The Santiago Oakes Residence: A Fusion of Elegance and Nature in Orange County

A soulful, site-specific forever home nestled in the rolling hills of Orange County, the Santiago Oakes residence exudes a distinct character that transcends the ordinary.

The Unexpected Heart of the Home

At the heart of this remarkable residence lies something unexpected: a garage. But this isn’t just any garage; it is a “man cave” that predates the home itself. Loved by the homeowners, this unique structure became the touchstone for the entire design process. Principal architect Amat Tajudin of EBTA Architects explains, “The site already had a particular style started a few years ago: a barn that houses bedrooms, an automotive display, a bar, and a large living area. That shape influenced our roof forms, and we created a connection with the new home and the older structure.”

This connection—between old and new, traditional and contemporary, architecture and nature—serves as the foundation for the luxury home. The seamless melding of styles, coupled with warm materials, fosters an ambiance where seemingly disparate elements come together in harmonious unity.

A Collision of Design Elements

Builder Matt Dugally of Dugally Oberfeld recalls his initial reaction to the design: “You look at the program and think, ‘Is this going to work?’ Traditional brick with a contemporary staircase, barn rooflines with metal and wood windows side by side… It’s a collision of materials. But in this house, it really works.”

The homeowners, who had lived on the property for 25 years and raised their children across the canyon, sought a new dwelling that would stand as a forever home. Their goal was clear: create a warm, gracious space that felt close to nature and could host family gatherings.

Interiors That Tell a Story

The interiors of the Santiago Oakes residence reflect the vision of Stacy Chiavaro from Chiavaro Design. With a sophisticated yet welcoming approach, she infused the home with a charming mix of modern and traditional styles, complemented by reclaimed oak flooring and contemporary oak wall paneling. “It’s a contemporary ranch home nestled in the rolling hills, and we wanted it to feel like it had always belonged here,” Chiavaro notes.

This sense of belonging is deeply rooted in the landscape. Tajudin elaborates, “The mature oak trees were critical. We designed the new home using a Y-shaped footprint to match the original house and to preserve those trees.” The thoughtful placement enhances the serenity of the site, providing new views that underscore the natural beauty of the area.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Clerestory windows are abundant, allowing light to permeate nearly every room. Large steel and glass pivot doors open to a great room and loggia, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. “We created large, covered patios where the interiors transition seamlessly to the exteriors,” Tajudin states. The connection to nature is evident from the primary suite’s accordion doors that lead to a private courtyard, complete with a unique water feature.

“The house lives like a single-story home,” he adds, detailing how essential spaces—including the kitchen, dining area, family room, guest suite, and primary bedroom—are all conveniently located on the ground floor. The upper level serves guests with two suites and a lounge area equipped with a kitchenette, making overnight visitors feel truly at home.

Thoughtful Surprises Await

As one navigates through the Santiago Oakes residence, a series of thoughtful surprises unfold. Dugally describes a dramatically designed powder room and a small office off the primary suite that feels like a hidden gem. Rich textures greet visitors at every turn, from satin-finished plaster walls to multi-color limestone floors and luxurious leathered quartzite countertops.

The Strength of Collaboration

The Santiago Oakes residence stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration. “The team was incredible,” remarks Tajudin. “I’ve worked with Dugally Oberfeld for almost 40 years, and Stacy was the perfect recommendation for this project. Everyone stayed in their lane and trusted each other—it was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of synergy.”

Dugally echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that successful projects are often a reflection of the clients: “Here, they were amazing — open-minded, patient, gracious. They let the process unfold to get exactly what they wanted.” Even the complex challenges, such as meeting modern fire codes and harmonizing dual window systems in wood and metal, were resolved with thoughtful execution.

A Home for Generations

“This home is a reflection of who they are,” Chiavaro states. “It’s not just a place to live. It’s where they welcome their family, host charity events, and give back to the community. We were honored to help create a home base for their next chapter.”

And the original garage—the beloved “man cave”—still stands proudly, now complemented by a luxury home that rises to meet it both in spirit and in style.