Photo by Chad Mellon, from "Seaside Simplicity,"

A couple builds their dream beach cottage in southern California with the goals of relaxation and comfortable living.

Two years ago, homeowners Betty and Michael Terry had the privilege of designing and building their dream home, as owners of the build firm Graystone Custom Builders, Inc. Their newly built cottage is in Newport Beach, California, where it blends into its surroundings with a laid-back, coastal vibe. “Though it’s a new build, we wanted it to feel like it’s been here for a long time,” says Betty.

STRUCTURAL SENSITIVITY

With a 1,500-square-foot lot, the couple had to get creative with the home’s structure to comply with the requirements and guidelines of the city. “We ended up spreading the home over three levels to create the space we needed to

Homes with an ocean view are highly coveted, but when you add a 50-yard proximity to the beach, you’ve hit the dream-home jackpot.