A Marvel in Mandeville Canyon

So the Windsor Smith designed house on the bottom of Mandeville Canyon that I have been stalking for about a year is ready for it's close up. And wouldn't you know, it's a Veranda Magazine show house; it's simply gooooorgeous! The house is open to the public so long as you buy tickets at Veranda Unveils the House of Windsor. I recommend going with friends who love good design so you have someone to drool over the interiors with. Every room is more beautiful than the next. You never knew four walls and it's contents could look this good. I managed to take the photo above, though not a very good one, before I was promptly told "no pictures!" I heard a rumor that the house is up for sale in the $12 million range. As we were leaving, who but the unequivocally talented Ms. Kathryn Ireland was exiting her Range Rover in her plunging neckline. I quickly shouted across the drive way to tell her I was a groupie of the show and I love her work (btw, she designed the most beautiful horse stable for the show house). I was tripping over myself to help her get a dog leash around her little dog. My husband captured the moment. Embarrassing. I was seriously star struck. You can read an interview of Windsor Smith about the house as well as view a few photos at 1st Dibs. A whole spread of the house will be featured in the September issue of Veranda Magazine.

Rethinking Oxnard, CA

This photo spread featured in the August issue of Veranda magazine stopped me dead in my tracks. Wow, was I surprised to find out that this absolutely beautiful and serene house is located in Oxnard, CA. I grew up in Oxnard and I guess I always thought it was a bit dumpy. Though now that I live in LA I can't understand why Oxnard shores in Ventura County has not become a popular beach vacation home spot. There are very few water front properties to be had in California for in or around $1 million dollars except for Oxnard and it's only a pleasant forty five minute drive along the PCH from Santa Monica. Well, I think I know why the properties are still relatively affordable. It might have to be that the surrounding areas around the beach are not so pretty. But neither was Venice Beach and we all know how that area has taken off. The home belongs to the owners of Gianetti Design located in Brentwood here in LA. I would really love for Oxnard to live up to it's true potential, as a tranquil and beachy little hide away. No doubt, folks like these, who also command a discerning taste level saw something special in humble Oxnard. Why else would they have built such a gorgeous home there? I can only imagine the photo spread will only entice other architects and designers to do the same. Could this be the next area to invest in with tons of financial upside? I hope so.