Reminiscent of Tuscan Valley villas with their mountain vistas and private patios, the Musgrove Residence in northern San Diego merges classic European aesthetics that celebrate the surrounding beauty with modern comforts that uplift functionality, all while remaining energy efficient.
Nestled in a picturesque, tranquil California community, Brett Musgrove reimagined a 30-year-old Mediterranean-style property as an Italian-influenced Spanish Revival style home where he and his wife could live into their later years, reveling in the views and indoor-outdoor living.
The windows set the tone for the whole house. The house and its view warranted that size and high quality of windows and doors.
Views to Remember
Before the Musgroves began searching for their new home, they had considered remodeling their existing property. Weighing their options, they explored a potential future neighborhood and its surroundings.
“One night, we took a drive through the winding roads of northern San Diego,” recalled Brett. “We came to a valley with great views of the surrounding mountains and distant city lights. A year later, when we were looking around for our new home, we visited a house in that neighborhood that had zero curb-appeal. But the minute I looked around and saw those views, I remembered that drive.”
That memory sparked the Musgroves’ journey to create a home that would embrace the beauty surrounding it. The couple wanted a single-story home to suit their lifestyle for decades to come while also ensuring it had enough space for hosting family and friends.
Brett said, “It had good bones, and I loved the views. We liked the neighborhood, so we went ahead.” Updating the late-1980s and early-’90s aesthetic was imperative. “I liked Miami Vice as a show, but I didn’t want to live on set,” joked Brett.
He imagined a distinctively different look “where the views were front and center. In Italy and throughout Europe, they have these beautiful old homes that have been modernized just enough to have the convenience and comfort, but still retain their character. They have this great blend of old and new, including new windows and doors with modern performance. It doesn’t detract from the home’s historical appearance and the clean lines of the windows aren’t sterile. They work well together.”
The house had great potential, yet it also presented the reality of working with an existing structure. With a trusted team—Rick Hasvold from Rancho Vista Construction and Tara Lawrence of TL Design—the Musgrove Residence began its transformation.
The windows were a deciding factor and the most important part of our renovation.
Initially, Brett thought the project could be managed as a series of remodeling projects. Soon, he arrived at a key decision: “It was clear we needed to take it all the way down to the studs. The main difference in building new versus renovating--even a whole-house renovation--is that you have to work within the framework that’s there. It’s not plumb, straight and level. We never had a full plan drawn up for the renovation. We came up with it as we went. We responded to each situation with our best ideas and arrived at a better place.”
“It was a good team. They understood my vision for the house,” praised Brett. “Rick did an amazing job making the new parts look like they have always been there. He and Tara seamlessly blended the old and the new.”
Tara, who has worked on dozens of major renovation projects with Rick, remembered the project fondly. She said, “Brett had such a clear vision. These beautiful, stunning views were our focal point. The windows set the tone for the whole house. The house and its view warranted that size and high quality of windows and doors.”
Finding inspired solutions
The windows and doors are the centerpiece and unifying connection throughout the Musgrove Residence’s renovation. “The windows were a deciding factor and the most important part of our renovation,” emphasized Brett. “We wanted the tall windows, clean lines, dark metal framing and horizontal grids. I also really wanted the tilt-turn windows, and there just aren’t many made here in the U.S.”
After researching options, Brett discovered that Kolbe Windows & Doors’ all-aluminum VistaLuxe AL LINE offered the perfect combination of customizable aesthetics and optimal performance. “The Kolbe representative in San Diego’s Grand Openings gallery really knew his stuff,” complimented Brett.
He continued, “They made tilt-turns and the other large windows and doors we wanted, as well as had options for our arched openings. He showed me how the horizontal grids would be in alignment. You can tell it’s a quality product. I love the way they look and the way they function. They have that solid feeling when you open and close it. The glass we went with filters out the bad UV rays without having that purplish hue, giving us good clarity inside and out.”
Tilt-turn windows are a signature feature in the Musgrove Residence. Common throughout Europe, tilt-turn windows feature high-performance, dual-operation: in one mode, the window operates as a top-venting hopper, tipping inward to allow for natural ventilation. In another mode, it operates like a traditional inswing casement, similar to a side-hinged inswing door.
Brett selected tall tilt-turn windows for the bedrooms. “Tilt-turns give you the views, the natural light and the egress to access the patio. They also allow you to open just the top to get those coastal breezes and fresh air,” he explained. “You can’t do that with anything else.”
The windows and doors were critical to the look and feel of our home.
Complementing the VistaLuxe AL LINE products, Kolbe’s VistaLuxe WD LINE aluminum-clad, wood-interior windows and French doors were finished-to-match in Onyx black. The aluminum exteriors and durable finishes present a consistent appearance throughout the home and require minimal maintenance over a long lifespan.
