Atop a plateau overlooking the Monterey Bay, this residence exemplifies the Asian/Modern aesthetic with its simple, understated elegance. Situated on 50 acres in the Aptos Hills, one enters through the gates and is immediately greeted by a forest of redwoods on the left, and larger than life-sized Buddha’s perched in the dry grasses on the right… Serenity, warmth, and calm pervade, welcoming your arrival.
The client’s love for Asian design, began many years ago when they were relocated from California to Japan for business. The residence is a blend of furnishings and artifacts gathered during their travels abroad, along with new acquisitions Heizman carefully assisted them in selecting specifically for this residence.
The interior architectural features are a striking contrast of Modern versus Craftsman/Asian, with concrete flooring and granite countertops juxtaposed with beautiful warm wood doors, windows, cabinetry, and ceiling details. And while these aspects influenced the furnishing selections, it was the client’s love for Japanese art that set the tone for what was to come.
Each room features a spectacular antique Japanese screen painting, creating the backdrop for all the other design elements in the room, be it upholstery fabrics, bedding, lamps, furniture, floorcoverings, or accessories. And while this house is a museum for Japanese art and artifacts, it does not feel like a museum. It is welcoming, warm, sumptuous, and relaxed.
Seated in the Great Room, in comfortable furniture, with the warm breezes flowing in from the terrace, while gazing under the enormous white market umbrellas at the reclining Buddha in the distant landscape, and the blue water beyond, one would imagine they were in the Hawaiian Islands at a five star resort..sheer Nirvana on the Monterey Bay.