Designed by Garden Studio Design and captured by Riley Starr, this Newport Beach home transforms everyday living into an immersive outdoor experience. With a half-acre canvas and a clear vision of Mediterranean-inspired ease, the team collaborated with Prairie Interiors to shape a space that blurs the line between home and holiday-proof that everyday spaces can feel like a faraway getaway.
From Garden Studio Design… Santiago Paradise began as a vision for a true backyard escape—a space where resort-style amenities met the ease of everyday living. Inspired by the Grecian tropics, the design called for a lush, tranquil environment layered with texture and softened edges. Situated on a half-acre lot, the scale alone offered exciting potential, but it also came with the challenge of creating balance. While we’ve incorporated tropical plantings into past projects, we had yet to work on one of this magnitude, and we knew thoughtful restraint would be key to keeping it both functional and timeless.
One of the biggest design challenges was the site itself. With limited existing shade cover and a plant palette that typically thrives under a canopy, we had to get creative. We layered in foundational varieties we trust to perform well in dry California summers—like Little Ollies, Westringia, Pittosporum, and succulents—in the more exposed areas, while reserving true tropical species for zones with protection and filtered light. To further soften the large footprint without interfering with the conceptual flow, we introduced planters wherever we could—breaking up the hardscape and creating layered moments that feel intentional, especially for a family that lives to entertain outdoors.
Standout features include the party pavilion—a fully shaded destination outfitted with a top-tier outdoor kitchen, a freestanding media wall, and generous seating for guests to unwind. The saltwater pool and infinity-edge spa are enclosed by a frameless glass fence, offering peace of mind for families without compromising the clean lines or open feel of the space. From start to finish, the goal was to make this backyard feel like a destination—one that balances beauty, functionality, and the effortless spirit of outdoor living.
Discover the talent behind the story… Landscape Design: Garden Studio Design · Interior Design: Prairie Interios · Photography: Riley Starr Photo · Landscape Build: Dig Landscape Construction
