Westside Craftsman

Set within Santa Cruz’s fashionable Upper Westside, this transformation reimagines a modest 1960s ranch house into a spacious contemporary Craftsman-inspired residence. The original single-story, 1,570-square-foot home has been fully re-envisioned as a two-story, 3,130-square-foot dwelling featuring three bedrooms, two and a half baths, expansive living and family rooms, and a generous 250-square-foot kitchen at the heart of the home. Complementary spaces include a laundry room, a 525-square-foot attached garage, and an additional 570-square-foot two-story garage, along with a private lap pool that extends the living environment outdoors.

The design capitalizes on the property’s unique setting, offering sweeping views over the surrounding neighborhood, an adjacent riparian corridor, and the open natural areas of a nearby park. Inside, the home is flooded with natural light through expansive windows and elevated ceiling heights—9 feet prevailing on the main level with a soaring 10-foot living room, and vaulted second-floor bedrooms that spring from 9 feet upward—creating interiors that feel both airy and inviting.

Anchored by a welcoming Craftsman-style porch, the exterior blends horizontal board siding with shingle shake accents at the gable ends. Crisp white trim at windows, fascia, and barge boards lends depth and definition to the architecture, highlighting its balanced proportions. Together, these elements harmonize traditional character with a modern sense of openness and light.

Architect: Daniel Silvernail Architect, Inc.

Interior Design: Cindy Shepherd – CDS Designs