This unique home, built by a firm most known for its bowling alleys, has some striking original features.

By Rabekah Henderson

THE LONG BEACH HOME HAS AN UNDERSTATED BRICK INTERIOR THAT’S INTERRUPTED ONLY BY A SMALL WINDOW AND SOME PANELING. BUT THE LUSH AND PRECISE LANDSCAPING HINTS AT THE GREEN OASIS THAT LIES BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR.

Photography by Bret Gum I Styled by MJ Cripe

Hidden within the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach, California, sits a 1954 mid-century ranch with a mostly brick exterior, separated only by some paneling and a small window. However, the impeccable landscaping in front of the home offers a telling clue to the lush greenery and playful style that lies beyond the home’s understated exterior.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Elijah and Johnna bought the 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath home in 2019. After purchasing the home, the couple began renovating it to better fit their family’s needs while still keeping much of the home’s original “bones” intact—including the variety of wood types the original architects used.

“There are like 10 different kinds of woods happening,” Johnna says. “We tried to play off of it and really work with it.”

ELIJAH AND JOHNNA LOVE THE HOME’S INDOOR-OUTDOOR POND. IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT CONVINCED THEM TO BUY THE 1954 RANCH. HOWEVER, JOHNNA ADMITS IT WAS HARD TO KEEP FISH IN IT FOR VERY LONG, AS “THE BIRDS KEPT TRYING TO EAT THEM.”

“There are 10 different kinds of woods happening. We tried to play off of it and really work with it.”

A SOFA POSITIONED IN FRONT OF A FEW OF THE HOME’S GORGEOUS WINDOWS IS A GREAT SPOT TO SIT AND ADMIRE THE VIEW. JUST OUTSIDE LIES AN OUTDOOR DINING AREA AND A PLUMERIA TREE.