Red tile roofs. Wrought iron railings. Romantic archways. Spanish-style architecture has been a touchstone of the Southern California landscape since the early 1900s—and it’s still the design de rigueur for builders today. From an iconic 1920s Spanish-Mediterranean in Pacific Palisades built by the renowned architect of the Hotel Bel-Air to a newly constructed estate overlooking the Wilshire Country Club in Hancock Park, these Spanish residences prove the style is here to stay.
550 PASEO MIRAMAR | PACIFIC PALISADES
Showcasing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica bay, this iconic Spanish-Mediterranean Revival home, represented by Dan Urbach, was designed and constructed in 1928 by Mark Daniels, the renowned architect of the Hotel Bel-Air. One of the seven original homes in the early development of the Miramar Estates, the unspoiled masterpiece has been meticulously maintained and boasts original Malibu tile, custom millwork and romantic balconies throughout 4,627 square feet of living space. Interior highlights include an exquisite formal living room with soaring, vaulted ceilings, a grand fireplace and striking ocean views, while gorgeous grounds include magical gardens with terraces, fountains, and an interior courtyard primed for entertaining.
206 SOUTH RIMPAU BLVD | HANCOCK PARK
One of the only new construction homes in Hancock Park, this spectacular estate, represented by Jon Grauman, blends a classic Spanish exterior with sophisticated, contemporary interiors envisioned for today’s discerning buyer. Situated on a quiet, private cul-de-sac overlooking unobstructed views of the Wilshire Country Club golf course, the home’s grand-scale living spaces include an elegant parlor and sweeping ballroom with a restaurant-caliber bar, marble fireplace, butler’s pantry and wraparound terrace. An incredible chef’s kitchen is lined with Fleetwood walls of glass that open to a grassy backyard, complete with an infinity-edge pool, built-in bbq and golf course views.
531 WOODRUFF AVENUE | LOS ANGELES
This stunning 1928 Spanish-Colonial manse in prime Little Holmby, represented by Alexandria Brunkhorst, was recently featured in Architectural Digest. Restored to its former glory and reimagined with a sophisticated Montecito vibe, the airy residence features an open kitchen with seating area, dining room that opens to an outside garden and living room with exquisite built-ins. Traditional Spanish interiors were refreshed to give the home a modern, European sensibility; terra-cotta tiles were replaced with wide-plank French oak floors and windows were added to take advantage of the home’s southern exposure. The interiors flow seamlessly to a gorgeous backyard studded with mature olive trees and complete with a fire pit, grassy lawn, two lounge areas and a swimming pool.
Set discreetly behind 25-foot tall hedges and commanding gates, this modern Spanish estate in Encino, represented by Craig Knizek, James Hirsch and Denise Snanoudj, has been beautifully reimagined. Doors open to a soaring foyer and statement-making staircase that lead to warm and elegant interiors, including a high-end kitchen, media room, theatre, and secondary kitchen perfect for large-scale entertaining. The spacious master suite boasts a classic Spanish balcony overlooking the entire property, while a sweeping backyard strung with bistro lights features ample grassy lawns, a dining loggia, swimming pool and spa cabana with a wet bar, fireplace and built-in lounge.
321 S. CHADBOURNE AVE | BRENTWOOD PARK
Located in prime Brentwood Park, this private, gated Spanish estate was custom built in 2010. Represented by Santiago Arana and Griffin Riddle, the home showcases soaring ceiling heights, custom design finishes and grand-scale living spaces. Highlights include an elegant chef’s kitchen with wine cellar, massive formal dining room, wood-paneled study, and beautiful wrap-around staircase with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush greenery. French doors bring the outside in, leading to a park-like backyard with grassy lawns, a pool, spa, built-in barbecue and loggia with an outdoor fireplace perfect for chilly California nights.
Nowhere is Spanish-style architecture more prevalent than in Santa Barbara, where the traditional architecture is still the aesthetic of choice. Estancia, a new residential offering represented by The Agency Development Group, showcases a more contemporary take on the traditional style. Situated along upper State Street, Estancia is a collection of single-story residences and multi-story townhomes featuring the signature Spanish architecture on the exterior and contemporary, sleek design on the inside. Ten-foot ceilings soar above bright, open-plan living spaces, where expansive windows draw the outdoors in. Clean lines are enriched with highly curated modern details, including intricate tilework, quartz countertops, and polished chrome fixtures.
28955 SELFRIDGE DRIVE | MALIBU
This beautiful Point Dume estate is set on over an acre of flat land in prime Malibu. Represented by Eric Haskell, the beautifully updated, private home by Reath Design showcases a bright chef’s kitchen with custom tile work, light-filled living room, five bedrooms, an office or fitness space and more. The voluminous second-story master, complete with a spacious balcony and custom, hand-cut Moroccan tile bathroom, overlooks a spectacular backyard oasis, replete with an ozone swimming pool and tennis court.
702 N. MAPLE DRIVE | BEVERLY HILLS
Located on the coveted 700 block of North Maple Drive in the flats of Beverly Hills, this exquisite Spanish hacienda, represented by David Findley and Andrea Korchek, was extensively remodeled while preserving its classic architectural elements. Surprising details elevate this estate to the extraordinary, including a secret speakeasy bar hidden behind a wood-paneled wall—revealed with the press of a button. The transformation continues outside with gorgeous landscaping, a refinished pool and beautifully reimagined casita.
