Starting in 1927as a simple one-bedroom home with an unattached back unit, this seaside cottage has, during the course of some very careful upgrades, been unified and transformed into a lovely Craftsman bungalow. Tasteful earth tones and trim highlight the cottage’s exterior. True to the American Craftsman tradition, the house is anchored by a mixed material chimney composed of both brick and river rock. Embedded within the brick are handcrafted stone tiles depicting chestnuts and maple leaves reminiscent of tiles fired by Pasadena artisan Ernest Batchelder in the 1920s.
A young and very friendly German shepherd, whom we addressed as Shep, greeted us the day we visited Pelican Roost. Entry to the property is made through an Arts and Crafts fence to a well-proportioned yard. “We’ve landscaped with self-sufficiency in mind. Rather than attend to the staging of annuals, we’ve elected to go with perennials that are indigenous to our region, and we think it works well with the Craftsman design,” says the owner. The extended front porch is in keeping with the American Craftsman style. Positioned in front of the doorway on the porch is a pair of comfortable Adirondack chairs with cushions designed in a fabric pattern consistent with the period. “We live in a part of town that is comprised primarily of small turn-of-the-century cottages and bungalows, and all of us take great pride in our neighborhood. We enjoy sitting on the porch and greeting friends from time to time while enjoying a cup of coffee.” It was also clear that Shep enjoys the porch as much as his owners.
The living room walls, partly earth-toned board and batten and partly white tongue and groove, play beautifully against the original oak floors. Anchoring the living room is a brick fireplace with a strongly colored wooden mantel upon which is angled a vintage mirror fronted by the owner’s art and collectibles. Embedded within the fireplace’s fascia is a series of colorful 1930s tiles, an additional American Craftsman touch. The series augments a collection of original art tiles that are displayed in one of the bookcases. The living room is punctuated by two spectacular Paul Frankl art deco six-band rattan chairs and matching table, all of which were first introduced by the furniture designer in the late 1920s.
An avid reader, the owner has a prized collection of first editions by L. Frank Baum tucked within a living room bookcase. Baum, originally from upstate New York and the son of a wealthy businessman, dabbled in theater, printing, newspaper reporting and retail before inking The Wonderful World of Oz in 1900. He went on (with illustrator W. W. Denslow) to write thirteen additional children’s books about life in the Land of Oz, and his legacy as a beloved author was thereafter and forever sealed.
Connected to the front cottage by a breezeway, the back cottage houses an artist’s studio where the owner spends much of her time when not otherwise focusing on commitments to the town in which she lives. “We’ve built a simple life in a historic, authentic and sustainable community, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be part of it,” says the owner. Pelican Roost was a joy to visit, and it stands as a fine example of a classic American bungalow that will remain a part of the community legacy for years to come.
The contrasting colors and tones of the cottage work perfectly with the early-twentieth-century architecture and includes porch features indicative of the period. The owner’s dog, affectionately called Shep, waits for another round of “catch.”
The original kitchen has been upgraded and is complete with its original tin ceiling.
A colorful table is set with vintage pottery and garden-picked zinnias in the dining area and looks out into an adjoining courtyard. A warm-toned dog painting by the owner overlooks the table.
Vintage collectibles front a leaded-glass window in the kitchen.
Close-up of a vintage California tile lined along the fireplace mantel.
We’ve built a simple life in a historic, authentic and sustainable community, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be part of it.
The intimate living room is heated by a wood-burning fireplace, and the mantel is accented with early handcrafted tile. Adjacent to the fireplace is a gathering of highly prized Paul Frankl furniture, circa 1930s.
Above and below: A portion of the L. Frank Baum book collection sits within a built-in bookshelf and is accompanied by antique porcelain collectibles.
A portion of the L. Frank Baum book collection sits within a built-in bookshelf and is accompanied by antique porcelain collectibles.
An avid reader, the owner has a prized collection of first editions by L. Frank Baum tucked within a living room bookcase.
The tub and shower are original to the cottage.
This in-home studio is a perfect venue for the owner’s pursuit of art and production of lively pieces.
Sitting adjacent the main cottage and the guest cottage is a secluded courtyard that provides many hours of quiet and solitude to the owner.