Contemporary restorations meet charming rustic design in Billy and Julie Susdorf’s newly renovated ranch home. From the kitchen to the master bedroom, natural stones and hand-carved woods bring an easy, elegant beauty to the interior décor, and in the backyard, oversized sliding barn doors give way to beautifully updated storage and living spaces. Fruit trees and giant oaks lend a smattering of shade to the expansive green lawn. Tucked into tranquil Placerita Canyon, this modern farmhouse is perfectly on trend in 2016.
“Stripping away the need for fancy flourishes or decor for decor’s sake, farmhouse style gets at the root of function,” according to Houzz’s 2016 trend watch. “Rustic interiors have a sense of connection to the past that’s hard to resist. They feel honest and unstudied and evoke a simpler time. In a world where so much is virtual, rustic style is boldly, blatantly real.”
From the horseshoe driveway to the brick pathways, the simple elegance of the Susdorf’s front yard invites guests inside without pretense. In line with today’s architecture trends, most of the downstairs living spaces are connected via an open floor plan that entices guests through the front door. Large French windows and four skylights bring the outdoors in, creating a fluid living space that merges nature with indoor comforts – another feature of the sought-after farmhouse look.
“Everything is open; nothing is closed off in our shared living spaces,” said homeowner Billy Susdorf. “We enjoy having one open area for the family to be together.”
From the entryway, guests can step up into the family room, which showcases much of the home’s customized natural materials. Wood siding and high-vaulted ceilings create a sense of grandeur, and a custom wall unit, makes for a beautiful entertainment center and focal point. Framed by stone, a 9-foot fireplace with a hand-carved wooden mantel finishes the room.
To the right of the family room, the kitchen is the picture of updated farmhouse design. White cabinets with vintage knobs provide both functionality and décor elements, while beige and pink granite counters lighten the room. Contemporary stainless steel appliances, a farm-style sink and a hand-carved wooden oven hood blend modern and rustic styles in one harmonious space.
Two stained-glass windows and a centered French window frame the recessed breakfast nook that’s perfect for family meals and gatherings. The kitchen leads into an open, formal dining room, where the Susdorfs serve up dinners around the holidays.
To the left of the family living spaces are the bedrooms. The Susdorfs kept design in mind with the master bedroom – complete with a walk-in closet, slide-up French windows, French doors and custom 6-inch molding with matching baseboard. But comfort is king in the master bathroom, which includes a walk-in tile shower with dual showerheads, quartz vanities, white cabinets with stainless steel knobs, a Jacuzzi tub set into white quartz, and wood-style ceramic flooring.
Two bedrooms – a sports-themed room for 2-year-old Colton and a nursery for a baby on the way – are perfect for the Susdorfs’ growing family. Currently a man cave/trophy room, the loft also has a bathroom and storage space, making it a perfect option for a teenager’s bedroom in the future.
Outside, the backyard offers a barn-style garage with oversized sliding barn doors, a guesthouse with a kitchenette and bathroom, and endless opportunities for play. A putting green with five turf holes, pool and outdoor shower, full playground set and trampoline keep the kids plenty busy, while an outdoor
kitchen with a stovetop, barbecue, mini fridge and kegerator keep the adults busy. Protected by more than 10 palm trees, three fruit trees and two giant oak trees, the Susdorfs have built a modern farmhouse oasis and the perfect place to raise a family.
At A Glance
Homeowners: Billy and Julie Susdorf
Square footage: 3,800 sq. ft.
Acreage: Approximately 1 acre
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5
Year built: Approximate Late 1950s
Features: Guesthouse, pool, putting green
photos by Joie de Vivre Photographie
