Field Architecture is responsible for the design of this beautiful ranch house nestled along the edge of the Los Trancos Preserve in Portola Valley, California. This 3,838-square-foot house, music studio, hay barn, and stable are sited on a steep slope in the middle of an oak grove. The 731-square-foot music studio is detached from the house, linked by an outdoor deck and pool.

A hay barn modeled on a traditional bank barn and a connected stable is positioned farther down the hill. To work around the trees, concrete foundations stopped short of the tree roots and allowed living spaces above to cantilever out among the branches. The house is split into two volumes — one with four bedrooms and a mudroom, the other with the living, dining, and kitchen areas — connected by a small, glass-box entryway.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Field Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN LJL Designs LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Ground Studio

The barnlike volumes are clad in cedar on the outside and have interiors with concrete floors, exposed steelwork, reclaimed Douglas fir paneling, and walls of windows looking out over the land. The roof over the primary living spaces also has a monitor — a raised portion lined with clerestory windows — designed to capture sunlight.

Hardwearing, low-maintenance materials were utilized for the built-ins and furnishings, including cabinetry with crate-like drawers and zinc counters, and fabrics that wouldn’t easily be destroyed by the couple’s two dogs, three cats, and muddy boots.  The overall vision was definitely to return to the materials of the barn.

What We Love: This ranch house in Portola Valley has the most magnificent details, with the expansive glazing, concrete floors, and dual-sided fireplace in the great room. We are especially loving how the kitchen and the outdoor living room can become one space with the most incredible views of the swimming pool and surrounding oak grove.

Tell Us: What do you find most appealing in the design of this home and why in the Comments below. We love reading your feedback!

Note: Check out a couple of other fascinating Portola Valley home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign: Contemporary courtyard house in Portola Valley provides exceptional living and Fabulous entertainment barn in Portola Valley melds into the landscape.

PHOTOGRAPHER Matthew Millman

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