A Hawaiian Compound That Embraces Its Natural Surroundings

The Wall Street Journal

  • Location: Kapaa, HI 

  • Price: $2,195,000

The architect-owners of this Kauai estate added a number buildings to the property make it a destination for family and friends. It is now on the market.

Tony De Jesus and Dave Glasgow moved to Kapaa, Kauai, 23 years ago, renting a guest house on the above property. In 1997, they decided to purchase the land with plans to renovate the guest house and gradually add more buildings, including a main residence.
Tony De Jesus and Dave Glasgow moved to Kapaa, Kauai, 23 years ago, renting a guest house on the above property. In 1997, they decided to purchase the land with plans to renovate the guest house and gradually add more buildings, including a main residence.
They paid just under $300,000 for nearly four acres of land. Mr. De Jesus is an architect and Mr. Glasgow is a designer. They are married and work together at their firm De Jesus Architecture and Design. In developing this property, they were inspired by the agricultural history of the area.
They paid just under $300,000 for nearly four acres of land. Mr. De Jesus is an architect and Mr. Glasgow is a designer. They are married and work together at their firm De Jesus Architecture and Design. In developing this property, they were inspired by the agricultural history of the area.
‘The core of the house is this open-ended entry lanai,’ explains Mr. De Jesus. The lanai serves as both an outdoor living room and gathering space for the main residence.
‘The core of the house is this open-ended entry lanai,’ explains Mr. De Jesus. The lanai serves as both an outdoor living room and gathering space for the main residence.
Mr. De Jesus and Mr. Glasgow, both in their 60s, renovated the guest house, adding a 1,000-square-foot studio used for work, and built this main house. ‘All the buildings are situated in a way that you think you’re on this four acres all by yourself,’ Mr. De Jesus says.
Mr. De Jesus and Mr. Glasgow, both in their 60s, renovated the guest house, adding a 1,000-square-foot studio used for work, and built this main house. ‘All the buildings are situated in a way that you think you’re on this four acres all by yourself,’ Mr. De Jesus says.
Designing a strong connection to the landscape and nature was important to the overall design. The main house’s screened dining porch features teak flooring.
Designing a strong connection to the landscape and nature was important to the overall design. The main house’s screened dining porch features teak flooring.
Mr. De Jesus referenced traditional Hawaiian finishes for the home’s interior, like wide plank flooring and redwood louvers. There are also modern upgrades like teak cabinetry and slate counter tops. ‘We tried to elevate raw materials whenever possible,’ he says.
Mr. De Jesus referenced traditional Hawaiian finishes for the home’s interior, like wide plank flooring and redwood louvers. There are also modern upgrades like teak cabinetry and slate counter tops. ‘We tried to elevate raw materials whenever possible,’ he says.
Pictured is a bedroom in the 500-square-foot guest house, where Mr. De Jesus and Mr. Glasgow have hosted guests over the years. It opens to a courtyard that connects to the studio.
Pictured is a bedroom in the 500-square-foot guest house, where Mr. De Jesus and Mr. Glasgow have hosted guests over the years. It opens to a courtyard that connects to the studio.
In addition to the bedroom and bathroom in the guest house, the 1,870-square-foot main house holds two ensuite bedrooms. The property is listed for $2.195 million through Sotheby’s International Realty agent Danette Andrews.
In addition to the bedroom and bathroom in the guest house, the 1,870-square-foot main house holds two ensuite bedrooms. The property is listed for $2.195 million through Sotheby’s International Realty.
A masonry garden wall extends from the lanai into the main house. ‘The wall goes through the building and forms a public common space and a private bedroom space,’ says Mr. De Jesus.
A masonry garden wall extends from the lanai into the main house. ‘The wall goes through the building and forms a public common space and a private bedroom space,’ says Mr. De Jesus.
All five buildings, which total 4,896 square feet, feature intimate gardens that lead to an expansive common lawn. With multiple guest accommodation, the property became a repeat destination for Mr. Glasgow and Mr. De Jesus’ family and friends.
All five buildings, which total 4,896 square feet, feature intimate gardens that lead to an expansive common lawn. With multiple guest accommodation, the property became a repeat destination for Mr. Glasgow and Mr. De Jesus’ family and friends.
The couple decided to sell to renovate or build upon a new property, likely in Hawaii. ‘We feel like we could certainly change the property up, but we don’t need anything more,’ Mr. De Jesus says.
The couple decided to sell to renovate or build upon a new property, likely in Hawaii. ‘We feel like we could certainly change the property up, but we don’t need anything more,’ Mr. De Jesus says.
The pair will take lessons from developing here and apply them somewhere new. ‘This place and these years have taught us a lot about building and living in Hawaii,’ Mr. De Jesus says.
The pair will take lessons from developing here and apply them somewhere new. ‘This place and these years have taught us a lot about building and living in Hawaii,’ Mr. De Jesus says.
Photos: LANNIE BOESIGER/LENZ FLARE PHOTOGRAPHY