308 17th Street: Steps from the Sand, Miles of Views

With A Premier Location And Panoramic Ocean Views, 308 17th Street A Contemporary Custom Home In Manhattan Beach Levels Up Luxurious Coastal Living

Situated on a street of dreams in Manhattan Beach, 308 17th Street combines the exclusivity of a coveted Walk Street location with a residence of exceptional detail and vast views from Palos Verdes to Malibu, to Santa Monica beyond.

“This is the best location in town,” says agent Lauren Forbes, pointing to the prime proximity this 4,395-square-foot, 5 bedroom, 5.5-bed home enjoys. “You are technically in the Sand Section but also on a Walk Street.”

An opportunity that its owners, who wanted to be both by the ocean and close to town, could not resist.

“When this lot came up, it kind of checked all the boxes,” the owner says. “It’s close enough to everything but not too close to anything.”

Two minutes to the park, two minutes to a stretch of beach used mostly by locals, and five minutes from the shops and restaurants in town.

“We park the car on the weekends,” he adds. “It’s just easy to walk everywhere.” (Plus, if needed, there is overflow parking at the park.)

Where better, then, for a blue-chip work of residential architecture designed by architect Douglas Leach and constructed by builder Doug Salzman—both South Bay stalwarts—and customized with great care by its owners. Spanning three levels, the contemporary residence cuts a striking figure from the street, featuring clean lines, loads of glass and an organic edifice of stucco, wood and textured stone that lend this current work a timeless look that chimes with meticulous Mediterranean landscaping that is lush with succulents, jasmine and even a lemon tree, all backdropped by blue sky and sea.

Built on a reverse floor plan to leverage its to-die-for vistas, 308 17th Street reflects the owners’ desire to highlight them.

“The views are so great, they really wanted to take advantage of that,” Lauren Forbes affirms.

Scenes of the ocean are most spectacular on the upper level of 308 17th Street, but quite ravishing from the primary suite and spacious outdoor terraces, as well.

Uniquely, “A lot of the decks you see are facing the Walk Street,” the owner notes. “Ours face the ocean.”

Entry to 308 17th Street comes at mid-level, the provenance of the primary suite. A tranquil retreat crafted for maximum privacy, the primary bedroom is tastefully understated, allowing its lovely and abundant natural light as well as magnificent corner-shaped architectural window with ocean view to be the dazzling notes of drama. The space also features a separate, cozy sitting area that, in addition to offering a number of useful possibilities, accesses the private outdoor terrace for a closer glimpse of the sun melting dreamily into the sea. The sumptuous en-suite spa bath, meanwhile, aspires to spa escapism with dual vanities finished in a lustrous wood teak veneer, a freestanding soaking tub, a large glass shower, and a custom walk-in closet.

While solely dedicated to the primary suite, the middle level shares a wall with a separate one-bed, one-bath guest suite with a kitchen, living room, and its own entrance. But that wall could easily be opened or installed with a door in order to expand 308 17th Street’s domestic horizons.

“The versatility in this house is really incredible,” Lauren Forbes says.

It works for families with older children or couples wanting an office or guest space, and families with young children that might consider converting the suite into bedrooms for one big family home.

The public spaces are housed upstairs.

“The upper level is the focal point of the house,” says the owner. “You walk up the stairs and immediately see the massive ocean view.”

Seizing on this bracing backdrop via elaborate glass windows—including a second corner-shaped stunner that continues a defining aesthetic motif—the spacious great room with a large fireplace and convenient wet bar magnanimously opens to another sublime outdoor terrace. Elongated and gracious, this outdoor extension of the interior has its own incitements, including plenty of space for different seating options and a sleek fireplace to rally around on cool coastal evenings.

Looking out to the large and luminous view, the kitchen is the heart of the upper level.

“We spend the most time in the kitchen by far,” the owner says of the space, which is designed as a domestic social core. “My wife loves to cook,” he adds. “It’s a chef’s kitchen, with everything she wanted.”

Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Dark woods juxtaposed with crisp-white Caesarstone countertops. A gigantic kitchen island with ample storage and seating for six.

“People gather around, and the drinks and food flow.”

Just beyond the dining room and custom command center is a nice-sized home office (converted from a bedroom) and another separate outdoor patio with a barbecue and private seating.

Ground level gives way to additional bedrooms and a second living space—or, “the beach room,” as the owner affectionately describes this “hangout spot” commandeered by his kids and their friends. Anticipating this purpose, polished concrete floors were installed to endure activity and “wet, sandy feet” just in from the beach. An elevator, laundry room, and generous three-car garage round out the amenities.

But of all that the property offers, the owner says, “I’ll miss the location the most. You can get anywhere quickly, and it’s quiet—not like living on The Strand. Just a few people wandering by, going to the beach.”