Mello Residence

This elegant home appears as an oasis in the desert. The home is uncompromising, both in its classic Spanish architecture with Moorish influence and functional considerations to desert/golf lifestyle.

Located in La Quinta, Ca. at the exclusive golf club, the Hideaway, this elegant home appears as an oasis in the desert. Situated on a small hilltop, the home’s white plaster walls with its capped domes rise out of the desert floor in a breath-taking contrast to the golf course and framed from behind by the Santa Rosa Mountains. This stunning Spanish Revival is influenced by Moorish Architecture.

The domes are layered with Spanish deco tiles. In addition, columns and arched window surrounds are made with hand crafted Cantera Stone, also exterior architectural components elegantly designed using wood contrast against the white plaster walls creating an image of a small village. The massive arches on the first level frame internal views of the desert. A second level deck is carefully positioned to maximize viewing of golf play from tee to green, seldom available to golf course living. The rear yard design completes with two terrace areas for casual sunbathing, is designed with travertine pavers framed by grass insets. The pool’s light hue color of blue enhances the relationship between home to landscape and the positioned darker blue tiled platforms with custom made lanterns further articulate the Moorish style.

The front elevation of the home is highlighted by a single dome tower representing the statement of entry. Wooden detailed shutters with wrought iron claveles clasps, windows grilles made from hand forged wrought iron, along with oblique shaped tile insets above the windows further represent the Moorish influence.

Upon entering the home, the visual drama continues with the progression of architectural events passing from the entry foyer into the dining area, which is surrounded by water, further emphasizing the effect of an oasis. This interior space is laced in old world brick and wood details and an elegant chandelier and light sconces. The space also includes two wine displays and access to a charming interior courtyard. This courtyard is positioned as the central core of the home. The court is designed with a cozy seating around a beautiful, crafted fireplace. The intimate courtyard also includes stairs leading to a upstairs guest casita. The court is also seamlessly connected to a covered outdoor living space, complete with an additional fireplace, tv screen, outdoor dining, and casual seating.

The home’s interior finishes embrace an old-world style entrenched in Spanish architecture, including hand forged lighting fixtures, wooden trusses, used brick, colored plaster walls and soft arches to further enhance spaces.

The home consists of four bedrooms and an office. Two of these bedrooms act as separate casitas form the main home. The owner’s bedroom suite is separated by a large arch to highlight the bed wall and create a cozy retreat. The bathroom suite is designed with a massive brick wall, which frames an intimate space, featuring a freestanding tub. The kitchen connects directly to the great room, providing for optimum entertaining. The area includes a series of massive wooden ceiling trusses and a fireplace hand crafted from Cantera Stone.

The home has been published in several magazines and was acknowledged with a merit for best custom home in 2008 and continues to stand as a testimony to timeless architecture.