ARCADIA HOME SUMMER 2009 10

SUMMER 2009 ARCADIA HOME 11 WHIMSICAL OASIS E legant yet unintimidating, detailed but never contrived, Charles Surrano’s home is a perfect example of comfortable Arcadia luxury. Nestled on just under an acre on picturesque Exeter Boulevard, the year 2000-built home is undeniably stately, with 6,700 square feet in the main house, an 800-square-foot pool house and an 800- square-foot guest house located above the three-car garage. But walking through the home it never feels cavernous or antiseptic, due in large part to Cara Clancy’s timeless design and Surrano’s keen decorating eye. “There is nothing in this house that people should be afraid to touch. I won’t live in a house like that,” says Surrano. “Plus, it’s got a humble grace about it that makes it so comfortable.” From the stone façade and roof style to the brick accents and authentic wood moldings, the property is Old English Country inside and out. “This house has that classic feel,” says Surrano, a Phoenix attorney who purchased the home in 2002. “If you’ve ever been to the [Washington] D.C. suburbs, that’s the only other place in the country you’ll find a house like this one.” Warm wood floors and designer wallpapers are accented by leather and wood furnishings, an abundance of Renaissance paintings and some tastefully quirky lighting fixtures, including a pair of monkey head sconces in the foyer. It’s all part of Surrano’s eclectic tastes and it all seems to work. “It’s whimsical and definitely from a past timeframe but it’s all my touch,” says Surrano, who decorated the home himself piece by piece. “The artwork, in particular, is very personal to me. You’ll see lots of children and feminine depictions, which I find very peaceful.” Surrano’s favorite part of the house is the inviting kitchen, which is fully loaded with top-grade appliances, rich cabinets, and an oversized island counter. Whether he’s entertaining dinner guests or hanging out with his children, ages 6 and 10, Surrano feels most at home when family and friends are congregating around that big