Garden Paradise • San Francisco Heart
“I left my heart in San Francisco and found it again on the Mendocino Coast.” This is the family compound that the large, sculptural abstract heart watches over. When Linda and Fedele
Bauccio bought the property they wanted a retreat for their many friends and relatives. Their garden started to take shape in 2000; Peggy Quaid did the initial installations and continues to be the key gardener. Pam Palmer provided the overall design for the property and the Children's Maze came to her in a dream. The family loves the herb garden adjacent to the outdoor kitchen and the many cutting flowers. There are places for solitary reflection, as well as areas for athletic endeavor – basketball, tetherball, bocce ball and a lawn to play catch or tag. The garden owes everything to the love and attention given to it by Jose Macias and Venustiano May.In 2001, the Bauccios were introduced to Leventhal/ Schlosser Architects by Peggy Merrill of Mendo Realty. It was to be a multi-stage project starting with a renovation of an 1800's sheep barn. The barn was ultimately to be the guesthouse for the family compound. It had been converted to living quarters in the 60's, complete with termites, dry rot and ivy growing through the walls. Leventhal/Schlosser teamed up with interior designer Ricia Araiza (Michael's wife) and Barnett and Fanto Construction of Mendocino. Many local craftsmen contributed their talent, notably George Lawrence, cabinetry; Rick Ventura, stonemason; and James Maddock, metalworker.
Upon completion the same team moved on to the main residence, nicknamed the Cliff House, with the client's request that it be a totally contemporary building, taking maximum advantage of the magnificent cove. The building was to be concrete, steel and glass. However, the coastal permitting process mandated wood beams and shingle siding on the highway side (public view) to complement the barn. The client's program was to have two master suites and two stairways. The architects devised a glass bridge and deck to join the two and provide maximum light to the area below.
Ricia Araiza designed and provided the sumptuous furnishings for both interiors, which include custom pieces as well as antiques. Most of the artwork in both houses was done by the collaborative team called RAML (Ricia Araiza and Michael Leventhal).
Phase lll was the outdoor kitchen, woven into the final segment which was a wonderful landscape plan by Pamela Palmer of Artecho Design in Venice, CA.
Garden Tour Reception – June 20
The Little River Inn will host a reception on Friday, June 20th, from 5 – 7 pm, to preview the Garden Shop and a special showing of small paintings by the Plein Air Artists of Mendocino depicting the gardens on the Tour.Garden Shop
On June 21, 10 am - 5 pm, browse the Mendocino Art Center's Garden Shop, featuring a one-day sale on Mendocino Maples' gorgeous Japanese maples, Descanso Nurseries' beautiful hydraengeas, plus some surprises!
Banner Art/Cafe Beaujolais Gardens
Photo Credit: John Birchard
