Villa Delle Palme

This classic Spanish-Colonial hillside estate underwent a striking transformation that blends its timeless architectural charm with sleek, modern design. The result is a blend of old and new, seamlessly celebrating its historical roots while embracing a new modern aesthetic.

Our challenge with this project was two-fold – to preserve the resources embodied in the existing structures, and to breathe new life into this home by creating a more contemporary backdrop to modern living without losing the charm of the original Spanish style. On the exterior, we edited the decorative ornamentation to distill it down to a more minimal aesthetic. Key architectural features such as tile/brick rooflines, stucco walls, arched openings, and iron details were preserved. New subdued colors were introduced, wood was sandblasted to reveal natural grain and texture, and bare eucalyptus branches replaced the tired fabric in sunshades. Exterior lighting was modernized and a new exterior spiral stair was added to reach an otherwise inaccessible 3rd floor observatory. Perhaps the grandest exterior gesture was relocating the pool/spa to the south side of the home where it integrates with living spaces while taking advantage of sun and views. Landscaping was enhanced to make better use of the steep hillside, and a new steel fitness pavilion was constructed near the tennis court.  

Once inside, the ambiance shifts even more dramatically toward modern. Living spaces are understated with clean lines and a simple color palette interspersed with natural textiles. Wood ceilings were sandblasted to lighten them and we integrated new suspended track lighting in place of heavily ornate chandeliers. Interior walls were removed, creating a more open floor plan and lighter/brighter spaces while improving the indoor-outdoor connection. A new dining room was created by enclosing an existing covered loggia with steel fenestration, connecting the two main patios.