This 1954 ranch house by architect Cliff May has just emerged from a top-to-toe refurb to reinstate its breezy Californian character in Long Beach.

May created the first Rancho Estates home in 1932 – and the single-storey dwelling quickly became synonymous with an easy-going Californian way of living thanks to its open-plan spaces, post-and-beam construction and abundance of light.

On the market for $849,000 via Nate Cole of Unique California Property, 3102 Stevely Avenue’s original windows and birch panelling is intact throughout, and brick and steel have been given a fresh lick of paint.

The bathroom and kitchen have been updated, but an original 1950s Western Holly oven has been kept alongside cabinetry. Its three bedrooms are blank canvases that open onto the backyard and could be used as studio or office space by the house’s new custodians.

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