Hillside Hacienda
Our clients brought us on to transform a steep East Bay property into a refined, Mediterranean-inspired outdoor retreat that feels both timeless and modern. The vision was to create a sequence of outdoor living spaces that connect seamlessly to the Santa Barbara style architecture of the home while embracing the surrounding oak woodland and hillside views.
Working with the site’s dramatic grade change, the design introduces a series of terraced areas for gathering, dining, and lounging. At the heart of the upper courtyard, terracotta pavers and white plaster walls establish a warm, authentic foundation for a dining terrace and outdoor living room anchored by a large gas fireplace and custom BBQ counter.
Stepping out to the pool terrace, the infinity-edge pool with built-in spa and tiled spillover wall becomes the defining centerpiece of the property. Its black-bottom finish and green accent tiles enhance the reflective quality of water, visually merging the pool with the treetops and distant hills. Woven chaises selected by the Interior Designer line the sun deck, offering a tranquil place to unwind while taking in the hillside views.
The lower lounge, tucked beneath mature oaks, provides a more secluded experience. Here, the sound of water invites a meditative mindset. Every level was carefully connected through circulation that balances functionality with moments of pause and framed outlooks.
A cohesive materials palette of terracotta tile, wrought iron accents, and white plaster walls references Mediterranean traditions while supporting a modern, design-forward aesthetic. Plantings of native and drought-tolerant species were layered in to complement the mature oaks, ensuring the landscape thrives in the California climate. Integrated lighting highlights pathways, walls, and tree canopies to create a warm, atmospheric environment for year-round use. Period themed sconces chosen by the Interior Designer tie the overall palette and lighting scheme together.
The result is a hillside retreat that embodies the spirit of the hacienda—communal, grounded, and timeless—reinterpreted for contemporary California living.
