An Architectural Residence Shaped by the Hillside

Architecture & Place

An architectural residence shaped by the hillside.

Thom Brajkovich brings architectural expertise and building knowledge together in a residence designed specifically around its hillside setting. Rather than imposing a conventional floor plan onto the property, the design works with the natural grade, allowing the residence to rise through the hillside while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

The result is a home that feels specific to its site, with architecture, materials, circulation, outdoor spaces, and landscaping conceived as one composition.

3,414 sq ft

Residence

6

Bedrooms

4

Bathrooms

Three

Levels

Thom Brajkovich

Architect

Three level

Elevator

The Hillside as Architecture

The natural slope becomes part of the experience

Slate staircases trace the terrain throughout the property. Natural stone, mature Mediterranean landscaping, timber, integrated landscape lighting, and carefully considered outdoor spaces extend the architectural language beyond the walls of the home. The hillside rises to meet the third floor, creating a private Mediterranean garden that is physically level with the upper residence.

The architecture does not simply overlook the landscape. It inhabits it.

Views That Become Part of the Home

Changing perspectives throughout the day

Expansive windows and multiple outdoor living environments frame panoramic views of downtown San Luis Obispo, Bishop's Peak, Cerro San Luis, and the surrounding Central Coast landscape. From morning light across the hills to city lights and spectacular sunsets, the elevated setting creates changing perspectives throughout the day.

The views are part of the architecture.

Indoor Outdoor Living

An effortless connection to the hillside

The principal living level brings together the kitchen, dining, and living spaces in a warm, connected environment defined by custom cabinetry, solid slab granite, natural stone, hand scraped bamboo flooring, and abundant natural light. The living and dining areas open directly to a substantial outdoor living room finished in slate and framed by custom wood beams and a timber pergola. A gas powered indoor outdoor fireplace anchors the connection between interior and exterior.

Kitchen → Dining → Living → Fireplace → Outdoor Living → Hillside → View.

Materials with Continuity

Resolved rather than assembled

The home's quality is found not only in individual finishes, but in their remarkable consistency. Custom cabinetry and solid slab granite countertops continue throughout the residence, from the first floor laundry room through the main living spaces and into the third floor primary suite. Slate carries through the staircases, outdoor living areas, terraces, and primary bath. Natural stone, timber, hand scraped bamboo, white French oak, and travertine reinforce the same architectural vocabulary.

The residence feels resolved rather than assembled.

The Third Floor

A private level above the city

The upper level brings together the expansive primary suite, executive office, additional bathroom, elevator arrival, and skylit hallway. Because the hillside rises to this level, the third floor maintains an unusually direct relationship with the outdoors. French doors from the primary suite open to a substantial private outdoor living terrace, while a separate exterior door opens directly into the hilltop Mediterranean garden.

French doors open to a private outdoor living terrace.

The Primary Retreat

An unusually complete private retreat

The large third floor primary suite is a private retreat within the residence, with multiple windows, French doors opening directly to the outdoor living terrace, two walk in closets, custom cabinetry, a dedicated vanity, white French oak flooring, and hand textured walls. The terrace functions as an outdoor living room for the primary suite. Beyond the terrace, the hillside garden is physically level with the upper residence, creating a second outdoor environment immediately connected to the suite.

Bedroom → Outdoor Living Terrace → Hilltop Mediterranean Garden.

The Primary Bath

Stone, wood, texture, and light

The primary bath continues the home's architectural material language with solid slab granite countertops, custom cabinetry, a hand curated slate backsplash, and platinum honed Italian travertine. Large travertine tile extends across the bathroom floor and shower walls. The walk in shower features hand cut 3 by 3 inch slate floor squares and hand cut slate trim. A travertine encased jetted tub and private bidet room complete the suite.

Stone, wood, texture, and light come together in a highly considered retreat.

The Outdoors as an Extension of Home

Continuity between architecture and landscape

Mature Mediterranean landscaping, slate staircases, natural stone, custom timber, integrated landscape lighting, a hand curated fossilized shale staircase, and multiple outdoor living environments create continuity between architecture and landscape. The residence offers distinct outdoor experiences for entertaining, retreat, and quiet garden living, all connected to the architecture and natural grade.

A three-level elevator provides effortless access throughout the home.

Architect designed by Thom Brajkovich

Built into the natural hillside grade

6 bedrooms · 4 bathrooms · 3,414 sq ft

Three level residence with elevator

Private third floor primary suite

Private outdoor living terrace

Hilltop Mediterranean garden

Executive office

Private screening room

Multiple private entry bedrooms

Five parking spaces

Custom chef's kitchen

Solid slab granite countertops

Natural stone and custom woodwork

Hand scraped bamboo flooring

White French oak flooring

Travertine spa inspired primary bath

Gas powered indoor outdoor fireplace

Custom timber pergola

Large slate outdoor deck

Mature Mediterranean landscaping

Integrated landscape lighting

Hand curated fossilized shale staircase

Panoramic city and mountain views

Minutes from Cal Poly and downtown San Luis Obispo

2176 Santa Ynez Avenue · San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 · Monterey Heights

• Downtown San Luis Obispo

  Restaurants, boutique shopping & the Thursday farmers' market

• Cal Poly

  Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus

• Bishop Peak

  Iconic hiking trail & summit

• Cerro San Luis

  Trailhead minutes from the home

• Highway 101

  Easy access up and down the Central Coast

• 2176 Santa Ynez Ave

  You are here — Monterey Heights

Private Showings

Arrange a private showing

Contact Brittney Nicholson to arrange a private showing of 2176 Santa Ynez Avenue. The architecture, materials, hillside integration, and views are best understood in person.