As much as we want it, in Southern California the phrase “indoor-outdoor living” has become a bit ubiquitous—so often a pat description of an open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows added to up the appeal of a listing. But occasionally a home comes along that defines a true, undeniable erasure of any barrier—imagined or physical—between interior and exterior. The latter is what the acclaimed Newport Beach firm LeTourneau Architecture (letourneau-architects.com) has done so beautifully with 1806 Marapata Drive in Corona del Mar’s tony Irvine Terrace community, a home that does indeed have that coveted open floor plan. So open, in fact, that walls simply disappear to reveal the lush surroundings of the great outdoors. Step inside.

This new 5,340-square-foot build, with four bedrooms and six bathrooms, is “one of the finest examples of modern architecture,” says Compass listing agent Aaron Kirman (aaronkirman.com) of the uberprivate, resortlike home. “Surrounded by lush green landscaping, this home helps you escape the mundane and feel as though you are in your own retreat.” Here, it’s not only expansive use of fully retractable glass walls that blurs the concept of being inside, but also design highlights such as 13 ½-foot ceilings full of skylights and a cutout in the roof above the deck that allows sunlight to drench the modern sunken pool, even in late afternoon.

Thanks to clever aesthetic scheming, one almost feels as if the pool is inside the house or, alternatively, that the home is wrapped around it so seamlessly they’ve melded into one. This, says Kirman, is his favorite aspect of the $8.7 million abode. It’s easy to understand—the vast great room highlighted by an open kitchen and modern fireplace are essentially one with the warm-wood-clad deck that invites guests to relax just steps from that enticing body of water. Luxurious materials and finishes abound throughout, from cultured limestone and sealed concrete to 12-inch European white oak plank floors with a custom Anthony Juliani finish, offering a harmonious juxtaposition of modern styling and expert craftsmanship.

“Pocket doors in the master and great room help to remove any lines between inside and out, creating a fluid space that culminates in the beautiful backyard, which is ideal to entertain on all scales,” says Kirman. The master, he adds, “is better than any five-star hotel room.” Like the other bedrooms which each open onto small, private patios the sprawling master is flooded with natural light, but from this one it’s possible to actually slip right into the pool, thanks to a wall of retractable custom Fleetwood doors, which become invisible upon engagement.

Chic subtlety rules throughout the furnished home marked by impeccable attention to detail and custom B&B Italia and Polyform furnishings, but several elements add irresistible wow factor—the custom-made Bocci chandelier, handblown in Italy, for one. An art installation highlights the impressive scale of the airy space. And then there’s the COR-TEN steel on the exterior and in the entryway. This beautiful orange-and-copper-toned material gets its unique patina as the steel oxidizes with the minerals in the sea air. “It is essentially a living art piece inside the home,” says Kirman. How’s that for one of a kind?