Old World Meets Modern – La Quinta, California

This home was designed to accomplish two distinct goals: on the street side, in compliance with the community's architectural guidelines, it emulates an Old-World European village with a terraced entry, stone rubble walls, brick details and varied terracotta roof forms with a genoise eave detail. Along the back side, a modern design opens the home to the amazing views of the mountains and desert valley beyond, maximizing the unique characteristics of the site. Traditional building forms and materials erode and transition seamlessly in the property's private side into modern forms and materials (exposed steel structure, metal cladding, concrete floors and sliding glass walls), giving the feel of a contemporary home evolving from an ancient structure.

The home is designed to function as a one-bedroom desert getaway with an open great room, dining room, massage room and exquisitely appointed primary suite. An additional wing of the home accommodates extended family and guests. This bedroom wing has its own shared kitchenette and eating area with a built-in banquette, a bunkroom for grandchildren and additional guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms and private patios. A detached multi-purposed building holds an art studio, gym and game room (with pool table, wet bar and powder room).

Site amenities include a large recreational lawn area, bocce court, 55-foot long pool with shallow lounge area, large spa, boulder fire and water features and ample shaded seating areas. The interiors were carefully crafted by Avalon with earthy, modern materials pulling from the colors and textures of the surroundings. The custom cabinets, millwork, upholstery and furniture were designed by Architect Jeff Anderson.

Photos: Stephen Morgan Photography