Rancho Pelicano
The essence of the Mediterranean coastline infused into a colonial rancher nestled in the hills of Malibu.
Living Rooms is a column on YGL that takes a closer look into the designs, details, and character of spaces. A study of what makes a house a home, even when it’s fictional. I believe in giving life to one’s environment and nurturing the relationship with regular care. Here’s to our humble abodes!
© All photos by Ori Harpaz for Est Living
home that makes me want to reupholster my furniture, start a rattan collection, and paint my own hand sculptured tiger candlesticks. Welcome to the Rancho Pelicano! I was instantly drawn to the unique decor and eclectic curation of this space. There’s a stylish laid-back nature (my favourite) that I could sense came with a good story. Who carefully sourced these flea market items and blended them with custom pieces to create such an exotic collection? Nothing being overly extravagant, unnecessary, or well-known. This home embodies what Italians refer to as sprezzatura, ‘effortless grace’ or ‘casual elegance’, and I can’t seem to take my eyes off it.
Turns out, the owners live in Los Angeles and hired designers Lia McNairy and Azar Fattahi of LaLa Reimagined to create their ultimate getaway bungalow in Malibu. A place that would feel like they boarded a flight to the Mediterranean, but in reality, they drove a mere 45 minutes out of town (traffic permitting, of course). It’s inspired by the iconic Hotel Il Pellicano, a “timeless hideaway and home to all things slow, stylish, and creative.” The 1960s resort is nestled between the rolling hills of Tuscany and the Tyrrhenian Sea in a town called Monte Argentario. After browsing the hotel’s website, I too have decided I would like my summer home to reflect the sun-soaked vibrancy of this charming estate.
The rooms are playful and the design leaves space for the dwellers to make mistakes. Chairs are mismatched, lamps are squiggly, and the artwork is colourful. I guess when you’re designing a home that’s only purpose is to host it’s humans on weekends and summer vacations, you can really embrace that freedom. Almost as if it’s encouraging you to make a mess, cook a big meal, and leave the clean up for later. Now I’m asking myself how I can embody just a tad more of this energy within my own walls.
I love the green velvet and Brazilian wood Giraffe dining chairs (above). Childlike but still sophisticated, and beautifully balanced by the simple light pink scalloped chairs surrounding them. The wavy lamps (above and below) were all custom made, but you can find great dupes here and here.
You may have noticed each room is brimming with seating options—the place practically begs you to sit down. Relax, sprawl, pause, take a siesta. This particular sitting room (yes, there are many) is probably my favourite. When I look at these chairs, I imagine the designer eating a waffle cone swirled high with pistachio gelato. The cream starting to melt down the sides of the cone, and just before it hits their fingers, they look at it and say to themselves: ‘I will recreate this decadent delight in the form of a chair’. We’ll never know whether that’s true or not. But, we do get the luxury of feasting our eyes upon these vintage wicker armchairs with draping pistachio cushions. So funky, right? With terracotta tiled floors below, a timber-lined ceiling above, and the picturesque backdrop of french doors looking out to the ocean—you just can’t beat it.
There are layers upon layers of archways and curved shapes throughout these rooms, adding forgiveness and femininity to the mix of natural elements. Delicately paned windows cover many of the walls and allow the outdoors to feel closer in proximity. Almost giving a patio-like feel to the space.
The house sits on five acres of greenery, perfectly perched on a Malibu hilltop. I imagine there must be a lovely pool somewhere on this property to accompany the pool house we’re about to enter. A modest structure that I would be more than happy to occupy—complete with its own kitchen, dining room, and you guessed it, more seating rooms.
You can fit a lot of wicker into 6000 square feet—and they sure did. From rugs and side tables, to chairs, light fixtures, and hutches. I thought I would be rattan-ed out, but surprisingly not. Most of their wicker pieces are vintage or custom, so I found a few pieces online if you fancy a browse. This very pricey but exquisite console table, a more affordable chair, and this fun ceiling light are all on my summer home wish list.
Note: If anybody can find the ‘girl with book on face’ art (above), you win a prize! I think it’s such a fun piece but can’t find the source.
Last but surely not least, we have the master bed and bath. I love how the large cut out window beside the tub acts like living artwork—the serene Malibu mountainside could almost be mistaken for an oil painting. Pink and green tiles brought in from Milan line the wall to add another layer of luxury to this private haven. With the gorgeous oversized vase and foliage, it feels like a spa or boutique hotel. But even with the high price tags of many items in this home, it still doesn’t feel ‘too precious’ to enjoy. I admire that.
The best part of the bedroom is this cosy reading corner nestled around the fireplace. The oversized Heatherfield Chair from Anthropologie makes an ideal perch for curling up with a book. And I love the vintage green squiggle chair, giving a nod to the custom lighting and bathroom tiles previously seen. Apparently this post has turned into an article about seating, hah. Hopefully it has also inspired you to check out your local vintage shops, allow your living room to be more playful, and maybe even paint your own hand sculptured tiger candlesticks. Either way, I hope this charming summer home has left you feeling rested and rejuvenated.
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts!
How many seating rooms is too many?
Would you rather a summer home that ‘feels’ like the Mediterranean (in which you could visit each week), or an annual trip to the real deal?
Ciao ciao,
Footnote: I really am obsessed with these tiger candlesticks. The closest one I could find online was this one by Claudia Rankin (which is sold out and likely way above my price range). I might need to sign up for a pottery class and attempt to have a go at these. What do you think? If you stumble across anything like them online, feel free to let me know. 🐯
Thanks so much for being here, it means a lot.
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I love the kitchen backsplash. Some people incorporate such unique and beautiful design in their homes.
that rattan chair with the black squares calls out to me. really all of it does. going to check out the squiggle lamps you linked. love the high end playfulness happening in this home which somehow does not have too many sitting areas ;)