Cape Cod estate in Valmonte

So I hinted at this home in an earlier post - it is one of my favorites in Valmonte.  It is large, well situated on the lot, and has loads of character: the Westley Residence.

(Source: Google Maps)

(Source: NJC)


Designed by Doug Leach and built in 2007/8, the 5,600 square foot home sits on a double lot that spans 18,270 square feet!  The original single-level ranch home and lot were purchased in 2004 for $1.8M by a Yale PhD/cell and molecular biologist and her husband, a real estate developer (himself, a Cornell & Harvard grad).

 (Source: Bing Maps)

(Source: Google Maps)

As you'll notice, the new home is sited in nearly the identical spot as the home it replaced - even the garage is in the same spot!  The lot itself, at nearly half an acre, is among the largest in Valmonte.  It actually spans two legal lots, each roughly 64x143.

(Source: LA County Assessor)

There's a ton to love about the home.  The wrap-around porch.  The color and texture of the exterior shingles.  The landscaping. The alternating roofline and mix of windows.  The size and substantial-ness of the porch columns.  The color combo.  All in, a very comfortable family home. 

The rear elevation is equally attractive and the back yard landscaping is elegant yet simple.  In fact, I think it looks as though it has some neat features like a NanaWall, which opens up the family room into a stone patio.

 (Source: Google Maps)

If I were to nitpick, here are a few things I would highlight: the windows in the garage door (which are actually a no-no in PVE and violate the Art Jury's guidelines).  I think having windows in a garage door detracts from the house - cheapens it, perhaps.  A paneled or solid white garage door would be better (an easy fix too!).

(Source: Google Maps)

(Source: NJC)


The front setback - well, here I'm on the fence.  On the one hand, the 30-foot front setback (or technically, "side" setback since its a corner lot) makes the home seem more comfortable, informal and welcoming.  At the same time, a deeper setback of maybe 50 feet would make the home seem a bit more formal, grand even,  in keeping with both the size of the home and the lot size.  Obviously something like this is a bit too much  (80-foot front setback)

 (Source: NJC)

All in all, a very well executed home.  Funny enough, I came across another home in neighboring Redondo Beach and Torrance that both have some similar features and a comparable design.  Curious: what do you all think of its Redondo Beach and Torrance doppelgangers (not sure who the architect is here)?

Redondo Beach:

(Source: NJC)

PV:

(Source: Google Maps)

Torrance:

(Source: NJC)


Which one do you think is more attractive?

KEY STATS

Location: Valmonte PVE
Style: Cape Cod
Year built:  2007/2008
Architect: Doug Leach
Square footage: 5,600f
Lot size: 18,270 (127x143)