A short stroll down the driveway takes you through dawn redwoods and native oaks on this densely wooded, sloping, three-acre lot. In the clearing ahead, across Indian Creek, you come upon a striking modern house clad in vertical western red cedar and full-height windows. A sculptured stone lion greets you as you walk across the chipped granite walkway to the front door of the house. Step through the front door and you are immediately drawn into the wide open spaces of this 8,000-square-foot home.
The four wings of the house radiate from the double-height central dining space, crowned by its large clerestory windows. The warm floors beneath your feet are white fumed bamboo. On the main wall beneath the clerestories hangs a tapestry that was fabricated by Milanese artist Luisa Cevese, who produced a creative reclamation of an old silk Chinese bedspread, fusing its delicate remains to resin squares affixed to a backing of Belgian linen. Your
As you leave the living and dining rooms, a short flight of stairs takes you to the first of the four symmetrical bedrooms that comprise the north wing, complete with Eero Saarinen chairs, lacquered bedside tables, and slate-gray accent walls. Each of the lower bedrooms is uniquely styled for a family member, whether a child or a teenager. Continue up the central stairs and stop at the landing to observe how the living, dining, and family rooms below flow from one another.
At the top of the stairs, turn right to find an office in contemporary style. The three exterior walls are a series of full-height windows that look out into the surrounding tree canopies. A trio of sateen velvet upholstered 1960s armchairs invites you to relax and
Continue back down the central stairs to the hallway that leads to the master bedroom suite, passing beautifully arranged objets d’art, including a bronze Buddha’s hand on a pedestal, as you go. This home is filled with art, and these are pieces that the homeowner has collected over the years. Peek down the hall into the final south wing that holds the master bedroom suite and take a moment to reflect upon the Chinese prayer niche.
The family room’s pillow-strewn, U-shaped sectional upholstered in midnight-blue linen provides comfortable seating for all family members. The 50” flat-screen television and surround sound can offer hours of entertainment. This dazzling lounging area flows directly into the casual family dining area, with its circular, olive-lacquered table that seats ten, set below a chandelier of bent
rattan designed by Tomoto Mizu. It is easy to picture the lazy Susan in the middle of the table filled with food and ready to serve a large family gathering.
Both of these family areas look out into the rear patio and garden. Step outside to the patio and take a moment to gaze at the rear lawn sculpture seen earlier from above. Be sure to notice the Chinese seat made from stones from an old bridge and the bell mounted on the wall. The patio surface is the same chipped granite set on end that was used in the front entry.
flowers or art. The adjacent caterer’s kitchen, with a commercial Viking wok and Thermador oven, can be sealed off from the kitchen via a pocket door.
After exiting through the caterer’s kitchen, you will again stroll down the driveway, away from this exquisite, urban retreat in the woods. Pause to reflect how son and designer, Calvin Tsao of Tsao-McKown, with his collaborators, David Finn and Brian Laczko of Finn-Laczko Architects and contractor Creative Spaces, created a family home that will be cherished for generations.
Home Coordinator: Heidi Monical