Modern architecture is always on its soundest footing when it rests on classical foundations.
This Montserrat modern, perfect in its unornamented simplicity, does possess a timelessness in which we can detect the proportions and disposition of ancestors, with precedents stretching back to the Roman villa suburbana. One of Montserrat’s strong suits is its inventory of houses of fine modern construction.
Of course, you don’t have to reflect on all of that to appreciate the beauty of this four-bedroom, four-bath, house. Entering through a gated court, one is embraced by two welcoming wings that lead to the entrance, under a sheltering, pier-supported loggia framing the front door and its sidelights.
The entirety of 4,500-square-foot residence, built in 2011, is dispersed over a single floor. The ceiling height soars to 20 feet with abundant lighting from clerestory windows in the entrance and main room.
The room gains added force with beams that run from side to side. At one end of the room is a floor-to-ceiling, brick chimneypiece with a gas fire. At back is the kitchen island.
Honey-colored, wide plank, hardwood floors add warmth. The entrance gallery, living room, and kitchen, together form an ensemble that is the core of the house. Ancillary rooms are of more intimate proportions.
The immaculate eat-in kitchen encompasses over 900 square feet, including its informal eating area with built-in banquettes. Sleek and modern, with quartz surfaces and modern floating cabinets, the kitchen contains the full repertoire of built-in appliances — microwave, double ovens, and gas cooktop. In addition, there is a walk-in pantry and storm shelter.
The master bedroom has a gas fireplace with slim hearth large television. Welcome to the age of the screen.
I couldn’t find the dimensions of the master bath, but it looks larger than the nearly 400-square-foot bedroom. It boasts a full spa repertoire — twin sink vanities, free-standing tub, and steam shower. Floors of the bath are black slate. There is access to the bath from the bedroom, hall, and outdoors.
All four of the bedrooms have an en suite baths and pleasing views of the outdoors.
The informal living area is at back, now being used as a media room. It has doors to the garden. In all, there are nine rooms not including the two half baths, including an office with built-in cabinets and a laundry room.
Outdoor living consists of a large fan-cooled loggia with black slate floors with superabundant space for seating and dining overlooking the perfectly scaled pool. The space is serviced by a completely kitted-out outdoor kitchen. Lots in Montserrat are large this home is no exception, resting on over a half an acre.
Amy Trott out of the Mira Vista office of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s has attractively priced 4653 Saint Benet Court at $1.5 million.
