In the 1920’s, Rio Del Mar Country Club was a thriving resort on the Monterey Bay. Bungalows or “Casitas” housed vacationers coming to escape the summer heat of the inland valley. Cooled by the area’s natural air conditioning, visitors played on the beach, golfed and relaxed. Guests took their meals at the main clubhouse as the “Casitas” had no kitchens. A huge fire wiped out the wood frame clubhouse and nearby resort hotel. Soon after, the Depression ended any hope of reviving the resort. The “Casitas” were sold off as individual properties. The porches (designed to catch the cooling breezes) were enclosed, and cramped kitchens added. Bedrooms were tacked on at the back.

In this project, the kitchen and entry were opened up to the rather large living/dining space that at one time was the “Casita’s” sleeping area. Rafters were replaced to line up with those in the living/dining area. Absolute black granite with a honed finish smartly tops the vintage-look bead-board cabinetry. Trash and recycle bins, lazy susans in corner cabinets, and an appliance garage maximize the space in this small kitchen layout. An end grain butcher-block top island with wine storage invites guests to gather around. Dark stained white oak floors in the living area were seamlessly matched with new material in the kitchen. An out-swinging front door was relocated and the original 1920’s era brick porch entry floor was preserved. A custom built storage bench, open cabinet with hooks for hanging outdoor gear, and drawers were tucked into the entry space.

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