Malibu Colony Road House by Warren Garrett: A Masterful Mid-Century Modern Renovation

Nestled in the exclusive Malibu Colony, the Malibu Colony Road House is a remarkable example of how contemporary renovation can honor architectural history while elevating modern luxury. Spearheaded by Marie-Eve Warren and Jeremy Garrett of the Los Angeles and Montreal-based boutique interior architecture studio Warren Garrett, this project represents a sensitive, top-to-bottom reinterpretation of a mid-century modern treasure originally designed in the 1970s by the legendary Los Angeles firm Buff and Hensman (Conrad Buff III and Donald Hensman).

Preserving History, Elevating Luxury

Commissioned by developers Jason Rouse of Cross Creek Group and Rick Margolis of Columbus Pacific, the renovation required a delicate balance: retain the timeless Buff and Hensman post-and-beam framework, while integrating modern interior architecture, luxurious finishes, and subtle design nuances that define Warren Garrett’s signature style. The architects undertook extensive research into the original design to preserve both the tangible and intangible qualities of this collectible home, ensuring its historical narrative remained intact.

Rather than masking the original materials, Warren Garrett carefully embraced the home’s authentic finishes, respecting their placement and texture. The result is a residence where modern refinement and mid-century character coexist seamlessly, creating a home that feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary.

Architectural and Interior Highlights

• Post-and-Beam Framework: Maintained throughout every room and on the façade, preserving the home’s iconic architectural identity.
• Exterior Volumes and Materials: Sandblasted and brushed limestone, white oak accents, and marmorino walls mirror the natural textures of Malibu’s coastal landscape.
• Grand Interiors: Soaring 20-foot ceilings with expansive windows allow sunlight to flood the interior, enhancing the home’s airy, open atmosphere.
• Fluid Living Spaces: The kitchen, dining area, and lounge are connected to the pool and outdoor spaces, offering unobstructed views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
• Entrance Garden: A private, enchanting courtyard creates a sense of refuge, elevating the home’s understated luxury.

Every material, texture, and finish reflects subtle sophistication, nothing screams for attention. Instead, the design celebrates restraint, discretion, and refinement, creating a modern mid-century home that is both livable and timeless.

A Modern Classic

Through this renovation, Warren Garrett has achieved a careful dialogue between past and present. The home not only enhances the lifestyle of its residents but also preserves its mid-century heritage, ensuring it remains a one-of-a-kind gem that will continue to appreciate over time. The Malibu Colony Road House is a masterclass in historic home renovation, demonstrating how thoughtful design can honor legacy while embracing modern living.

All photographs are works of Alex Lesage