When Judy and Mark Deitch contemplated renovations on their newly purchased Calabasas, California, ranch house, they were about to launch themselves into an architectural and design endeavor that would lead them from an initial flirtation with the Prairie style to becoming devotees of Arts and Crafts.
By the time construction was complete, their from-the-ground-up Craftsman build would combine old and new elements while harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings, in a respectful nod to the movement’s originators.
As new parents living in Burbank in 1999, the Deitches craved a tranquil environment that would also offer quality public schools for their preschool-aged children. Mark was intrigued with the Calabasas area in the west San Fernando Valley, despite its high home prices and low house inventory, so the communications firm founder and CEO put his marketing skills to work by conducting direct outreach to homeowners.
“He sent letters asking if they’d be interested in selling their home to a nice, young family,” says Judy. “To our amazement, we got so many replies that we were able to choose from several lower-priced fixer-uppers.” The two decided on and purchased a neglected 1950s ranchstyle home with a picturesque view of open wilderness in July 1999, intending to remodel the house as their time and finances permitted.
Unfortunately, after living in the home for several months, they found that there were structural problems that precluded simple, cosmetic renovations. “So after almost two years of planning, deliberating and procuring a bank loan, we began the journey to build our dream house,” Judy says.
This story is from the Issue 90 Summer 2016 edition of American Bungalow Magazine.
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This story is from the Issue 90 Summer 2016 edition of American Bungalow Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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Stickley, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, and The Road Taken
LONG-TIME READERS MIGHT remember an article about my family’s house in the Adirondacks in American Bungalow No. 58.
NATURAL WORLD, DIGITAL LENS: AT HOME WITH WILDFLOWER GRAPHICS
FROM A SMALL STUDIO in Greenwich, New York, Wildflower Graphics creates stunning botanical illustrations with little more than a pencil and a computer.
PERIOD PIECES
The Hanifan residence not only exemplifies how to expand a modest Craftsman, but is a treasure-trove of vintage and salvaged finds.
LOSE YOUR HEART
JANIS HALL LOVES OLD HOUSES.
AND A FEELING RUNS THROUGH IT
Old houses and old people, their histories and their mysteries, are inscribed deep inside their old bones.
Lose Your Heart
Janis hall loves old houses.
Stickley, Harley-Davidson, And The Road Taken
Long-time readers might remember an article about my family’s house in the Adirondacks in American Bungalow No. 58.
Period Pieces
The Hanifan residence not only exemplifies how to expand a modest Craftsman, but is a treasure-trove of vintage and salvaged finds.
Natural World, Digital Lens: At Home With Wildflower Graphics
From a small studio in Greenwich, New York, Wildflower Graphics creates stunning botanical illustrations with little more than a pencil and a computer.
And A Feeling Runs Through It
Old houses and old people, their histories and their mysteries, are inscribed deep inside their old bones.
