Sunday, April 22, 2001

711 Margarita Avenue

Originally built in 1940 as a one-story Spanish courtyard bungalow, this Margarita family home was extensively remodeled by Cornerstone Construction last year. Owner/Architect Kent Aden and his wife Toni, acknowledging claims that the original home may have been created by famed architect Cliff May in his early years, designed the addition to respect and compliment the original home's qualities and character. A key design challenge was to maintain the unique features of the existing home, such as the heavy-beamed living room ceiling and quaint patio courtyard, while logically adding on needed space for a growing family. When the dust settled, over 2100 square feet was added to the original 1500 square foot home including a new kitchen/family room, kids' bedrooms/activity room and master bedroom/bath.

David Reed, Landscape Architect designed the landscape for the front and rear yards on the 7400 square foot lot. Reed, a former stone mason, hand chiseled and finished the unique flagstone accents in the front yard.

Specific design solutions worthy of noting include: the entry portico, added to provide scale and context to the older portion of the home; the wine gallery, utilized to seamlessly connect the existing home to the new addition; and the exterior breezeway, added to maintain exterior access from the courtyard/driveway to the rear yard.

830 J Avenue

Originally built in 1920, Steve and Clare Wilson purchased and remodeled their J Avenue home in 1996. Their goal was to strengthen and enhance the structure, while maintaining its original charming ambience.

With the help of contractor Lorton Mitchell, the Wilsons created 5000 square feet of warmth and elegance, furnished with a wonderful combination of heirlooms and collected pieces. The home features three bedrooms, five baths and an expansive office. A separate guest home adjacent to a large patio and landscaped yard and pool, has a sitting area, bedroom and bath.

Of particular note are the numerous tiling details creatively set throughout the various bathrooms and outdoor spaces. In the kitchen, a large English style linen press was cleverly modified and electrified to accommodate storage needs. From the Grace Long mural in the dining room, to the curtains made of genuine Indian Saris, the Wilson's imaginative home is a delight to tour.

1306 Sixth Street

Naval Architect Charles F. Herreshoff designed this traditional Sixth Street home in 1927 for early Coronado resident Dorothy M. Scott. According to the original contract, which hangs in the entry foyer, the home took 100 days to build for a total cost of $12,498.

More than a decade ago, when the Hunsaker family became the second owners, the transition was seamless. They have maintained and preserved its original character through the years.

With the exception of cosmetics, little has changed in this inviting home. It features a cozy red den, lovely dining room and living room that opens out to a full-in-bloom wisteria covered patio. Because the property spans three lots, the large private yard is a rare Coronado treat!

1129 G Avenue

Just steps from the beach, this rambling residence was initially remodeled in the 1950's and extensively renovated in the early 1990's.

Homeowners Sandra and Don Craib characterize their gracious interior as "Country French at the beach with Asian and Western art influences."

The Craibs, who entertain frequently, appreciate the fabulous "flow" of their home. From its centrally located gourmet kitchen, through to the private patio, there are plenty of charming gathering spots and stylish accents to enjoy along the way. A beautiful dining area with extensive built -ins has as its focal point, a family heirloom highboy.

Don't miss the wonderful tromp l'oeil in the main hallway or the Remington bronzes and fine collection of Western and Indian art in the den/TV room. The blue guest room is home to a lovingly crafted dollhouse. In the stairway, Mrs. Craib has artfully displayed photographs she has taken from around the world.

Among many special features of this home are: An antique Korean chest in entry way, curio table (in living room) containing antique pin cushion collection, Imari plates and bowls, paintings by Howard Behrens and Robert Wood (living room); hand painting (sunflowers) in kitchen and stenciling in master bedroom; a teddy bear made from an old mink coat (in master), century old high chair (in kitchen); century old framed receipts (displayed in kitchen) and select furniture throughout, handmade by Mrs. Craib's brother, Bruce McQuilkin.

1216 Churchill Place

Angela and Clay Stanley have brought a touch of the Old South to Coronado with their recently constructed home at 1216 Churchill Place.

Based on a 1743 home in Charleston, South Carolina, this 3300 square foot Georgian double home was designed and built by Osso Construction. It features an open floor plan downstairs with large gourmet kitchen, family room, music parlor, office and wine cellar of the formal dining room. The hardwood floors are oak with cherry finish. Soaring ceilings and classical moldings make this space especially dramatic.An elevator leads to the spacious master suite and additional bedrooms. There are two balconies at both the front and back of the house.

The Stanleys describe their style as "traditional southern with emphasis on comfort." Personal favorites are the family heirloom quilts that adorn the beds, and Mrs. Stanley's great grandmother's swing that hangs on the front porch. While their home is the realization of their own strong vision, the Stanleys are quick to credit the expert assistance of Ultimate Interiors, Pacific Draperies and Tim Allen Landscaping, in creating this beautiful outcome.

You can often find Clay and Angela on the front porch enjoying their little piece of southern paradise. Stop in and enjoy some southern hospitality!

About Coronado School of the Arts

The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) offers a unique educational opportunity to students of the arts in grades 9-12. Intense cirrucula in insturmental music, musical theatre, technical theatre and production, dance, and visual art and graphic design provide advanced-level training for the truly creative student.

CoSA is a public school-within-a-school on the campus of Coronado High School and open to qualified students from all over San Diego County.

Our major goal is to nourish the passion students feel for the arts by providing them with space, expertise, and opportunities.

For information contact Kris McClung, Director: (619) 522-8969