Project: El Dorado Residence
Interior Design: Susan Marinell Interiors
Architecture: Denton House Design Studio
Team: Susan Marinello, Katie Quackenbush, Jordan Cresap, Zyanya Zaldo
Location: Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Area: 10200 ft2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Aaron Leitz
El Dorado Residence by Susan Marinell offers a vibrant retreat for a blended Brady Bunch–style family of eight from Seattle, perched atop the hill in the El Dorado Club between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Moreover, this 10,200 ft² getaway occupies the third and fourth floors of a four-story Hilltop Villa, with an expansive rooftop outdoor space that frames sweeping views of the Baja Peninsula’s sun-drenched landscape.
Neutral Canvas for Bold Accents
First, the interior palette remains intentionally neutral—warm-toned natural woods and crisp white walls—to serve as a gallery for bold textiles, local art, and handcrafted artifacts. Consequently, a hand-selected Parota wood slab anchors the dining room, while seagrass and rope textures enrich area rugs, ottomans, and lamps. Furthermore, custom casegoods and soft goods in understated fabrics allow the vibrant patterns on benches, pillows, and ottomans to become the home’s focal accents.
Celebrating Mexican Artistry
Next, Susan Marinell wove regional culture throughout the design by sourcing artwork and artisanal pieces from Mexico. For example, the living room features a large canvas by local painter Frank Arnold, chosen during a studio visit in San Jose del Cabo. Likewise, handmade light fixtures inspired by Oaxaca’s skilled artisans, indigenous woven baskets in the kitchen, and a playful collection of animal masks in the bunk room all celebrate the area’s creative spirit. As a result, every space feels both authentically tied to its locale and perfectly suited for barefoot, bikini-friendly family living under the Baja sun.
Rooftop Retreat & Family Living
Finally, the rooftop outdoor space extends the family’s living area into the open air, offering lounge, dining, and sunning zones with panoramic sea and mountain vistas. Consequently, this level becomes the ultimate gathering spot—where generations can socialize, relax, and soak in the warmth of the peninsula. Here, El Dorado Residence truly lives up to its name, providing a golden sanctuary of comfort, creativity, and sunlit joy.
