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Harry Gesner Unveils Oceanfront Masterpiece: Stunning Beach House Revealed

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/1 .. t-masterpiece-stunning-beach-house-revealed.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 15:28 GMT by Robb Report

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Harry Gesner’s Seaside Masterpiece: A Beach House Unveiled in Stunning Photographs

When an architect as iconic as Harry Gesner opens the doors of a new project to the public, it is almost an event rather than a simple real‑estate listing. The recent online feature in Robb Report – “Harry Gesner Beach House in Photos” – does just that, showcasing a contemporary oceanfront home that embodies the Californian spirit of light, openness, and environmental harmony that has become the hallmark of Gesner’s work.

A House that Breathes with the Ocean

Located on a secluded stretch of the Pacific coastline in Southern California (the listing identifies the property as being just a few blocks from the Santa Barbara coastline, though the exact street address is omitted for privacy), the home sits on a parcel that gently slopes toward the shoreline. The architecture is a striking blend of modern minimalism and organic integration, with floor‑to‑ceiling glass panes framing sweeping ocean views that are visible from every corner of the house.

The exterior uses a palette of white stucco, natural timber, and black glass panels that both reflect and complement the dramatic, ever‑changing light of the coastal environment. The roof is a dramatic, sweeping curve that mirrors the undulating shape of the nearby dunes – a signature element in many of Gesner’s designs, where the building itself seems to rise out of the earth rather than sit atop it.

Inside: Open, Airy, and Light‑Flooded

Upon stepping inside, the house’s sense of openness is immediate. The living area is an expansive, vaulted space with 12‑foot ceilings that accentuate the verticality of the open layout. Large sliding glass doors open onto a covered patio that seamlessly continues the living space onto the outdoors, effectively blurring the line between interior and exterior. This design choice, typical of Gesner’s belief that the outdoors should never feel distant, also serves a practical function – it allows the home to “breathe” in the mild Santa Barbara climate.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, with custom cabinetry made from reclaimed wood, a large island that serves as a breakfast bar, and a state‑of‑the‑art range and appliances that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The kitchen opens onto a sun‑lit dining area that faces the ocean, again underscoring the priority of view and light.

A series of well‑placed skylights bring in natural daylight that changes color with the time of day, creating an ever‑shifting ambience. The bedrooms, located on a quieter side of the property, are designed to provide privacy while still taking advantage of the surrounding vistas. Each bedroom features floor‑to‑ceiling windows that overlook the sea, as well as walk‑in closets that are finished in warm, natural wood tones.

The master suite is a true retreat, with a large, private balcony that offers uninterrupted 180‑degree ocean views. The en‑suite bathroom is a spa‑like space with a freestanding soaking tub that is set under a glass dome, allowing a view of the sky and ocean beyond. The use of natural stone, glass, and wood in the bathroom’s finishes mirrors the materials found throughout the rest of the house, creating a cohesive aesthetic that feels both luxurious and grounded.

Sustainable, Yet Luxurious

A notable element of the house’s design is its focus on sustainability. The use of natural materials not only ties the home to its environment but also reduces the overall ecological footprint. In addition, the house incorporates energy‑efficient windows and a solar‑powered HVAC system, aligning with Gesner’s lifelong interest in “living in harmony with the environment.”

Large overhangs and strategically placed shading devices protect the home from harsh sun, reducing cooling loads. The landscaping is native and low‑maintenance, featuring drought‑tolerant plants that thrive in the coastal climate while preserving the pristine shoreline.

Harry Gesner’s Legacy on Display

Harry Gesner, a Canadian‑born architect who made his mark in California, was known for a design philosophy that was at once radical and deeply rooted in the natural world. His best‑known project, the “O House” in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, epitomized this ethos. The beach house featured in the Robb Report is no different – it is a testament to Gesner’s belief that architecture should not dominate its surroundings, but rather should be a seamless extension of them.

According to the Robb Report article, the house is currently listed for $12 million, although price details are provided only to the nearest million and are subject to negotiation. The listing is managed by a high‑end real‑estate brokerage (Sotheby’s International Realty, as indicated in the accompanying link) that specializes in luxury coastal properties.

The Photos Speak for Themselves

The heart of the feature is its gallery, which showcases the house from multiple angles – from the low‑lying beach level to the high‑rise ocean views, from the intimate interior rooms to the expansive outdoor living spaces. Each photo is accompanied by a brief description that highlights the key design features and materials used. In particular, the images of the open‑concept living room framed by massive glass walls and the master bedroom balcony with its panoramic view of the sunset over the Pacific are particularly striking.

A Home Worthy of Its Owner

While the Robb Report article focuses mainly on the house itself, the accompanying links lead to the biography of Harry Gesner, revealing that he was an architect whose work bridged the gap between the avant‑garde and the everyday. The links also direct readers to the official listing on Sotheby’s International Realty, where potential buyers can learn more about the property’s exact location, floor plans, and other amenities.

For anyone who appreciates architecture that celebrates light, space, and the natural world, Harry Gesner’s beach house offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of that philosophy. Whether you are a seasoned collector of luxury homes or simply a fan of thoughtful design, the images and descriptions in the Robb Report feature make a compelling case for why this house is more than just a home – it is a living piece of art, anchored to the ocean and the vision of one of California’s most revered architects.