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Toro Canyon House by Bestor Architecture

By Magaly Grosso

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Completed in 2012, Toro Canyon House was designed by Bestor Architecture.

It is located in Santa Barbara County, California, USA, with spectacular views and a lively interior.

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Toro Canyon House by Bestor Architecture:

“The owners wanted to build a getaway house outside of Los Angeles where they could entertain and find a balance between the modern design they desired and a more direct relationship to nature. After a two year search in the Southern California region they discovered pristine acreage near Montecito at the top of a mountain and adjacent to national park land.

The site strategy is one of slow revelation and discovery of the house and- ultimately- the view. The road, which had to be built for access, brings the visitor to a point below the house- where a formal stair leads up to the entry sequence. The front door frames and reveals views of the Santa Barbara coastline through the courtyard.

A 40’ wide horizontal ‘panavison’-esque opening gives the house a pavilion-like atmosphere. The dwelling is organized around three courtyards; the primary one at the heart of the house also serves as the front entrance and outdoor living room. The courtyards have a dual purpose: they bring in ample natural light and ventilation but also provide protection from the strong winds that can race across the mountain.

The rough and very thick boardform concrete walls, custom color-mixed to match the dark red and brown tones of the earth at the site, form a rugged shell that is punctuated by large openings and reveals of the Alaskan cedar wood siding. The inner shell’s warm wood and windows into the protected courtyards create a warm and tactile interior respite from the hardy environment.”

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Site Plan

Photos by: Laure Joliet

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About Magaly Grosso

Magaly Grosso was born in Venezuela where she grew up and studied Advertising and Marketing. With time, she realized that what she truly wanted to dedicate herself to was Interior Design, which is why she decided to study it and devote herself to it. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

1 thought on “Toro Canyon House by Bestor Architecture”

  1. Magnificent perfection. Fascinatingly designed for the view. Love the stonework, use of boulders in the landscape, outdoor bench seating, small sitting area off of a bedroom with the trapezoidal patio and of course, the pool shot. Photography was outstanding.

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