Relaxing in the Canyon Living The Dream In This Peaceful Placerita Canyon Ranch Home

As the sun set over Placerita Canyon,  the fading light cast warm hues into the elegant, open ranch-style home of Michael and Susan Marin.  The complimentary light bathed a decor of earthy neutrals, rich dark-toned woods, brassy metals and refined gold accents in a glowy brilliance.  Like a comforting fire lit on the hearth, their three-bedroom three-bath family home is warm, inviting and contagiously comfortable.
When the Marins bought the house as original owners in 1997, they set out to make it their own, leaving their mark with renovations, redecorations and installments from the front door the back patio; today it’s characterized by a sense of openness, functional entertaining and an overall feeling of relaxation.
From the welcoming fountain in the front walkway to the wood and beveled glass front doors, the entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home. Guests immediately enter into the living room, with the bedrooms located in the left wing and the communal living spaces in the right.  Wood flooring throughout the room complements the chocolate baby grand piano, a family heirloom for more than 50 years and a beautiful focal point.  Taupe, beige and other neutral tones blend together effortlessly, as a mix of textiles add detail and interest to the overall decor.  To the back, two custom French glass doors open to the backyard patio, and to the right, a freestanding wall houses a dual-sided fireplace, also seen from the dining room on the other side.
The living room flows naturally into the dining room in this open floor plan, and art hangs high on the center wall.  A round glass table with a heavy ornate base anchors the room. Cushioned seating adds softness and comfort to this informally used gathering area.  Hidden inset nooks can be found in several places throughout the house, starting in the dining room.  Family photos and ornate decor pieces add complexity and vibrancy to these spaces.
As guests continue to the right, they’re drawn to one of the most popular and functionally designed spaces in the house: the spacious Marin family kitchen.  When the Marins envisioned a floor-to-ceiling remodel of their most vital entertaining room, Susan decided to play to the fact that, when throwing her annual family parties, everyone gravitates to the kitchen.
To start, they added a massive green marble island that boasts a farm-style sink on one end, closest to the stove and refrigerator, and a tall four-person counter on the other end, closest to the kitchen table and adjoining open family room.  A butler’s pantry and stainless steel appliances add chef’s appeal to the kitchen, but the stunning cabinetry provides true originality.  Custom-stained alder hardwood cabinets in taupe line the three walls of the kitchen, creating a striking yet cohesive look and a superior amount of storage space.  Making this room a true stand-out, additional details include wrought-iron barstools, an intricate travertine backsplash and a large kitchen window that overlooks the pleasantly green side yard.
In the open space between the kitchen and family room, the kitchen nook houses comfy seating anda round kitchen table. Surrounded by windows, the Marins eat and relax in this cozy nook on a daily basis.  Tucked into the back of the right wing, the family room is a hidden gem in the Marin house.  The wood entertainment center, which matches the kitchen’s beautiful custom cabinetry, encloses a mounted flatscreen TV, and displays photos and decor items.  Plush seating invites guests to warm up in front of the fireplace, topped by a gorgeous mantel.  While much of the Marins’ daytime downtime is spent here, they retire to the left wing for early evening TV and leisure.

Two bedrooms, which belong to a son and daughter off to college, are adjoined by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, which was recently refinished.  One is decorated in warm but light neutrals, while the other shows off the Marins’ University of Southern California pride with cardinal red, chocolate woods and gold accents.
Moving to the back of the right wing, the master bedroom opens to what Susan refers to her as her “woman cave,” a lounge seating area with mounted flatscreen TV.  Beautiful brown and fair-colored neutrals lighten a room rich in windows and natural lighting, and the master bathroom is just as calming with a standalone white ceramic tub.  The bathroom cabinetry, though darker in color, brings in the same wood as the kitchens.  A seated vanity and walk-in shower with a mosaic adds beautiful detail to an ornately decorated bathroom.  On the right wall of the bedroom, glass French doors open to the backyard patio area.
Perfect for family parties, which the Marins have hosted for 25 years, the backyard opens from the house with a covered patio area, cushiony lounge and built-in barbecue.  Complete with a round dining table, mounted flatscreen and refrigerator, this outdoor living space is made for parties or a peaceful moment of solitude.  The patio overlooks a sprawling green lawn, which spans to the left and borders a public equestrian trail for the Placerita Canyon area.  After 25 years, this relaxing ranch home is ideal for all life’s most important moments.
If you would like to feature your Million Dollar Home or recommend one, please email kirsten@scvelitemagazine.com.

photos by Joie de Vivre Photographie

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