Laguna Beach Magazine

I'm happy to share a little history about the vintage beach cottage I live in

with another story written

and published in Laguna Beach Magazine!

HISTORIC NORTH LAGUNA

With spectacular views, hiking trails and a small paradise of coves and beaches, to say that north Laguna is picturesque would be an understatement.

By Laura Gosselin | Illustration by Ken Harris | Photos by Jody Tiongco

North Laguna is a quiet little historic neighborhood, with an eclectic mix of charming cottages, contemporary estates, Cape Cod-inspired beach homes and ocean view condos just steps from the beach and five short blocks to town, with easy access through Coast Highway. Within walking distance to beautiful coves, Heisler Park, Main Beach, as well as art festivals and the village, north Laguna residents get the best of both worlds—the bustling feel of village life—with the serenity of magnificent sunset views of the ocean and Catalina Island.

SUMMERLAND COTTAGE

Paulette Adams lives in a historic board and batten beach cottage high on a bluff at the corner of High Drive and Cedar Way. You’ll know this home belongs to an accomplished artist the moment you pull up, as the address is creatively inscribed on a mosaic brick and ceramic seashell wall.

The cottage is located in a historical district originally called Laguna Cliffs, sprinkled with eclectic 1920s-era bungalows including craftsman-style and California bungalows, and Mediterranean and provincial revivals.

Susanna H. Lankershim-Van Nuys originally purchased the property for $10 in gold coins in 1911. Almost a century later when Paulette first laid eyes on the property, although both the interior and exterior of the home needed extensive repairs, she was attracted to the history, character, details, quirkiness, charm and potential of the cottage.

Upon moving in, she made some cosmetic changes inside the main house by tearing out old carpet and repairing the original wood floors beneath, and hiring plumbers and electricians to bring the place up to code.

“It was non-stop work for six months before I was able to move in,” Paulette says. “The guest house was my second project, and the yards and garden came much later.”

The work paid off and Paulette has transformed the cottage into a quintessential charmer. The sitting room has a bay window facing the ocean. French doors open into the garden; the walls, upholstery and window treatments are all shades of white, making the space bright and airy. Wonderfully unique wicker chairs and tables, as well as a comfy recliner perfect for napping, make the space cozy.

Filling in the ground of the courtyard with quaint old bricks and adding a scalloped wooden fence for privacy, Paulette has created an indoor space outdoors. Once barren, the courtyard is now brimming with more than 50 potted plants, a vintage cement birdbath and a unique collection of furniture for entertaining. The side patio, home to a large purple wisteria plant stretching across the front of the covered patio, is lit by a romantic crystal chandelier. An old cement water fountain across from the outdoor dining room set, white iceberg roses and other various cottage-style flowering plants and vines overlapping brick planters further add to the cottage’s charm. To share the outdoor oasis she has created, Paulette hosts an annual Art in the Garden event for local artists to come paint, create and mingle with neighbors.