36 DIGS.NET | 7.19.2019
R E A L E S TAT E | 2 3 4 M O N T E G R I G I O
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os Angeles is unparalleled when it comes to
forging a life that entwines proximity to nature
with accessibility to finer pursuits. Perfect
weather? Check. Stunning produce? Check. Gorgeous
beaches? Check. World.class museums, exquisite
shopping and restaurants? Obviously. It stands to
reason, then, that the ideal home is one sequestered
enough to feel like a private retreat yet within easy
driving and walking distance of the desired amenities.
row in stunning views of the fabled Pacific Coast,
and a space created to take advantage of quintessential
Southern California indoor.outdoor living designed
by an award.winning architect, and this description of
a dream becomes reality: is is 234 Monte Grigio.
Tucked into the enclave just south of the Getty Villa
and located just up Porto Marina Way, this home is
accessible from both the Pacific Coast Highway and
Sunset, a boon in these traffic.dense times. Despite its
proximity to the casual.cool of Malibu, sophistication
of Santa Monica, and small.town feel of the Pacific
Palisades, step inside and the outside world disappears.
Seen from the street is an exterior stairway that
zig.zags up the façade of the open glass structure's
central portion, grounding the home's two wings,
which appear poised for flight (the northern end,
which lifts slightly, practically confirms this initial
impression). e sculptural nature of the design
reveals architect Colby Mayes's time working with
the iconic Frank Gehry: wood and glass, steel and
concrete are perfectly proportionate for a modern
house that exudes warmth and welcome.
Once inside and through the home's main second
floor entryway, one enters the central living space.
Polished light oak floors and large expanses of
sliding glass doors and delicately framed windows
work in tandem, bouncing light about. Mayes has
untangled the confusion of the great room that has
dominated most homes designed in recent years,
cleverly assembling a floor plan for the main level
that encompasses the benefits of a great room while
hurdling past its challenges. e interplay of public
and private spaces, light and shadow, create a rhythm
that harnesses modern architecture in service of the
messy, chaotic realities of life.
For formal entertaining, the living room, dining room
and kitchen are primed to be called into action: the
trio work together to provide the ideal backdrop for
a number of occasions. Before dinner, cocktails in
the living room features an atmosphere warmed by
a crackling fire, treetop views of the water and the
