This elegantly private residence by Charles Ward in Ocean Park makes one think of Mediterranean port towns in late-day sunshine and the limestone masonry that characterizes cities like Dubrovnik or Valletta – without quoting any historic forms. Its concrete and stucco surfaces retain the sandy color natural to the materials. The geometric exterior, punctuated by both slot and two-pane windows, rounds the corner with just a hint of a tower, and is framed by careful plantings and well-pruned trees.

Within, the design centers on a square central living space with fireplace that opens via French doors onto a large flagstone-paved courtyard dotted with mature olive trees, as well as a separate-entry office, an outdoor fireplace, an alfresco kitchen and a formal garden. Back inside, pony walls on two sides of the central square define a path to the kitchen and formal dining room or straight out to the courtyard, garden and generous exterior parking. Another room right by the front entry could be a den, office or guest space.

Upstairs, the private living quarters similarly branch off a substantial gathering room, where more French doors open to a terrace that winds to an outdoor staircase back down to the garden. The primary suite takes up nearly half the upper floor, comprising a large home office, skylit bath with walk-in tile-lined shower, separate tub and well-buffered sleeping quarters. Two additional bedrooms upstairs share a bath. A planned reconstruction, called off, explains why many doors and some fixtures were removed. However, Ward’s distinctive design is intact.