This awesome little surf pad was built in 1947 by Rex Brandt, a famous watercolor artist. His vision was to build a community in Corona del Mar where artists and creatives could gather together, feel inspired, collaborate, and support one another in the arts. He chose this location because it was a quaint little cul-de-sac next to the Goldenrod Bridge – an easy walk down to the ocean to explore nature and the organic beauty of this area. His vision was to build a place where creatives and artists could retreat and recharge. He purchased several of the empty dirt lots and began building his dream home at 408 Goldenrod Ave for his wife and kids to share in this exciting dream. Across the street he built a massive home on two lots and called it Blue Sky – this would be where he’d host gatherings, classes, and seminars for those involved in the arts to come retreat in Corona del Mar. Not long after his dream home was finished, he decided to move into the complex across the street instead. He sold the home at 408 Goldenrod to my grandparents, Edward Deir and Helen Tracy. They raised their children here, and my grandmother lived in this home until she was 94 years old. I was always so proud to come over and visit her. Not only because she had the most fashionable hair and designer clothes, but mostly because she knew everyone in town. We couldn’t go two blocks down the street with my sand pail and shovel before someone would stop us to chat. I just loved the way it felt here: friendly, inviting, and inspiring. You could be eccentric, unique, casual, interesting – you could be you (before that was even a thing). The energy that I experienced here shaped the way I see the world and how I live. This sweet little cul-de-sac holds so many childhood memories for me, but mostly it holds an energy that welcomes people from all walks of life to come here, feel inspired to live bigger and love bigger; to let go of the worries, lay down the burdens, and leave all the BS behind.
I just love that we get to invite YOU in, my dear guest; come play in the water, get sand in your hair, and get filled up with beauty so you may open your heart once again to love.
You belong here.