This California Home Feels Straight Out of the Deep South

Tucked away on a hill in San Pedro, California, sits a home that feels as though it belongs somewhere deep in the South. With grand columns, magnolia trees, Spanish moss, wrought iron details and a story stretching back to 1929, The Sepulveda Home is an unexpected piece of Southern charm on the West Coast.

When we first shared this beautiful home in the pages of Front Porch Life, we fell in love with more than its architecture. Its story is one of family, preservation and hospitality. How a neglected historic home became a family’s dream and, eventually, a gathering place where weddings, celebrations and Southern food are shared around the table.

We sat down with Sara Portillo to hear the story behind The Sepulveda Home, how her parents came to own it, and how three generations of a family’s love for entertaining ultimately shaped what it is today.

Finding a Hidden Southern Gem

How did your family discover this 1929 Louisiana French Colonial home, and what made them know it was the one?

Sara: My Father is a retired Marine Veteran. His love for Colonial-style homes ties in with his appreciation for our country and the masculine splendor that colonial homes exude. The home is located just a few minutes from where our family of five was living at the time, and he had driven by it many times over the years. However, it was neglected and completely covered by overgrown trees and bushes. He never knew what the home actually looked like, only that it sat up high on a hill and was protected by a beautiful rock wall. One day in 1985, he was driving by, and a very small ‘for sale’ sign caught his eye! He immediately stopped the car, walked up the grand front porch staircase, and saw the majestic pillared columns, which exuded original Southern charm! What a hidden gem it was! He excitedly brought my mother back to see it, deeming it his “dream home.” Determined to obtain it, they got straight to work and kept their eyes on the prize.  It didn’t take long for the community to notice that it was on the market for the first time since 1929, and it quickly created quite the buzz. After all, we are located in southern California.  These types of homes simply do not exist on the west coast!

In addition to the competitive buyers market, it was a probate sale with many bidders. My parents were the youngest bidders in their early thirties, and they had the least amount to offer at auction. On the day of the sale, there was heavy traffic in Los Angeles. They made it to court with minutes to spare and were shocked when they realized they were the only bidders to arrive just in time, so the judge awarded the home to them!  Just as they were walking out, other bidders hurriedly arrived with their agents, only to find that the home had already been awarded to my parents. We know that this home was meant for them and that it was divinely planned. 

Preserving the Home’s Historic Charm

What parts of the home’s history and architecture captivated your family, and how have you preserved its original character?

Sara: My mother, Susan, is the talent who I can give all the design credits to. She’s an artist with a natural ability to create spaces that are historically accurate, with an impeccable attention to detail and respect for history. Each corner of every space that she designs is camera-ready and tells a story. Having her work showcased in editorials and films has contributed to keeping her skills sharpened.   

She embraced the Louisiana French Colonial style with the lush yet swampy and romantic landscaping, rich jewel-toned interiors, and international textiles throughout.  My father added a much-needed marble fireplace and mantel in the living room, which, surprisingly, the home didn’t have. The interior is also adorned with antiques from all over the world. Many people have placed their family heirlooms in our care for others to admire when they enter.  

The furniture, light fixtures, bathroom tiles, and even some appliances are all treasures from a bygone era. 

From Family Home to Gathering Place

What inspired your family to open The Sepulveda Home for weddings and events?

Sara: My grandparents, Robert and Florence Gomez, entertained with lavish parties throughout the years. She was a gourmet baker and prepared food and desserts on a large scale her whole life. For the holidays, she made over 1100 pounds of chocolate candies. She started prepping in January! It was a year-long process, and my grandfather would pass them out to everyone we loved.  My grandfather loved to entertain, so when we acquired The Sepulveda Home, he built a below-ground barbeque pit/brick oven so that he could cook up to 400 pounds of meat! Needless to say, our own personal celebrations, weddings, christenings, and costume-themed parties took place here prior to us ever opening up for business. 

But the buzz in the community grew louder over the years because people would hear about our amazing parties. We invited so many neighbors, co-workers, friends of friends, and even strangers on the street sometimes! 

Eventually, we were asked to host weddings by people we had never even met. It took years for my mother to finally entertain the idea of entering the hospitality industry and turning our home into a business.  The transition took place when I was married and expecting my first child.  I told her that I wanted to be able to stay home and raise my baby. That was all she needed to hear. 

That was the beginning of our story, and true to who we are: it was based on the importance of family. 

A Mother-Daughter Partnership

How do you and your mother work together to manage the home and the business?

Sara: Once we decided to move forward and open the home to the public, it was agreed that she would continue to handle all the design aspects, and I would manage the business. Since that day, she has taken my advice, and I have taken hers.  Although it isn’t always perfect, we have managed to operate this way for many years, and it works for us!  She always has final approval for anything I do, and I have final approval for her designs as well. Now, we have a team of ladies who help us with the daily operations. This allows us to focus on all future business plans. It also helps us stay in the creative mode, which is vital to this ever-evolving industry. 

Bringing Southern Hospitality to California

How do you bring authentic Southern touches to the experience, and how do guests respond?

Sara: When guests step onto our property, they are quickly whisked away from Los Angeles.  Many who don’t travel outside of California compare it to a Hollywood movie set and the New Orleans square at Disneyland.  The wrought iron details, the magnolia trees and Spanish moss, the outdoor chandeliers, and the running creek lend to such a unique experience.  Each event is complete with a live jazz trio while guests dine by candlelight.  Chef Dora has curated a delicious southern menu which includes Smokey Brown Sugar Braised Tri-tip, Honey Fried Chicken, Bourbon Glazed Chicken, New Orleans style BBQ Shrimp with Tasson ham, Bacon Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, Buttermilk Biscuits, Chicken Etoufee, Jambalaya with Jumbo Shrimp and Andouille sausage. For dessert, we offer espresso service with freshly made Beignets and delicious sweet toppings! We have had guests from every southern state give their absolute seal of approval! They get the best of both worlds here: all of the southern charm and hospitality and the perfect weather of Los Angeles, California!