Sea Island
Dana Point, CA

Tucked into a coastal hillside with sweeping ocean air and sun-washed exposures, Sea Island is a study in contrast, where architectural form meets softness, and complexity gives way to calm. Working within height restrictions and a uniquely sloped lot, the landscape was designed to feel grounded and intentional, weaving through levels with seamless transitions and lush plantings.

A new deck and barbecue area anchor the outdoor living experience, with custom countertops and warm materials that echo the tones of the surrounding landscape. The existing pool was reimagined with hand-washed white stone, custom precast coping, and a limestone vessel transformed into a sculptural water feature. At the heart of the yard sits a bespoke fireplace, lined in herringbone brick and framed by modern stonework that blends traditional detailing with contemporary restraint.

Retaining walls were carefully placed to navigate the terrain, while mature citrus and a multi-trunk fruitless olive tree soften the structure with movement and shade. The plant palette leans lush and textural, reinforcing the landscape’s quiet rhythm. Sea Island isn’t just built around the view, it complements it, inviting a slower pace and deep connection to place.