Pacific Coast and beautiful weather views enticed Robert and Phyllis Frank to select Cayucos, California, as the location for their new residence. But the house became something to respect by itself, as a result of its comprehensive design, honorable commissioned artwork collection — each piece a wedding anniversary present to each other for the last 40 years — and vibrant outside paint project.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Phyllis Frank, cats Jussi and Kiwi, and puppies Stella and Buddy
Location: Cayucos, California
Size: 1,844 square feet; two bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Sarah Greenman
The Franks exploited local architect John MacDonald to create their Craftsman-style house in Cayucos, a small beach community on Highway 1, just north of San Luis Obispo. They then took their time picking a color palette. They wanted colors that fit the house but also that fit. They picked traditional colors using a process created by Rob Schweitzer, director of research for the Arts & Crafts Society.
When the shade was finally on, Phyllis was shocked initially. “The house was glowing, standing apart from the other houses on the block. People began driving down the road and stopping before the house,” she states. “Happily, they were unanimous in their praise. If we sit to the front porch in the day this continues to occur. It took a week or so to get used to it, but it’s perfect.”
All paint colors by Sherwin-Williams. Base: Antique Gold; trimming: Golden Rule; accent: Olive Drab; window accent: Wineberry
Sarah Greenman
Two setbacks plagued premature construction. After razing the past, uninhabitable house, builder Jim Randeen of Nordic Builders discovered that the 5-foot-deep footing. Since county regulations demand that all dirt must be removed 1 foot below the lowest disturbance, this meant the Franks had to remove 6 feet of dirt off the entire lot, from property line to property line.
Then another county regulation stipulated that the property has to slope toward the road. But because the previous residence sloped to the trunk, the Franks had to raise the rear of the lot by 1 foot. That could have been fine, but the few then had to shore up the neighbor’s fences using a 10-foot concrete retaining wall. “Before we put one stick from the ground, we’d spent $100,000 on land preparation,” Phyllis says. “These challenges were beyond whatever we’d anticipated and sent us to the stratosphere, as you can imagine.”
Sarah Greenman
However, the Franks plowed forward. Creating the house sustainable and energy efficient was a must. They sourced many of the materials locally and installed solar panels. “We want to leave a small footprint on the environment and also lower the future expected rising costs of energy,” Phyllis says.
The Franks were also conscious to build a home they can live in for their remaining years by “producing all necessary living areas on the ground floor to ensure at the event mobility is a element in coming years, we would have the ability to stay in the home,” Phyllis says.
Sarah Greenman
The galley kitchen boasts soaring ceilings, a copper hood, ample storage and a farm-style sink. The artwork above the window was produced by Robert Burridge; it is one of the Franks’ many anniversary commissions.
Sarah Greenman
A skylight bathes the kitchen in natural lighting throughout the day. Sensors from the area dictate how much artificial lighting is required based on the time of the weather.
Since Phyllis loves to bake, she asked her architect to create butcher-block-topped storage drawers that could pull out to create additional work surfaces.
Countertops: natural Italian quartz
Sarah Greenman
The design and creation of the Franks’ home was a collaborative process. “Everything in the home is made by an artist, whether the paint selection, the woodwork, the artwork or the landscaping,” says Phyllis.
Cabinetmaker Charlie Kleeman, who built the Franks’ first home in Templeton, California, 30 years ago, crafted all the clear-grain Douglas fir cabinetry and interior trim around the windows and doors by hand.
“Our cabinets throughout the house were created, refined and perfected over months of meticulous and drawings dimensions,” Phyllis says. “Everything works and fits perfectly.”
Sarah Greenman
When the chocolate-colored curtains in the dining area are shut, the space takes on a stunning and romantic vibe.
For three years in a row, Laurie McKay produced a part of the abstract triptych on the wall for the Franks’ wedding anniversary.
Sarah Greenman
Phyllis has spent years singing in choral groups on the Central Coast, therefore songs is quite important to her. Speakers are hidden in each room of the house, and the homeowners can plug an iPod into any area.
Fireplace: Forden’s
Sarah Greenman
The Franks did not want a massive TV taking up room in their living space. “When I am not watching it, I don’t want to see it,” Robert says. They worked with Randeen to create a bank of narrow cabinets that hides the wellbeing TV.
Sarah Greenman
Among the Franks’ most distinctive pieces of artwork is at the hallway. An elephant called Wanalee, who lives in a sanctuary outside Lampang, Thailand, painted the bit.
Sarah Greenman
Lively patterns and bold coastal colors of aqua, cherry and coral brighten the master bedroom. Paso Robles, California, artist Liv Hansen created the silk painting above the bed.
Sarah Greenman
Phyllis shows her collection of jewelry at the master bathroom. Wavy textured tile adds a feeling of motion.
Artwork: Jo Wertz
Sarah Greenman
There are no light switches in the house. Rather, nifty control pads allow the Franks to dictate light use and temperature. When they leave the house, they struck “away,” and all the lights shut off. When they return, they struck “home” and the lights come on to the appropriate level. “This residence is much smarter than we are,” Phyllis says.
Lighting design: Procedure DSG
Sarah Greenman
With two dogs and 2 cats, one of that Phyllis describes as having “special needs,” this large pantry sink was necessary for bathing them. Tall cabinets keep pantry things out of sight, and a sky tube allows for natural light to permeate small space.
Sarah Greenman
The top floor has a second bedroom that doubles as a workspace. French doors lead to a deck with sea views.
A copper octopus called Otto, created by sculptor Ken Freygang of Paso Robles, sits on the deck.
Sarah Greenman
Neighborhood metalworker Alan Root crafted the copper and powder-coated stainless steel gates.
Sarah Greenman
“We had the idea, the criteria and the well-detailed design from the builder, and we trusted our builder and our chosen craftspeople to do their best,” says Phyllis, shown here on the porch with her dog, Buddy. “We wanted to live at a home that encompassed us with quality and beauty, a home that reflected pride and fine attention to detail, and we all think it worked!”
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