Bishop Peak is the sixth in a chain of seven volcanic plugs known as the “Seven Sisters.” This craggy mountain chain stretches from Morro Rock in the Pacific Ocean to Cerro San Luis, which looms above the city of San Luis Obispo. Bishop Peak itself is public open space, with a popular hiking trail leading to the summit. The foothills of Bishop Peak are range lands for cattle ranches, with only a few residential lots carved into the space between ranch land and nature preserve.

The Bishop Peak Residence will occupy one of these rare residential lots (recently purchased by Chris Weber). Surrounded by wide open vistas, this parcel occupies a spot above the range lands and below the nature preserve. To the south, a wide-open view of Los Osos Valley, Laguna Lake and the outskirts of San Luis Obispo spreads out, replete with century-old barns, distant vineyards, and the coming and going of the storied marine layer over the coastal range. To the north rises the granite summit of Bishop Peak. A seasonal creek winds through the property, with California Sycamores and Live Oaks snaking their way down the creek’s rocky bed to the valley and lake below. Over the course of the year, the landscape changes from a grassy carpet of emerald green to gold with the passing of the seasons.

The home is designed to take full advantage of the panoramic views. Connection to the outdoors and to nature is made possible by arranging the house into a long row. To the south, the long horizontal line of the horizon spreads out under a low eave, allowing the view but not the direct glare of the south sun. To the north, the roofline rises high to allow an uphill view of the rocky peak.