This historic beach cottage mixes contemporary and traditional styles to create an eclectic aesthetic by Evens Architects, located in an historic district of Santa Monica, California. This charming house was built in 1903 as a weekend retreat, typical of the original houses in this seaside neighborhood. A craftsman style house, it was once only accessible by driving on the sand or by walking on the boardwalk that lay across the dunes. No longer remote, compact houses are nestled close to one another to take advantage of the ocean views.

Streets are now paved and their is a vibrant metropolis to the east and a busy beach to the west. The cottage was found in poor condition, with many years of neglect. However, within the architecture was a lot of charm, despite the tarnish from age. Working with Alana Homesley Interior Design to update the interiors of the home, the design team got to work on a major overhaul from outside-in.

The challenge the architects faced was to bring the original architecture back to life, while updating features of the house to reflect more modern tastes and lifestyle. The remodel of this historic beach cottage encompassed a restoration of the main living spaces, which have been enhanced with a white and black color scheme. The walls serves as a backdrop to highlight the homeowner’s eclectic tastes in art and furnishings.

The kitchen was given a complete overhaul, including a butcher-block topped island, modern appliances and a spacious pantry and custom cabinetry. Upstairs, a brand new configuration allowed there to be four bedrooms to house a growing family. This includes a serene master bedroom retreat, providing vistas down the street to the ocean. A new light-filled master bathroom offers a refined elegance with a claw-foot tub in a cozy bathing nook.

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What We Love: This historic beach cottage offers preserved details with modern day amenities, creating an inviting and stylish abode. A soft color palette creates a relaxed beach vibe, while cozy furnishings beckons visitors to get comfortable. The architects did a wonderful job of preserving the home’s past while looking ahead to its future. Readers, what do you think, are you crushing on this cozy beach cottage?

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A Lindsey Adelman chandelier hangs over the dining table, adding a modern element to the space, while a preserved built-in buffet was updated with a fresh coat of white paint.

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Photos:  Manolo Langis