Cliff May in front of his office at Riviera Ranch in LA, 1970 via Mary A. van Balgooy
Before open-concept living, before indoor-outdoor flow became a design buzzword, there was Cliff May, a visionary designer who redefined the way Californians live. Often referred to as the father of the California Ranch home, May wasn’t formally trained as an architect, yet his influence on residential design is undeniable.
His approach wasn’t about grand, imposing structures, but rather homes that felt effortless, livable, and deeply connected to their surroundings. Throughout his career, May designed hundreds of homes across California, with notable examples in Rancho Palos Verdes, Long Beach, and beyond. His work became synonymous with a lifestyle, one centered around light, flow, and a seamless connection between indoors and out.
A New Way of Living
At a time when most homes were built with clearly defined rooms and rigid layouts, Cliff May introduced something entirely different: spaces that flowed. Rooms that opened to courtyards. Walls of glass that dissolved the boundary between indoors and out.
His signature style, the California Ranch, was inspired by early Spanish and Mexican haciendas, reimagined for modern living. Single-story layouts, low-pitched roofs, and open floor plans became his foundation, but what truly set his homes apart was the intentional connection to nature.
Nearly every space was designed to capture light, air, and a sense of openness, often oriented around private patios, gardens, or courtyards. It was a philosophy that prioritized lifestyle over formality, spaces for gathering, seamless transitions, and a quiet kind of luxury rooted in simplicity.
Photos courtesy of Modern California House
Why Cliff May Homes Still Matter Today
Decades later, Cliff May’s designs feel more relevant than ever.
In a world where buyers are increasingly drawn to warmth, authenticity, and connection, his homes offer something rare: timeless design that doesn’t feel forced or overly curated. The indoor-outdoor lifestyle he championed is now one of the most sought-after features in California real estate.
Because these homes were built with such intention, they’re not easily replicated. Many have been altered over time, making well-preserved or thoughtfully updated Cliff May homes especially hard to come by.
Photo courtesy of Marmol Radziner Architecture
A Rare Opportunity in Rancho Palos Verdes
Tucked into one of Palos Verdes’ most sought-after coastal pockets, 26 Packet Rd is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully updated Cliff May-designed residence just moments from the ocean.
Located in the exclusive Abalone Cove community, known for its privacy, natural beauty, and proximity to the coastal bluffs, this home captures everything that makes ranch architecture so enduring.
Property Snapshot:
$1,795,000
3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
1,631 Sq Ft
9,124 Sq Ft Lot
A Hidden Detail, A Remarkable Discovery
What makes this home even more special is the story behind it.
The current owners didn’t initially realize they were living in a Cliff May home. It wasn’t until they discovered an original stamp in the garage, reading “Protected by United States Patents, Cliff May and Chris Choate”, that the home’s architectural significance was revealed.
A quiet detail, tucked away behind the walls, that speaks to the authenticity and history of the property.
Architectural Features That Define the Home
Indoor-Outdoor Living, Perfected
True to May’s philosophy, the home is designed around seamless flow. Expansive windows and sliding doors open directly to the backyard, where a private pool, patio, and covered pergola create an effortless extension of the living space.
Open Concept with Architectural Warmth
Inside, natural light fills the home, highlighting wide-plank flooring, clean white walls, and rich exposed wood beams that add depth and character.
A Home Designed for Everyday Living
With two fireplaces, updated kitchens and baths, and thoughtfully reimagined finishes, the home balances its architectural roots with modern livability.
Private Outdoor Retreat
The backyard is its own sanctuary, ideal for both entertaining and quiet moments.
Experience Cliff May Living
Cliff May’s legacy isn’t just in the homes he designed, it’s in the way those homes continue to shape how we live today.
And for those who have always been drawn to his work, opportunities like this don’t come around often.
If you’re interested in experiencing this Cliff May home in Rancho Palos Verdes or scheduling a private showing, contact Aspire Los Angeles.
