Charmont Apartments
Blending Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco aesthetics, Santa Monica’s Charmont Apartments boast a walled courtyard, two-tiered fountain, and gorgeous decorative tiles with sea and sunset tones. Located at 330 California Ave—just a mile and a half south of The Ambrose—these apartments are still in use. Snag a renovated one bedroom for under $3,000 a month and live out your beachy dreams.
The Georgian Hotel
Built in 1933 to service Hollywood elite like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, The Georgian Hotel is one of Santa Monica’s most eye-catching structures. This eight-story structure features both Art Deco and Period Revival stylistic elements, giving it an ornate and opulent air.
Looff Hippodrome
Located on the Santa Monica pier, the Looff Hippodrome was built by master carousel builder Charles I.D. Looff in 1919. This whimsical structure borrows stylistic elements from a variety of places, with triangular, Moorish-style windows, gothic cupola, and Medieval-style crenellations. Fully restored in 1990 after a period of neglect, it continues to bring joy and merriment to pier-visitors young and old.
Gehry Residence
Architect Frank Gehry and his wife, Betty, purchased an unassuming, pink Dutch colonial house in Santa Monica in 1977. One year later, it had transformed into one of the first deconstructivist buildings, and a great source of neighborhood discontent. Gehry maintained the old Dutch colonial’s standard exterior, but wrapped it in metal, plywood and chain link fence, creating a Frankenstein-like masterpiece. You can still find it at 1002 22nd Street.
Discover more of Santa Monica
Check out The Ambrose’s blog for more arts and culture related recommendations in the City of Angels.