Description

Casa El Sueno | Kirtland Cutter (1929). Alternately known as the D.P. Condit House- it stands as one of Los Cerritos' most notable estate properties. Prominently situated on more than a half acre lot, it cuts an imposing profile of unadorned white stucco with low pitched and red-tiled gable rooflines. Though Cutter's design evoked the romance of Mediterranean and Mexican architecture, his vocabulary here was celebrated as distinctively Californian- drawing inspiration from diverse traditions and adapting them to modern life. Throughout, the emphasis on quality of interior space and relationship of the home to the site is evident. A grand reception courtyard and garden leads to a richly patterned wood front door. Inside, a deeply recessed and open beamed foyer overlooks an elegant living area that extends outward to allow natural light to flood the space from three sides. It features a magnificent cathedral ceiling with sculptural wooden tie-beams and original wide plank oak flooring. French doors open to a covered patio and outdoor dining area. Here and elsewhere in the home, the architect sought a direct connection to the outdoors, making the many private gardens, yards, and patios ever present. The home's activity hub is found at its expansive kitchen with central island- an open plan that shares space with adjacent built-in dining area and family room. Glass accordion doors connect this communal space with a south facing garden and patio. It makes this not only an ideal kitchen workspace, but also an essential place from which to gather and entertain. Systems and finishes throughout the house have been extensively and sensitively updated over the past several years. New HVAC heat pumps have just been installed, powered by rooftop solar panels (owned system). Additionally- the gardens, landscape, irrigation, and pool have been treated with the same level of care in updating as the home itself. Within all of this, much of the 1929 detailing has been retained- including the wood casement windows, wrought iron metalwork, hardwood flooring, and original mahogany doors and hardware. A rare and compelling combination of attributes: timeless architecture, sophisticated updating, privacy, location, and space.