Fullerton Open Gardens Part V- Casa Schindele

All successful people, men and women, are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward that distant vision, that goal or purpose. 

~ Brian Tracy

By staying within the original roof-line, the architectural design integrity thrived through multiple  future additions

Back in 1975, Dave and Vicki Shindele fell in love with one of a trio of modest ranch style homes in a rural Fullerton subdivision. The ranch style abode was surrounded by an acre of weeds. Almost all the usable property was out front.The lot on one side towered over theirs and pinned them in. Out back, just past a small paver on sand patio served as a conduit for rain to stream into the house, Just past the edge of the patio; the property dropped off precipitously to where two horses, pigs and a cow defined the previous owner's Green Acres inspired vision.

Dave and Vicki had a different vision. They saw past what was to what could be. 

The doors are always open. The retractable shade or fireplace fulfill the comfort of frequent family and guests with just the push of a button. 

The Schindele's dream was more gracious. At first sight, Dave and Vicki felt that this home was meant to be shared. For over 30 years, that thought guided every decision.

This is the story of finding what some would see as lump of coal and turning it into a Diamond. 

Little by little, one project at a time, their home and garden is a testament to the power a single idea can have when shepherded with consistency. 

By holding building materials to those reflective  of Southern California's heritage, which is heavily accented with Hispanic verve, 30 years of projects are as seamless as if done in a single renovation. 

Some of the artistic power rises from generous splashes of cobalt blue tile.  Vicki laughs at the suggestion that she should have a bumper sticker "I brake for Talavera."

In the beginning, the builder next door was happy to have the couple cart dirt over to their side of the property line.  Having the properties closer in elevation allowed for more spacious and usable areas. It was the start of creating the pleasant passage between destination points at the resort-like property. 

Padding protects the tree limb from chains the swing is hung from

Over time, the little ficus tree grew not large enough to shade their bedroom and hang a bench from branches. Noting that ficus roots can be invasive, Dave advises "Once the tree is established, withhold water so the roots have to go deep."

Design Trend: Ceramic birds decorating fountains

Leading back to the gazebo near where the original fruit trees and a raised vegetable patch now provide for the family, tile points the way in a pattern reminiscent of cross stitching.

Dave hand strung over 100 sets of lights throughout the property. Attractive and a safety wise.

 Raising three boys required the couple needed stay budget-wise. Dave and Vicki found thrifty ways to kick-start projects. Before the couple could afford masonry, some of the retaining wall pattern was slip-stitched of wood scrounged from cast-offs of a matchstick core manufacturer up the 57 Fwy in Pomona.

The difference between good and great gardens are if they beckon visitors to explore

Vicki tended baby jasmine, guiding their growing arms to encircle the patio posts.  She reflects the process is not as difficult as people suspect. The main tool required was patience.   She pruned and pinned twice a year until recently.  Now her gardener just follows the outline she trimmed so artfully. 

The fountain was designed by Vicki from tile picked up on their travels. 

Not rushing the vision into being allowed the couple to listen to the land. Part of the original ravine spoke to the couple of where a pool belonged. 

The flow between destinations within the garden has allowed for up to 180 guests to be comfortable at a sit-down dinner.

Looking back towards the main house, on the right is Dave and Vicki's favorite destination, their casita.  Open to the patio, with just Sunbrella curtains to close off inclement weather, here the couple can enjoy watching television or birds playing in the redwood trees. 

This is is a good place to end our visit, above the armillary garden. Here is where mangered animals once called home. The difference in what was and what is now is testament to the power of long-term vision guiding years of hard work powered by creative hearts.   

  

Until we meet again, thank you for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful.

All images on this post are by photographer Gene Sasse

More quotes on Vision at Brainy Quote.