a large front yard that is open to the street.