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ranchandcoast.com 54 FEBRUARY 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Sarkis, a real estate professional with Coldwell-Banker Realty in the Ranch, had built a long and successful career with the company on the East Coast. But after a fire in her apartment building upended her life, she headed West looking for new opportunities. In a case of serendipity, she ran into Stockmal, the founder and owner of an ecommerce software company, whom she had known in Boston, at a Trader Joe's in Newport Beach. ey later decided to build a life and home together in Rancho Santa Fe. "My vision was to create a modern sanctuary that beautifully marries the past and the present. I wanted the exterior to have an old-world European charm, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, but the interior to feel modern, clean, and timeless," she explains. "I envisioned a space that would act as a blank canvas — almost like a museum — where curated art and furniture would take center stage. My goal was to design a home that feels both personal and timeless, with a sense of balance and serenity. I was also deeply inspired by Lilian Rice and all that she built and represents in the community." e couple hired builder Paul Munsch of Munsch Homes to turn that vision into reality. "I cannot say enough about his expertise and the dedication of his team," she notes. at team included architect Mark Radford, and Mike Smith of PLSA Engineering who helped navigate approvals with the Rancho Santa Fe Art Jury. "As for the design, that was my role. I poured my heart into every detail, from the finishes to the furniture, to ensure the home reflected my vision," she adds. e "passion project" took about two years, with Sarkis on property nearly every day. e results are spectacular. Sarkis describes the home's architectural style as "European elegance with modern minimalism." One of her favorite features is the massive front door, a statement piece designed in collaboration with Jeff Jensen of Jensen Doors, Live home design <<