Iconic Remodel in Capitola
Before restoring Capitola’s iconic Pink Venetian, Paul Thibault and his team built a home for the owner in Mountain View, CA. Below, in addition to photos, you’ll hear from both the homeowner and Paul about what made this project so incredibly special. Enjoy!
“I learned early on that when you’re with Paul Thibault, the relationship goes way beyond the GC relationship. Paul does great work. I mean the BEST. To me, Paul is not just a general contractor, he is my partner in this house. Good thing too. We had some surprises in store!” – Homeowner – Read More
“It all started when a client we’d worked with before, purchased this beach house, right on the coast, to fix up for his family to enjoy. We’ve restored the life of this building, keeping a natural, beachy look – kind of casual vibe, but more. I love working with clients who have the same passion and care about detail that we do.” – Paul Thibault
A Few Favorite Details
“Nothing inside used to match. Paul elevated the interior living space to match the magnificence of this refined home at the beach. In the years since 2019, when the bulk of the work was completed, the most frequent feedback from guests who have rented our home, is this: ‘It is the BEST place I’ve ever stayed in my life!'” – Homeowner
See more “In Process” photos and read about the experience from the homeowner’s perspective – Click Here
Great Care to Preserve Historic Elements
In April 1987, Venetian Court was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In light of this, great care was taken to maintain the look of the property.
“From the Spanish roof tile along the parapet walls, to the blue windows, and pink stucco – even the exterior lights, trim details, down to the little scroll work embedded in the stucco – we worked to keep it all the same. All the ornate, terracotta-style relief castings, we saved them – put them in frames and set them right back in place.
Since the 60’s, the house has historically been pink, with blue windows and doors, and all the houses have this stucco pattern – like a fan. We talked to a historian, matched the fan design, and did hand-drawn details for the trim. Our biggest challenge was that historic stucco detail. The fan pattern can only be done with the older type of stucco, the new stuff today is too slick. We found the one guy that could actually do it with the right stucco to make sure the exterior looked like it did years ago. It worked out perfectly.
Exterior trim was custom milled based on an old photo we had. The pink was color-matched, the aluminum-clad windows match the original blue, which also matches the awnings. The exterior details were as challenging as the interior.” – Paul Thibault
A Bit of History – The Pink Venetian in Capitola
On the Capitola Lagoon between the Stockton Avenue Bridge and the Capitola Wharf, you’ll find the historic Venetian Court. Originally known as “Venetian Villa,” it was envisioned as a “second Venice” by oil millionaire and developer Henry Allen Rispin.
Rispin, considered one of the founding fathers of Capitola, completed the project in 1924. At that time, the project, done in a Mediterranean/Spanish Colonial Revival style, had a very understated exterior. Occasional pops of color in awnings and decorative tile elements were set against a sea of textured beige stucco. As a whole, the exterior was rather unremarkable. That would soon change!
In the mid 1960s, after seeing colorfully painted houses on a trip to Bermuda, owners William and Ann Bucher were inspired to paint their little corner of Capitola pink. The neighbors followed suit. It’s interesting to note, this happened at a time when black and white TV was being replaced by a new technology that would bring the world, “in living color,” to homes around the country. Ann and her neighbors created a technicolor icon befitting the times and it continues as must see Capitola destination today.
Project Details
SCOPE
Restoration/Remodel – Capitola, CA
PROJECT TYPE
National Register of Historic Places
Tell Us About Your Project
What’s in your imagination right now? Have an idea or question about building a new home or remodeling the one you have? We would love to hear about it. You are welcome to call us at the office – 408-866-6647. Or message us via the form below.