DE ANZA

De Anza is a family compound in Borrego Springs, set at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains with long views across the desert in every direction. We developed the landscape as a lasting retreat for gathering and outdoor living, drawing from both ranch traditions and the character of the surrounding terrain.

A cedar-clad outdoor kitchen and granite bar run along the back of the house, overlooking the pool, citrus grove, and gardens beyond. Elsewhere, a custom cedar hot tub creates a more private place to soak at the edge of the property.

At the center of the landscape, we built a stone-rimmed fire circle as the main gathering place, with teak seating arranged around a simple concrete fire bowl. Saguaros, cycads, and other sculptural desert plants punctuate the open site, helping the new structures settle into the landscape and establishing a sense of scale against the mountains.

Cedar, granite, stone, gravel, concrete, and natural fabrics form a restrained material palette in blue, green, brown, and white. Nothing is overly finished or ornamental. The spaces are comfortable, generous, and closely tied to the desert around them.

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