Luxury Coastal Living Redefined: A Dream Brought to Life on the Baja Coast
When Mark and Mary Stevens envisioned their dream vacation home, they set their sights on Cabo San Lucas, one of Mexico’s most picturesque coastal destinations. Their journey led them to a serendipitous encounter with acclaimed designer Natalie Ellis of Denton House Design Studio, a Utah-based firm known for crafting timeless architecture that fuses global influences with natural beauty.
What blossomed from this meeting was Casa en las Rocas — or House on the Rocks — an expansive 20,000-square-foot coastal retreat that masterfully blends handcrafted artistry, natural materials, and sophisticated coastal design. Every inch of the home reflects a deep connection to the land, sea, and local culture, making it one of the most breathtaking residences in the region.
Design Inspired by Nature and Local Craftsmanship
From the moment guests enter Casa en las Rocas, they’re greeted with organic textures, bold stone patterns, and ocean-inspired hues. The design captures the essence of Baja’s rugged landscape while embracing a warm, beachy elegance that invites rest and relaxation.
Fire and Stone: Celebrating the Earth Element
A linear fire pit, framed by stones sourced directly from the surrounding terrain, anchors the outdoor space. This elemental feature enhances the home’s seamless integration with the land, creating a space where nature and architecture converge.
Coastal Leisure and Artistic Expression
Poolside Paradise
The baja shelf pool is shaded by a custom Tucci umbrella, whose interior displays a hand-painted watercolor print, evoking the rhythm of the sea. In-water Ledge Lounger chaises offer the perfect spot for sunbathing and serenity.
Statement Entryway
A hand-carved Parota tree sculpture by local artisans stands proudly in the foyer, paired with a vintage, hand-etched American walnut mirror discovered on 1stDibs, setting the tone for a home that celebrates artistic legacy and craftsmanship.
Ocean Views and Sophisticated Interiors
Panoramic Bedrooms
One of the corner bedrooms features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, opening up to breathtaking ocean vistas. Overhead, Sea Urchin pendant lights from Coup D’Etat bring an ethereal glow, while a suspended chair from Studio Twenty Seven invites guests to float in space and spirit.
The Great Room: Art Meets Air
The living room showcases a captivating piece by Amy Gensler, titled “A Happy Accident,” composed of coiled paper rolls that highlight both form and spontaneity. The space is open, airy, and rich in layers of subtle detail.
Spaces for Gathering and Creativity
Family Game & Media Lounge
Walls upholstered in patterned leather panels frame the family entertainment space, where a plush sofa dressed in Holly Hunt’s “Moving Water” velvet provides comfort and style. The modern centerpiece is a B Zippy dot vase sourced from Spartan Shop.
A Jewel Box Office
The home office boasts a wall lined with backlit blue agate slabs, creating a mesmerizing canvas of natural crystal. It also houses Stonez sculptures by glass artist Orfeo Quagliata, continuing a legacy of creativity passed down by his father, the legendary Narcissus Quagliata.
Natural Materials That Ground the Experience
The Wet Room Sanctuary
Bathrooms throughout the estate embody spa-like tranquility. One standout is the wet room, where book-matched Silver Ageo stone complements bamboo flooring, adding earthy texture and Zen-inspired design.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
The home’s exterior cladding features natural travertine stone, offset by expansive Sky-Frame windows that dissolve the barrier between indoor comfort and outdoor majesty. One guest room even wraps around a natural rock formation uncovered during excavation, a feature the team decided to preserve and celebrate within the space.
A Masterclass in Artistic Detail
Eclectic Bedroom Design
A twin-bedroom suite offers an eclectic blend of fine art and sculpture, including works by Charlotte Salomon, Paul Soto, and Jean Paul Bourdier. Sculptural lighting and accessories from 1stDibs tie the elements together, creating a gallery-like ambiance within a domestic space.
Cultural Infusions in the Bath
Another bathroom features hair-on-hide leather walls by Tiger Leather, dyed in rich tones to amplify depth. Traditional Oaxaca cow skulls, wrapped in vivid threads by artisans at Evoke the Spirit, infuse cultural symbolism and a handcrafted touch.
Materials and Brands Featured in Casa en las Rocas
Material | Brand / Source | Application |
---|---|---|
Travertine Stone | Local Mexican Quarries | Exterior Cladding |
Parota Wood | Local Artisans | Entry Sculpture |
Blue Agate Crystal | Custom-Sourced | Office Wall Feature |
Sky-Frame Glass Walls | Sky-Frame | Windows and Doors |
Pressed Leather Wall Panels | Tiger Leather | Bathroom & Media Room Walls |
“Moving Water” Velvet Fabric | Holly Hunt | Family Room Sofa |
Dot Ceramic Vases | B Zippy | Decorative Accessories |
Sea Urchin Pendant Lights | Coup D’Etat | Bedroom Lighting |
Hanging Chair | Studio Twenty Seven | Bedroom Accent Seating |
Tucci Umbrella | Tuuci | Poolside Shade |
Stonez Glass Sculptures | Orfeo Quagliata | Office Decor |
Plumbing Fixtures | Dornbracht | Bathroom Fixtures |
Casa en las Rocas as a Benchmark for Coastal Architecture
Casa en las Rocas is more than a vacation home; it’s a living work of art, a seamless harmony between architecture, nature, and cultural heritage. Designed with an unwavering focus on quality, sustainability, and local artistry, it captures the soul of Baja California Sur while setting a new standard for luxury homes worldwide.
For more projects like this, explore the works of Denton House or follow Lance Gerber, the photographer who captured this extraordinary home in all its layered beauty.