Dwell on Design LA Success: “Green” Dream Home Inspired by Event Attendance, Sponsor Content

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - June 18, 2014 - PRLog -- (Montecito and Los Angeles, CA) June 18, 2014. Celeste Koeberl and John Gostovich dreamed of one day owning a home on the California Coast that reflected their long-held values of living sustainably. Overwhelmed by the design possibilities for their “green” dream home, the couple devoured information from Dwell print and online content as well as attended Dwell on Design LA in 2008 to synthesize their vision and ultimately convert an aged ranch style home and neglected 11-acre estate into an eco-friendly compound.

Every year, thousands flock to Los Angeles for Dwell on Design LA – the largest design event in the US -- seeking education, inspiration and resources for modern home design.  This year, organizers are expecting 30,000 to attend the event to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 20-22, 2014.

According to Koelberl, “Dwell Magazine and the Dwell on Design event was very helpful to us during our design process. We found both inspiration and practical information on modern residential architecture, sustainable development, universal design, green building, green roofs, energy efficiency, solar energy systems, geothermal heating and cooling, windows and doors, kitchens and baths, lighting, appliances, furnishings, and just about every other topic that arises when designing and building a modern green home.”

Six years since they first attended Dwell on Design LA, Koelberl and Gostovich have nearly completed their dream home:  a three structure, purpose-built "green" compound that successfully blends modern design in a pastoral setting, offering an exciting, modern take on agricultural vernacular architecture while maximizing the sustainable principles upon which it was designed  (images found here.).  Cradled in a private nook overlooking the Pacific Ocean within Montecito’s Toro Canyon, the estate includes a 5,000+ sqft main house, approx 700 sqft guest house and 2,000+ sqft barn, with some adaptability and options for expansion.

Thoughtfully planned and developed over the course of a decade, the estate was designed for a life lived intentionally, one that acknowledges and appreciates the desire for modern amenities while respecting the resources required in order to sustain that lifestyle.  As such, the property was purpose-built with the environment in mind, utilizing when possible locally sourced, recycled/recyclable and low thermal conductivity building materials. The orientation and placement of the structures and gardens maximize natural resources and the use of environmental technologies help produce and conserve energy, including Solar Photovoltaics, Geothermal Zoned Radiant Heat and Evaporative Cooling technologies.

According to Koelberl, “Dwell on Design exhibitors or magazine advertisers whose products we ultimately chose included Artemide, Benjamin Moore, Duravit, Fleetwood Windows and Doors, Hansgrohe, Lutron, Kartell, KWC, Miele, Pablo Designs (http://pablodesigns.com/), Perlick (http://www.perlick.com/residential-products/), Sliding Door Company (http://www.slidingdoorco.com/), Toto (http://www.totousa.com/), WAC Lighting Compan (http://www.waclighting.com/)y, and Ylighting (http://www.ylighting.com/), among others.”

The 5,000+ square foot main home reflects how design and contemporary lifestyle can merge to reinterpret a rural classic, at once stimulating excitement for something new with the natural comfort of a familiar icon – The Farmhouse.  Corrugated metal siding gives authenticity to the structure and an industrial edge while providing a barrier to fire and other natural elements… over time, the patina maturing. The alternating slump stone adds visual interest. Metal stairs climax to fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands and to your surprise, a rooftop built for gardening.

Adjacent to the main home, and situated on top of the three-car garage, is the similarly styled green guesthouse. Offering nearly 700 square feet of open living space and panoramic ocean, mountain and channel island views, the guest house was completed in 2009. Features include travertine floors, aluminum framed doors, windows by Fleetwood (http://www.fleetwoodusa.net/), teak cabinetry by Architectural Millwork (http://www.archmill.com/), and a large bath and dressing room, including travertine shower.

Fancy yourself a horse or two?  The barn can accommodate. Comprising more than 2,000 sqft on two levels, this fire resistant steel building structure was completed in 2003 and built into the orchard hillside for ground level access to both stories. On the upper level, is approximately 1,050 sqft for a workshop and vehicle, equipment and tool storage.  On the lower level, nearly 1,000 sqft is available, including two horse stalls, tack room, and office. The covered porch offers the perfect spot to take in ocean views, the corral, and the vegetable garden.

Attributes of the property were helpful in the design of the landscaping and gardens.  A private well supplies an automated irrigation system for the orchards (including 200 avocado trees, 36 assorted citrus trees, and 36 other fruit trees), gardens, and other landscaping. Native boulders and flagstone were used in the design and borders of the orchard, gardens, terraces, driveways and paths.  Employing innovation in building technology, the rooftop was designed for green roof plantings, supplementing the already abundant gardens.

Nearly complete, the interior of the main home is the last remaining component to be finished and much to their dismay, Celeste and her husband have decided to sell the property and permanently remain in their home state of Wisconsin.  Maurie McGuire and Scott Westlotorn of Coldwell Banker Previews International in Montecito, CA represent the property, which is listed for sale for $4,800,000.

According to McGuire, “This magnificent property is ideally suited for the contemporary design aficionado who values a sustainable lifestyle. Make it your own micro-farm, extended family compound or luxury retreat. Produce your own energy and food and go “off the grid” or travel just a short distance to the quaint villages of Montecito or Summerland. This property offers it all… exceptional views and luxurious living – without the guilt!”

For more information about this property or to reach the owners about their design inspiration please contact Maurie McGuire or Scott Westlotorn. For property specific information, please go to www.toro-canyon.com or

Maurie McGuire

Coldwell Banker Previews International

1290 Coast Village Road

Montecito, California 93108

805-403-8816

Maurie@MontecitoLand.com

Scott Westlotorn

Coldwell Banker Previews International

1290 Coast Village Road

Montecito, California 93108

805-403-4313

Scott@MontecitoLand.com