Mariposa de Oro Residence
Malibu, CA
This 1-1/2 acre property in Malibu’s Serra Retreat neighborhood includes a recently updated mid-century modern Hap Gilman home designed to open onto wide views of the landscaped gardens. Existing mature Eucalyptus, Palms and Coral trees anchor separate aspects of the garden. The Eucalyptus at the perimeter align with a regional grove, once informally designated as a Monarch Butterfly Preserve.
An extravagant collection of slow growing Cycads were rearranged to complement the low slung front façade and act as a foreground to the Palms beyond.
A desire to return the majority of the property to a native California landscape led to the development of a wide meadow of native grasses and wildflowers, a sloped hillside planted with California Sycamores and chaparral selections, and a mown lawn of native Bent Grass.
The gardens quickly attracted a broad spectrum of native fauna: birds, butterflies, bunnies, and bees. A gravel path leads from the terrazzo pool deck to a Citrus Grove Dining Court and beyond to Figs, Avocados, Pomegranate, Nectarine and Persimmon trees.
A colorful, textured seaside succulent garden is tucked under the majestic Palms and additional Coral trees were added to highlight the entry drive and courtyard.
The path continues to circumambulate up the hillside, down to a circular stone seating area with burbling water feature, and past the succulent garden back to the house. Courtyard gardens outside each bedroom are color coded, with blue vines and blooming shrubs in one, violet in another, white in a third.
Size
1.5 Acres
Team
Brininstool & Lynch (Architect)
C. Williams Construction (General Contractor)
Carlberg and Associates (Arborist)
Sweeney and Associates
Photography
Christopher Barrett, Derek Rath, and PB&Co