What’s old is new again at 929 Marco Place, a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom California cottage near a trendy stretch of Venice’s Lincoln Boulevard.
A 1907 Japanese Craftsman-style bungalow was lifted and moved to an adjacent lot where a two-story modern addition was constructed, providing ample square footage and natural light. To ensure that the façade adhered to the historic quality of the Milwood neighborhood, every detail of its restoration was verified by a historian and the Office of Historic Resources of Los Angeles.
The front garden is bound by a fence made from ash Arbor Wood, an American-made, chemical-free product that requires little maintenance. This welcoming outdoor space features oversized stone pavers, a Corten steel fire pit, custom water feature, hand water pump, and a carved wooden bench hewn from a 114-year-old pecan tree that once stood on the property.
The spacious interiors reflect a historic modern aesthetic, complete with crisp white walls, light-colored wood floors, and V-groove paneling on the ceiling of the first floor. “We chose eclectic and refined finishes to celebrate this home’s unique history,” said interior designer Joan Behnke.
Entering through the front door, you’re greeted by dual sitting rooms, one of which is anchored by a sculptural fireplace made from Walker Zanger stone. A sunroom with windows on three sides creates the perfect nook for a desk or reading area and overlooks the verdant garden.
Open bookshelves with brass detailing flank the entrance to the modern, rear portion of the home. The formal dining area includes a built-in buffet with a bar sink for seamless serving. The space is staged with a four-seater dining table, centered with a brass and glass chandelier.
The gourmet kitchen showcases state-of-the-art Miele appliances, including a combination convection and steam oven, induction cooktop, WiFi-connected refrigerator, built-in coffee maker, 46-bottle wine fridge, and an urban cultivator for growing microgreens, herbs and other edibles.
The home’s two-car garage is tucked behind the kitchen, complete with an interior access door that makes it easy to transport groceries from the car to the pantry. Down the hallway is a statement-making powder room that touts a custom-designed vanity by Joan Behnke and graphic cement tile. A door separates the common areas from the first-floor flex space and a three-piece bathroom, currently imagined as a home office with a walkout to a private terrace and motor court.
Not to be overlooked, the home’s grand staircase boasts black and white striped tile and bespoke metalwork on its glass railing. The upper level includes two secondary bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, floor-to-ceiling windows and double-height ceilings. There’s a practical yet stylish laundry room with a sink, plenty of counter space, a smart washer and dryer, and a steam ironing system from Miele.
The showstopping primary suite is characterized by angular, floor-to-ceiling windows that are pre-wired for automatic shades should you wish to sleep in. A private balcony is shielded from view by the home’s original 1907 roofline, and built-in cabinets and drawers provide an elegant solution for storing linens.
The ensuite bathroom is a spa-like retreat, outfitted with a large freestanding bathtub for enjoying a long soak. The curbless shower features a steam generator and a smart showerhead that allows you to control the lighting, sound and rain spray. The private water closet is even appointed with a ‘shower toilet’ designed by famed French industrial architect Philippe Starck.
Priced in the $7 million range, 929 Marco Place is part of a three-home collection by ME Development known as Modern Venice Homes. The two other residences are expected to be completed by June and July, each sporting a different style, including Scandifornian Modern and Farmhouse Modern. The Modern Venice Homes collection is represented by Mauricio Umansky of The Agency.
