Photography by Tilley Photography
Step inside, and you’re immersed in luxury.
Custom skylights admit an abundance of natural light. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, and a tasteful, light color palette makes the room feel fresh and bright. In the master bedroom, elegant built-ins showcase top-quality workmanship.
Every inch of the Pass Christian property on Scenic Drive appears well thought out — from the designer tile flooring to the soaring ceilings. But the spot that owners Dawn and Scott Brady like best is outside.
“I have to say, one our favorite activities is spending time on the front porch looking out at the Gulf,” Dawn says. “We start in the morning having our coffee and end watching the sunset in the afternoon.”
Dawn was born and raised on the Coast and now lives primarily in Highland Park, Texas. However, the Bradys have been spending as much time as possible in the Pass since the home renovation was completed in 2016.
“Of course, being able to return home and be near our family and friends is the most special part of owning the property,” Dawn says. “However, the beauty of the view of the Gulf and the gorgeous oak trees really make it a fantastic getaway and ultimately a beautiful place to retire.”
Built in the 1940s by artist and architect James Lamantia, the approximately 3,000 square-foot home has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. Lamantia created conceptual drawings for a rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, but he died before starting construction.
Upon purchasing the property, The Bradys embarked on a total renovation of both the main house and an adjoining cottage, which faces Second Street and is where Dawn’s mother now lives.
“One of the best changes was the large dormer window that was added to bring not only extra light into the space but allowed us to raise the ceilings to create a dramatic entry,” Dawn says. “It really did change the whole feel of the house and gave it the light and airy feel we were going for.”
Cutting-edge conveniences, including a Lutron automation system that controls the lighting, air conditioning and window shades, take the home into the future. Meanwhile, one of owners’ favorite keepsakes — an original Lamantia painting of the street front gifted to them by the former caretaker — pays homage to the past.
Classifying her style as coastal modern, Dawn appreciates the area’s historic architecture and also loves the trend toward contemporary design.
“The challenge is to blend a bit of both,” she says, “and that is what we tried to accomplish with this home.”