THE STORY BEHIND THE STYLE
Back in the summer of 2005, Vikki was looking for a new remodel project, something special and enchanting. After viewing several possibilities, a real “fixer” at the corner of Moonstone Beach Drive and Chatham appeared on the market. Closer research revealed of the 25 homes on Moonstone Beach Drive, only 12 were directly on the ocean, of those, only 5 were grandfathered at a 22 foot height (current height limit is 15 feet) and of those, only one had uniquely southern exposure and coastal orientation offering an ocean panorama greater than 180 degrees. As you probably guessed, the one of a kind Moonstone house was the “fixer” at 201 Chatham.

Although attracted to the riveting views and irreplaceable size of 201 Chatham, Vikki crunched numbers and realized that a major remodel project was simply beyond reach. A week later, Vikki’s husband used glowing terms to describe the Chatham house to a friend who said “Let’s buy it!

Further investigation revealed that if the existing house was demolished and rebuilt, it would be limited to 15 feet in height. Any second level would then be half subterranean with limited ocean views and that charming bunker ambiance. Moreover, the existing structure had a larger footprint and more gross square footage than current standards allowed. Vikki decided a major remodel within the existing footprint AND under the existing roof area was the clear choice, but Chatham’s existing elevations still shouted “BOX”!

So, how do you make a box beautiful on the outside, with a striking interior that also maximizes expansive views? Hire a great architect! Enter Michael Hricak, a Harvard trained, award winning, much published architect, who teaches Architecture USC and UCLA.

The rest of Vikki’s team included general contractor Wayne Gracey, greatly esteemed for his craftsmanship and attention to detail and Wayne’s brother, Lucky, long a creator of exceptional landscapes throughout Cambria. Vikki also hired a local artist/designer, Ani Garrick, to consult on many of the project’s details.

Before the remodel even began, Chatham was completely gutted, inside and out, including plumbing, electrical, heating, interior walls, porches and stucco. All that remained was the foundation, exterior framing and roof. From her first look, Vikki envisioned a soaring great room and large master suite on the upper level. Oops, the several original rooms up there included the main bearing wall for the roof! Extensive conferences among engineer, architect, builder and planning department finally produced an innovative design creating a stunning great room by arching steel beams above the open space, then continuing steel down through the walls into the foundation.

Two attached porch areas then became part of the new interior plan, to offer fine ocean views and add architectural interest. A pop out with large oceanview window contained the new stairwell and accented the entry. Window placement and configuration established a simple, yet elegant style enhanced by varied exterior finish materials.

Following the March completion of the Chatham metamorphosis, Vikki selected furnishings and accessories to suggest possible interior design themes. The end result not only exceeded the expectations of the creative team, it clearly set a new standard for Moonstone Beach, an area of Cambria highly favored by visitors and locals for its sandy beach, bluff top boardwalk, renowned ocean front restaurants, and free trolley service to the rest of Cambria.

The lengthy genesis of 201 Chatham was illuminated by sustained vision, diligent attention to detail, singular skill and prevailing passion. This extremely livable work of art now awaits new owners to personalize their special Cambria experience while enjoying matchless views never to be duplicated at any price.

201 Chatham is usually open Saturday from 12-4PM.
Just find Moonstone Beach Drive and you can't miss it!