Where Cozy Meets Beautiful!

Sand Canyon is a ranch style neighborhood tucked away from the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing Santa Clarita Valley. This peaceful equestrian community is what convinced the Manthei family to trade the beaches of Santa Monica, for a 5,400 square ft. home that would make Joanna Gaines envious. Built in 1989, the property consists of 2.3 acres where Kevin and Lori Manthei have created a family oasis with a country feel. Like the sentimental portrayal of American life in a Norman Rockwell painting, the Manthei home is picture perfect upon arrival. A rustic, four stall barn sits along the driveway, and swings hang from a 250 year old oak tree on a spacious front lawn. The homestead has the charm of an idyllic bed and breakfast.
Lori Manthei designed the interior of the home to reflect the farm-like feel of the outside. The living room is impressive but comfortable, with patterns and textures around the room that are both welcoming and cheerful. Lori’s attention to detail throughout the whole house begins in this room where flea market finds, farm inspired pieces, and antiques are creatively displayed to introduce each family member’s interests. Antique furniture is placed throughout the living room and formal dining area, providing both a function and a discussion piece.
Adjacent to the living room is the music room where the Manthei children enjoy practicing their instruments, while also able to look out the window at the chickens and goats dawdling around outside. Antique instruments adorn the walls, while a piano and other instruments lay waiting for a family jam session.
Collections are a staple throughout this beautiful home, but without the eyesore of clutter. Whether it’s an assortment of old family pictures, antique medicine bottles, or vintage children’s books, there’s a decorative element with a story to it around every corner. Eclectic heirloom accents, like a crafted jewelry tree and a jar of rosette pastry irons passed down from Lori’s ancestors, appear in each room. These pieces are tastefully displayed and seamlessly integrated into the design of the home.
The open family room and kitchen are at the heart of the house, with plenty of natural light filtering in. The large kitchen island and countertops provide an inviting gathering spot for friends and family, and the perfect workspace for Lori and her two daughters to bake. The casual living space opens up to a beverage bar and game room, complete with a pool table for company to enjoy.
The rustic chic design continues upstairs, where the master bedroom incorporates one of Lori’s favorite decorative elements- textured wallpaper! Wallpaper also adds a whimsical touch to a small loft used by the Manthei’s nine-year-old son as a study area, and friends are even welcome to color on the playful wall decor. All three Manthei children are homeschooled by Lori, and their bedrooms and project room provides them with ample space to play, craft, build and learn!
As a music composer for TV and film, Kevin Manthei’s commute to work is a short walk across the yard to his newly constructed music studio. The incredible 2,400 square foot building, is a dream come true for both Kevin and Lori who worked for four years to complete the project. Their sleek studio ties in the modern rustic feel of the main house, with industrial and musical elements. The lounge area has exposed ductwork and custom shelving made with repurposed plumbing pipe. Light fixtures made from roof turbines add an interesting touch, while cassette wallpaper incorporates a fun element to a bathroom enclosed with a sliding barn door.
There are three recording rooms in this one of a kind studio. The main room was acoustically engineered, and holds a phenomenal custom made desk made from reclaimed wood. The top of the line recording room is fully equipped with ten-foot span windows, acoustic curtains, and everything Kevin and his clients’ need. A larger recording space next to the lounge can accommodate up to 18 musicians. Sliding glass doors allow for large instruments to be wheeled in and out of the space easily. With electronically lowered drapes and a recessed screen, the space also doubles as a theater room for the family. The textured wallpaper that Lori loves was added to the ceiling, giving the illusion of wood planks. Alongside the theater room and on the other side of a sound proof wall is the guesthouse which includes an open concept living, kitchen, dining room as well as a bedroom and bathroom seamlessly continuing the inviting industrial inspired theme. As if that wasn’t fantastic enough, there’s also an additional attic style room upstairs offering more room to compose and create.
While truly extraordinary, there’s nothing pretentious about the Manthei home. It’s a testament to Lori Manthei’s taste and talent that a 5,400 square foot home manages to feel so warm and cozy, while also being aesthetically interesting and beautiful. With future projects on the horizon for this homestead, any addition will only add to the family centered feel of this unbelievable property.
photos by Joie de Vivre photographie

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