Name: Aleks Istanbullu & Anne Troutman
Location: Santa Monica, California
Size: 2400 square feet
Years lived in: 7 years
Not only is the church that Aleks and Anne call home a historical landmark, it was actually the first church in Santa Monica. It is hard to believe that it only took two weeks and $684 to construct the building. It has gone through many transformations over the years - relocation, bell tower added, social hall added, enlarged, reused as a secular meeting hall, and was eventually bought by artist Helen Sheats who claimed it for her residence.
Aleks and Anne planned the move from their multi-level home with a great view of the ocean due to the lack of an open floor plan - they were searching for something more suitable for their lifestyle. By the time they found and purchased the church in 2003, it needed a few updates to restore its architectural character and best utilize the space to fit their needs for both a private and work space. They fell in love with the history behind the converted church and were dedicated to restoring its original character.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: Contemporary intervention into a historic house
Inspiration: A place with history and soul in which to live and work
Favorite Elements: The character of an old church, a large open space that we could shape freely, an urban garden in the rear yard
Biggest Challenge: Balancing public and private spaces without loosing the openness
What Friends Say: It is so very warm and cozy
Biggest Embarrassment: Hard to keep the dust balls out of sight
Proudest DIY: All of it
Biggest Indulgence: The mahogany counter and teak rails, the 8 Liquidambar Rotunda Lona trees which could grow to a height of 80 feet
Best Advice: Nobody gave us any advice - we probably would not have listened anyway
Dream Source: Book stores, Sur La Table, Diamond Foam & Fabric, and Williams-Sonoma
Resources of Note:
APPLIANCES
- Viking Fridge and Range
- Miele Dishwasher
- Kohler
FURNITURE
- John Grant and John Hanger did all the built-ins
- Wertz Brothers Furntiure
BEDS
ACCESSORIES
- Swap Meets
HARDWARE
- Liz's Antique Hardware for historic hardware
FLOORING
- Existing Douglas Fir
PAINT
- Naylor's Paint in Venice
RUGS & CARPET
- Random Oriental in family
TILES AND STONE
- Classic Tile on Wilshire and Santa Monica
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- None, except for Venetian Lace from Burano
ARTWORK
Anne Troutman, Jasper Johns, Chuck Arnoldi, Laddy John Dill, Astrid Preston, William Teresa, and Ali Acerol
Thanks Aleks & Anne!
Images: Evan Koester
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Comments (19)
I love this. So interesting and creative!
Beautiful space. I wonder what became of the belltower though. I got really excited at first because I was hoping the belltower was still extant! Sigh, it's the dream-- living in a house with a tower..
I think this is the first converted church house that didn't give me a bad feeling. Its absolutely lovely. The gymnast on the wall, all the seating, make the space really lively and inviting. Also really like the use of two tones woods in the kitchen and the railing.
The outside of the house and the windows are absolutely lovely. I like the idea of mixing modern and historic elements, but the inside, for me, goes way too far to the modern side. I also feel that the flow of the open layout is a bit hampered by all the heavy furniture placement. That being said, I very much love their taste in art!
I really like the house...for the most part. The one room I didn't like any part of was the "sitting room" with the red chairs, blue striped couch, and the red coffee table. I like the neutral couch built in, and would have liked to see elements that complemented that. And why is there a table lamp on the floor?
Btw, Marcia, the second "enter the house tour" link has an extra R at the end. It's broken.
@Pi - thanks. The link is fixed.
Personally it's too modern for my taste and I'm not a fan of all the half room dividers.
That being said, they've done a great job keeping their modern elements somewhat non-permanent so as not to take away from the original structure. I really appreciate that!
Beautiful building.
Like sororitysheep, I wish the belltower was still there!
I love the concept of giving new life to an old building like this. I wonder how do you come upon purchasing an old church though? I would doubt this would be listed in the MLS or classifieds.
Very interesting transformation of the space! Looks like it would feel very welcoming. I love that huge display table.
Holy moly, what a beautiful home!
There are some very nice things about this home. I especially like the smaller, defined rooms, like the bedroom. The visual clutter of the large living/dining/kitchen/work space would be stressful for me. I guess it's the half-walls mentioned in another comment.
I love your home. The kitchen design is really nice.
Glory be - i love the blue ceiling and your garden. the upstairs is the best part for me, especially with the wood stove... cozy!
I LOVE this! I think it's very challenging to take a large space and divide it up while still keeping things open and airy. And what a wonderful place for an artists' studio!
very creative and mature.
WOW! What a warm, welcoming and interesting home. Well done in all regards.
Oh, dear. Open shelving for breakable items in a California home? I hope they're not too attached to any of that glassware because it's going to be on the floor in the next earthquake!
Absolutely beautiful home, though.
I see pool cues but no pool table. Is that being used as the base for the huge work table? Would love to see the bathroom as well.
Sorry to derail the love train. Too much mish mash furniture and a cacophony of clutter. The kitchen is neat. there, I said a nice thing.