We are Ellen and Steve Mitgang, residents of Del Mar Heights for over 30 years. Combined we are originally from the Bay Area and New York City. Recently retired and empty nesters.

We loved our home in Del Mar Heights and all the family memories created within those walls, but one thing was always missing, a vista. We craved having a backyard spot where we could look unincumbered at something green or blue-rather than a neighbor’s wall creatively disguised by plants. For nearly 20 years we visited open house’s that filled our need. Finally in 2020, we found an undeveloped lot in old Del Mar, and then began our journey to build our dream home.

 With a great vibe emanating from the lot, we built a 3,400 sq ft home with expansive canyon and backcountry views from the 1st floor and ocean views from the 2nd floor master. We have a large, 700 sq ft. covered patio for entertaining, an incredible green roof, and made everything ADA compliant to help us age gracefully in place (ha!), including an elevator. 

We spent a lot of time interviewing different contractors. Key for us was finding someone who: would be hands on, could gracefully pivot and communicate when or if there were new challenges, and could help us creatively fill in the small but important design gaps that emerge as you discover the house while being constructed. Everything we hoped to find with Halcyon came true. We built this brand new house in 14 months (nobody said it could be done-especially in Del Mar), we brainstormed around the challenges, and created meaningful designs for our stone work, front door, and more. We also hoped that Jeff’s sub-contractors would fit his style, and they did; everyone we worked with was an extension of his work ethic and care for making a great, quality and on time job.

 In the end, together we have created a home that we love,  and that is beautifully integrated into the neighborhood.