“They’re custom yet look classic with the black finish. With the light and the views, they pull it all together into a cohesive design,” stated Tara. “If it’s designed well, there should not be a lot of maintenance to keep it looking great. My goal is to get the most beauty out of a space but keep it livable and comfortable.”
Elevating design, staying centered
The Musgrove Residence’s updated architecture prioritizes surroundings while instilling comfort. To accommodate the most expansive window and door views, the plate line at the top of the wall was moved from 6 foot 8 inches up to 8 feet to match the tallest room of the original house. The new game room addition boasts 9-foot-tall windows, and the entry door creates a striking first impression.
“Even before you walk in, you can see through the glass door all the way across the living room to the two arched French doors and outside,” described Brett. “It welcomes you and centers you.”
Tara elaborated, “It makes you want to go in and all the way through to the outside. He liked the feel of French doors that could be opened together or separately, rather than sliding doors that usually are fully opened or closed. The arched openings directly connect and extend the interior living space to the pool and outdoor kitchen. It feels like an outdoor atrium.”
In the distance, views capture a panorama of surrounding mountains, a nearby pond, an equestrian training center and horse track, and orchards lining the valley. On the Musgroves’ 5-acre property, the former palm trees have been replaced with old-growth olive, oak and pine trees. Between the tree line and house, a Spanish-styled fountain enhances the European flavor and the sensory experience between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
“The view is the best feature of our house,” Brett reiterated. “The windows and doors were critical to the look and feel of our home. When people come over for the first time, they all say what amazing windows we have. I love how it turned out. It looks seamless.”
“The windows were a huge factor,” agreed Tara. “They maximize every view and every space. They highlight the authenticity and character of that house.”
Thoughtful efficiency and hospitality
As part of its renovation, the house’s exterior was sandblasted to a natural color and rustic, natural, textured elements were incorporated throughout the interior. The exposed wood ceiling in the living room was carried into the attached kitchen and game room. The floors feature a deeply textured wood. Natural limestone was selected for both the fireplace and vaulted dining room ceiling.
Along with natural materials, energy efficiency also was a priority for the Musgroves. Solar arrays power the property, including their two electric vehicles. Kolbe’s windows and doors also contribute to the home’s high performance.
“Our windows are open all year except for the coldest months of winter. They’re highly efficient at keeping us cool in summer and warm in winter,” Brett noted. “It’s not a small house, but we have the electric bill of a tiny home.”
Well-designed comfort and functionality extend into every room at the Musgrove Residence. Natural light through additional windows illuminates the reclaimed garage, which now houses a pantry, wine room, gym and laundry space. “When we have people over, we see people gather in the kitchen, which is expected. What’s funny is we see people also gravitate to the laundry room around this big vintage wood table we have there,” mentioned Brett. “It’s nice. I’m glad people feel comfortable.”
When hosting overnight visitors, guests in the three bedrooms now have their own private baths, as well as their own patios, thanks to the tilt-turn windows. For Brett and his wife, the owners’ suite also offers private outdoor access and an updated full-bath en suite with a minimalistic, modern design. The centerpiece of the serene spa-like setting is a concrete soaking tub positioned near a large window with a decorative stone surround.
Heartbeat of the home
The Musgrove Residence is uniquely personalized to its owners’ tastes and needs. Their interior further reflects their shared lives and individuality with photos, mementos and artwork.
“Every piece has a story, whether it’s from their family or a trip to Italy,” commented Tara. “They were paring down to a single story with less square footage. Seeing their previous house gave me a glimpse of how they lived and an idea of what was important to them.”
She continued, “I strive to design the way they live, not have them live the way I’ve designed. I wanted to make sure they got what they wanted in their home. They could possibly spend the rest of their lives right here. Every time they walk into their house, I want them to love their home.”
The whole-house renovation project was completed in just one year during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even under ideal conditions, renovations can be hard,” acknowledged Tara. “This one was joyful the whole time. It shows in the house. This home has a heartbeat. You can feel it; it’s peaceful.”
Tara helped the Musgroves celebrate their new home with an open house holiday party for their neighbors. “It was a great night. People were excited to see it and surprised by the amazing results. Everyone loved it,” she said proudly. “People don’t truly know how their house is going to look or feel until it’s done. This one even surprised me. It’s one of my favorites.”
While it makes Brett happy to host events at his home, he finds reward in the simple, everyday experiences. He shared, “It’s fun to entertain. Still, one of the favorite things about living here is getting up in the morning, going to the kitchen to get my coffee and passing by this incredible view.”
The views remained central to Brett’s steadfast vision throughout the successful renovation. Drawing from past European travels, he created a place where he and his wife can be at a home in the present and can look ahead to their future.