Home is where the heart is. For Monika Kiznis, she found the place of her dreams here in the Hill Section.

“We have lived in Manhattan Beach for the last 15 years, and the two years in the Hill Section have been our favorite,” she smiles. Nestled in its very peaceful and quiet neighborhood, her beautiful home is an easy walk to the beach, coffee, or downtown.

This spacious 5-bedroom home, just shy of 4,000 square feet, perfectly suits Monika and her family of four, which includes two beloved pets—a poodle named Prince and a British shorthair cat named Simba.

“This house was one of the most enjoyable remodeling projects, where we poured our heart and soul into every aspect of its transformation. From carefully selecting premium materials to customizing unique design elements, we ensured that every detail reflected both beauty and functionality,” shares Monika.

The Kiznis family enjoys a variety of outdoor activities together. With a 15-year-old son who is a freshman at Mira Costa High School and a 19-year-old daughter who is a sophomore at Loyola Marymount University, they cherish their time spent traveling, hiking, and enjoying nature. “We love playing tennis on the courts and at the beach, biking, and playing beach volleyball,” Monika adds, emphasizing their active lifestyle.

They also enjoy the constant companionship of their two pets, a poodle, Prince, and a British shorthair cat, Simba.

When asked about their favorite room, Monika immediately lights up. “Our favorite room is the open living area with a natural fireplace that we turn on in the evenings.” It’s a wonderful place for us to gather and unwind.

The home’s overall style is a contemporary modern aesthetic, characterized by warm and sophisticated details both inside and out. Monika highlights the transformation of the original Tudor-style house into a contemporary modern masterpiece, completed in 2023. “It features captivating details, such as an authentic chimney covered with white textured tile, a beautifully landscaped front yard, and an inviting entryway.”

The Kiznis home boasts outstanding features that enhance both luxury and comfort. “We used natural luxury stone for all three fireplaces, and our sleek custom modern kitchen features niches for decorative vases,” Monika notes. The bathroom spa, equipped with a steam feature, invites relaxation and tranquility.

However, the remodeling journey was not without its challenges. “Our vision was to transform a Tudor-style house into a contemporary modern home with warm textures, luxury stone and tile, and unique textured wallpaper to add comfort and thoughtful design,” Monika explains. They navigated these hurdles with careful planning and a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve.

Monika has added personal touches that reflect her family’s character and style throughout the home. “I love hosting family gatherings during the holidays, as well as gatherings with my tennis friends,” she shares, highlighting the importance of community and connection in their lives.

Their love for Manhattan Beach extends beyond their home. “We appreciate our community and how supportive it is, and we enjoy reading about beautiful homes and wonderful businesses in Manhattan Beach,” Monika concludes.