A place to know: Casa Laguna, Orange County

This Moroccan influenced guesthouse designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard is the stuff of California dreams

Story by Amira Hashish

In the 19th Century a developer called Frank Miller wanted to build a dream home for his wife Marion. He found the prefect plot perched above the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, California.

Together with architect Arthur Benton he made a house from concrete, stone and pressed-block edifice. Over the years it has changed hands and new buildings have been added. In 1946, it became Casa Laguna.

What a colourful life it’s had. First a hotel, it later became an artists’ colony until 1977 when it was converted into a bed and breakfast. Fast forward to 2014 and Casa Laguna was sold to a PRG partnership that restored the Spanish Colonial architecture to create a boutique escape.

Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a Brit who has become a leading name amongst the Hollywood glitterati, has done a grand job of adding an abundance of character and colour to every corner.

Each of the 23 rooms has Moroccan influences with Moorish tiles and ceramics. The colour scheme revolves around ocean blues and deep reds making for a crisp yet sumptuous environment.

The complimentary continental breakfast is served in the secret garden style courtyard or the cosy lounge and dining area. There is a lovely pool surrounded by palm trees and deckchairs. Plus, a small indoor and outdoor spa, the latter of which overlooks the sea.

A scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from LAX will take you to this little slice of joy. It’s the kind of place that you will want to pay a visit to whenever you are in town. The stuff of California dreams.

Discover more: casalaguna.com