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@ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 55 inspired by a door she saw in Italy that dates to the 1800s. It opens onto what she calls "the runway," a walkway paved in porcelain stone with water features on both sides, and leads to an open living room and kitchen framed by dazzling views through floor-to-ceiling glass doors that vanish with the push of a button. e patio has a sleek 80-foot infinity pool, a see-through stone fireplace surrounded by lounge seating, and an alfresco kitchen complete with Stockmal's pick — an EVO grill — which is not only functional but a conversation piece at parties. Although the house has five bedrooms, Sarkis notes that it "lives like two" because only two of the rooms are used as bedrooms. e other three function as his-and-her offices and a casual television room, all of which can accommodate overnight guests. "I didn't want 'extra rooms' sitting empty," she says. All serve a purpose. An attached casita with its own patio is just steps from the outdoor cold plunge pool, a spa with waterfall, and firepit. ere's also an outdoor-indoor shower, infrared sauna and steam room, and gym. "It's like having my own mini Rancho Valencia at home," says Sarkis with a smile. Stockmal outfitted the gym with world-class equipment and added a golf simulator in the garage. His most practical contributions? e house has two washers and two dryers to meet not only daily needs but all those wet towels from guests. Sarkis has a practiced eye for what works, filling the home with accessories and memorabilia she has collected during extensive travels around the globe, including Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. "I've been fortunate to not only learn from the architecture, art, and culture of these destinations but also to bring pieces — both literally and figuratively — back with me. ese experiences were the inspiration for so many aspects of the home, from its overall aesthetic to the curated details that make it unique." Some of her treasures date to the 1960s when her father, then an officer in the U.S. Army, was posted in Africa. "Everything," she says, "has a story." OPPOSITE LEFT An 1800s-era Italian door that Sarkis saw on her world travels inspired the home's entry door, one of her favorite features, crafted by Jensen Doors OPPOSITE RIGHT TOP The patio overlooking the 80-foot infinity pool has spaces for lounging, dining, and cooking in the outdoor kitchen OPPOSITE RIGHT BOTTOM The dramatic entryway flanked by water features leads to the open living room and kitchen BOTTOM LEFT The master bedroom opens onto a private patio with lounges by the fireplace. Hardwood floors in white oak are from Christine Baker at Sterling Interiors with handmade, one-of-a-kind light fixtures from Allied Maker. Custom window treatments throughout the home are by Joe Blythe Installations BELOW Melinda Davala Sarkis poses in the kitchen of the Rancho Santa Fe home she shares with husband Craig Stockmal. Custom cabinets throughout the house are by Gregg Durmer of Quality Woodworks. Porcelain counters are from Marble Expressions. Stone floors are from Spain sourced through Amazon Stone >>