In remodeling a private residence in Pebble Beach, CA, the owner wanted a property that would match the natural splendor of its surroundings. After considering various design styles, the design plan was to replicate the feel of a classic home in England. This objective was achieved with two varieties of limestone for the interior.

The house is approximately 14,000 square feet in size, and it features 4,500 square feet of flooring. The majority of the interior stone is limestone, including French limestone as well as a limestone variety from Nebraska.

The use of stone for the interior of the residence begins at the main entry, where visitors are greeted with a floor pattern of large-format pavers of French antique stone set in a random pattern.

The stone flooring continues throughout the living areas of the home, and all of the tiles were installed with the same patterning and surface finish. The feeling of warmth and comfort is enhanced with fireplaces in almost every room, including the bathrooms. And although there are a broad range of fireplace styles, all of these elements include natural stone. The designs range from simple surrounds in limestone to ornately carved fireplaces in Portland stone from England. These were carved by Justin Iles, a master stone carver.

In the bathrooms, limestone tiles were selected for the floors as well as the walls within the shower stall and tub. Additionally, the bathrooms include custom-carved limestone moldings around the windows. The bathroom vanity tops throughout the home are also cut from limestone.

The design of the kitchen space also relies on a broad range of stonework, including antique limestone flooring and custom-cut countertops. The kitchen also features a pre-fabricated sink from Walker Zanger. Perhaps the most striking element of the kitchen area is the custom-fabricated hood above the range, which was expertly carved for the project.

Adding to the classical feel of the home, the main level and the lower level are connected by a circular staircase, which is comprised of blocks of antiqued and finished domestic limestone.

The primary stone contractor on the project was Glass Mosaic Tile & Marble Inc. of Marina, CA, which worked on the project for a total of 16 months. Glass Mosaic Tile & Marble installed all of the interior stonework at the main home, including the floors, kitchen counters and bathrooms. The company also designed and fabricated the stone stairway and thresholds. Incorporating modern amenities into the home's classical context, Glass Mosaic Tile & Marble carefully designed and fabricated the stonework around the stereo speakers, heating ducts and recessed light fixtures.

And while the home is certainly a showcase of craftsmanship in natural stone, it is also an impressive display of intricate woodworking abilities. The wood is thoughtfully combined with stone throughout the residence, in the living areas as well as the corridors, bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms. This work - as well as many of the details necessary to evoke the feel of an English manor - was the result of careful planning by contractor Jay Lazarus of Lazarus Construction Co.

Natural stone is also prevalent for the exterior of the residence, as the majority of the cladding is comprised of "Carmel Stone," a rough-hewn material from Santa Maria.

End Box: Private Residence, Pebble Beach, CA

General Contractor: Lazarus Construction Co.
Stone Fabricator/Installer: Glass Mosaic Tile & Marble Inc., Marina, CA
Stone Suppliers: New Mexico Travertine, Belen, NM (Nebraska limestone); Paris Ceramics (French antique limestone); Walker Zanger, Sylmar, CA (pre-fabricated stone sinks)
Stone Carver: Justin Iles