Argomenti trattati
Embark on a nostalgic journey through the archives of House Beautiful, highlighting timeless stories that continue to inspire. This month, we explore Bette Midler’s cliffside cottage in Laguna Beach, featured in the magazine’s August 1999 edition. This home represents a remarkable blend of Gothic allure and Hawaiian fantasy, characterized by bleached wood floors, vibrant hibiscus patterns, vintage bamboo accents, and whimsical hula-girl mosaics, making it an idyllic retreat for the star.
Midler recalled that she made the swift decision to purchase the house within five minutes while filming Beaches. This romantic cottage, with its picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, served not merely as a residence but as a haven where the sounds of crashing waves and the refreshing sea breeze fostered a serene atmosphere. Nestled within an overgrown garden, a pathway leads to a charming stone tower that houses a spiral staircase winding down to the sandy beach.
The rich history of the cottage
Originally constructed as an artist’s studio in 1928, this cottage was part of the vibrant community of plein-air painters in Laguna Beach. The structure features awe-inspiring cathedral ceilings and Gothic-style arched windows, enhancing its enchanting character. Over the years, the property underwent transformations; in the 1950s, a set designer from Walt Disney Studios expanded the cottage by connecting it to a neighboring residence. Recent renovations included the addition of a spacious master bedroom with a balcony offering breathtaking views of where the ocean meets the sky.
A whimsical design journey
The interior of the cottage presents a delightful collage of styles, showcasing an expansive open space that combines living, dining, and cooking areas, while smaller bedrooms resemble cozy ship cabins. The home’s visual appeal is further enhanced by the thoughtful design work of Los Angeles designer Jarrett Hedborg, who embraced Midler’s Hawaiian roots in his vision. “Growing up in southern California, I always felt a strong connection to Hawaii,” Hedborg stated, emphasizing the importance of incorporating this inspiration into the home. “Bette’s dreams of Hawaii were something I aimed to manifest within the design.”
Hedborg’s design approach was both imaginative and playful. He candidly confessed to creating his version of Aloha style for the cottage, aiming to encapsulate the essence of a tranquil retreat. His vision included vintage bamboo furniture and drapes made from Tahitian pareu cloth, which he generously shared with Midler. Together, they adorned her windows with blue-and-white hibiscus prints and dressed her furniture in traditional palaka cloth, a fabric often associated with Hawaiian work shirts.
Creating a family sanctuary
Nancy Kintisch, a decorative artist who frequently visited the cottage, described it as a casual weekend getaway for Midler and her family. “Visitors would often come in barefoot straight from the beach,” Kintisch reminisced. “There was a constant presence of sand on the floors, music playing softly in the background, and someone always cooking in the kitchen.” Kintisch contributed to the home’s charm by adding unique touches, such as a playful hula-girl mosaic at one entryway and stenciled marlins on the living room fireplace.
Collaborations and renovations
After Hedborg’s initial design work, Santa Barbara designer Neil Korpinen took over, enhancing the space while adhering to Midler’s vision. He sought the perfect bamboo lamps and decorated the home with framed memorabilia from the Matson Line ships, which historically ferried passengers between Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu. Korpinen also found innovative ways to incorporate vintage Hawaiian shirts as decorative elements on tables and cupboards, preserving a piece of history.
Despite Midler’s hectic schedule complicating collaboration, Korpinen fondly recalls a spontaneous trip to an estate sale that yielded remarkable finds. “We stumbled upon an untouched tiki room from the 1940s, complete with authentic bamboo furniture,” he noted. “We gathered as much as we could carry, adding to the house’s unique character.” The end result is a home that truly reflects Midler’s joyful spirit and passion for life.
Having spent a decade at this magical Laguna Beach retreat, Bette Midler holds fond memories tied to the cottage. “Selling it was difficult, but I treasure the memories we created there,” she reflected. The enchanting design and history of this home continue to captivate, serving as a testament to the actress’s artistic vision and love for Hawaiian culture.