Thornton Residence
Location: Paso Robles, CA
Status: Built
Square Footage: 4,346 conditioned, 615 pool house, 994 garage, 864 covered decks
Rooms: 3 + office + media
Bathrooms: 4 Full, 1 Half
This hillside residence draws inspiration from the traditions of Mediterranean architecture while reinterpreting them for contemporary California living. White plaster walls, red clay roof tiles, and wrought-iron detailing establish an immediate connection to the Spanish Colonial vernacular, while generous glazing and open-plan layouts bring the design firmly into the present.
The composition is organized around a series of gabled volumes, creating a balanced rhythm between two- and one-story elements. The main entry façade is defined by a central tower-like form with an arched portal and balcony above, lending a sense of symmetry and arrival. To the rear, the home opens dramatically toward the landscape, with expansive glass doors and balconies framing views of the surrounding hills.
Outdoor living is integral to the design, with a covered dining terrace, balconies, and a sleek pool terrace stepping down into the natural grade. Stone retaining walls tie the building to its site, reinforcing a sense of permanence while softening the transition between cultivated landscape and native terrain.
Inside, steeply pitched rooflines allow for lofted ceilings and clerestory light, while carefully placed windows capture shifting light throughout the day. The material palette—stucco, tile, stone, and wood—balances timeless tradition with modern refinement, resulting in a residence that is both regionally rooted and enduringly elegant.
Photos by David Lalush