While people buy and remodel homes for rentals everyday, what makes the story behind these two small houses distinctive is that the Hirsches chose to save the original structures rather than demolish them. Now the two homes—one a vacation rental and the other a long-term rental—stand as testaments to the power of a loving building restoration and the expansive possibility of living large in a small space. Tucked in the beach neighborhood among stacks of vacation condos, 1940s craftsman cottages, and mini- mansions, sit Holly House, built in 1958, and Dorrance House, built in 1928. From the street, the compact retro cottages look like time capsules to an earlier, less stressful time. But despite their Lilliputian appearance from the outside (one is just 600 square feet and the other 900 square feet), inside the houses are as spa- cious and relaxing as the first day of summer with a calendar of empty days stretching out ahead. Kathy describes how she instantly feels calm inside
Holly House, “When I walk in, I think, ‘Aaaah.’ The energy just feels peaceful and cozy ... When I come to Carpinteria and open the door, things instantly slow down.” Initially, not everyone agreed with their decision to preserve the beach homes because they were in such a state of disrepair. “Dilapidated” is the generous adjective Jed uses to describe the state of the homes when they first bought them. Photos taken before the restoration show extensive problems, including water damage, incorrectly attached water heater pipes and walls swollen with moisture. “I love historical buildings. They tell a story. All we had to do was uncover the hidden romance novel,” says the contractor, who used his trained eye to see past the rotting façade to the buildings’ future charm. Now the couple has found they’ve begun a surprise
love affair with Carpinteria itself. “We love it,” says Jed. “It’s the most charming
throwback to a beach town ... with the addition of great restaurants that add a sophisticated side to it.” They had no plan to buy in Carpinteria specifically. According to Jed, the couple was looking for a duplex to fix up and rent out somewhere in Santa Barbara County. After a year and a half, their search led them to the Dorrance and Holly houses. They were excited by the prospect of owning two homes, instead of a duplex, on a corner lot just blocks from the beach. So, how did the two begin the transformation? They first worked together to create a vision for the
final look and feel of the buildings. Then, an architect was hired to work with the city’s building department. Finally, after receiving all the requisite permits, the couple hired a team of sub-contractors to realize their
TOP, an important part of the renovation project was to refashion the old into the new. The television stand-cabinet combination was built from used wood.
BOTTOM, the original wood cabinet’s distressed finish keeps the past in place and holds many stories.
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP, Holly House was built in 1958. Like its Dorrance Avenue cousin, the yard functions as living space.
OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT, the Hirsch family in Dorrance House upon completion.
From left are son Jake, Jed, Kathy, and daughter Ivy.
OPPOSITE PAGE RIGHT, Holly House kitchen evokes a vintage feel, yet enjoys a sun-lit living zone and modern conveniences.
44 carPinteriaMaGaZINE
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