Rose Society of Saddleback Valley Elegant and Enchanting- Part II

"A house can have integrity, just like a person. " 

- Ayn Rand- The Fountainhead

This is the story of the cliff-side home and garden of Julie and Rick Borgens.   It is a home or rare integrity. 

1. in·teg·ri·ty  

   /inˈtegritē/
   

   Noun The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. The state of being whole and undivided: "territorial integrity".

Walking up the street to the lot, casual colorful annuals lit the way

to a home where garages at right angles  stood sentry to the gate which will open to a private world

Where the back living accouterments were up front.

The details, such as this pediment are strong of line and  painted pristine white, with trumpet and other vines softening the line of eaves.

A good garden does not have to be fussy.   It must have personality. The high color low water succulents in the window box whisper the homeowners understand how to make casual elegant.

From in front of the window box, the naturalistic view from pool to spa to house to the ocean air- this home speaks of a couple who understood the climatic and geological constraints of the property- and used them to uplift the architecture with a gardenscape that was at once lush and low water. 

Succulents thriving in driftwood along the shingled wall  brings natural materials to viewing height as a painting would an exterior wall.

A weathered bench is cozied up with pillows. Design note: A wire basket filled with objects of the beach. Not all arrangements need to be flowers.

You aren't even in the house yet when you are offered a chance to put your feet up.  The fireplace and an overhead heater mean this space could be a lovely spot to enjoy the absolute blurring of indoor-outdoor  living in comfort on an evening when the fog rolls in.

Flowers floating in a bucket. A Keep it Simple arrangement if ever there was.

We're almost to the front door. This is a home I simply could not rush. Come back soon. There is more to savor.

Until then- Thank you for all YOU do to make the world more beautiful