Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Ming figurines and a Herb Ritts photo adorn the living room.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Ferrante light fixtures hang above game tables that become a single, long dining table with a simple conversion – all made to order by James Perse; an Ed Ruscha painting hangs in the hall.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Even Benson's book jackets are crisp and white.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Benson's photograph, Girls on Boulder, hangs above a child-size chair from Barneys (purchased for the dogs) outside her office.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

A collection of engraved travel frames are cherished gifts.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

A sun room with doors that lead to the deck.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Duke and Kenya, the family's French Bulldogs.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

In the kitchen, oak cabinetry is custom; chalkboard walls are a "must" for families.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

The orange abstract painting in a son's room is by CW Slade.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

A rare vintage viewfinder from Obsolete antiques displays 3-D images from the 1900s.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

A narrow flagstone deck surrounds the pool.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

The front porch is lined with Weatherend rocking chairs.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Benson has built four homes with architect Sandy Young.

Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein

Editors' Notes

Steps to the water.

“I like to say that Malibu is more of a state of mind than a destination,” says photographer Lyndie Benson, a Point Dume resident for the past 17 years. If you were looking for the real Malibu, you’d be well advised to turn to the native Angeleno for clues: She raised two boys here, sent them to Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School up the street and walked with them down a rocky path to the beach to surf before roll call with other local moms. Last year, she published a book of photographs, The Point (Dollhouse Publishing). A portion of proceeds from this visual love letter benefits The Malibu Foundation for Youth and Families. Look closely at the photo of the famous “Peace Paddle” that philanthropist Kelly Meyer and surfer Laird Hamilton coordinated and donated to the Natural Resources Defense Council, and you’ll spot Benson in the upper left corner, bobbing in the blue water on that cloudless day.
“I grew up in Los Angeles dreaming of moving to Malibu,” she says, perched on a pale linen sofa, in her living room, surrounded by an impressive art collection highlighted by a Robert Graham sculpture, an Ed Ruscha painting and many of her own photographs. Looking tan and fit in a thigh-grazing Michael Kors caftan, the fiftysomething Benson explains how her interior design sensibility is built around multipurpose spaces and furniture.

What are some unique ways to optimize space?

“I have a game room, with a ping-pong table and a pool table that can also become a dining room, with just a small conversion. James Perse custom-makes these chic game tables. I push them together and have a dining table that seats 16.”

Can your home theater also be converted?

“The screen retracts, and the shades lift up so you have a cozy den. That’s how we entertain here, with friends and kids and dogs.”

One of your sons is studying at Columbia University, do you ever feel drawn to the East Coast?

“Of course I love New York—for four days. I couldn’t live there. Out here, I spend my days hiking, playing tennis, surfing, entertaining friends. The light and the sky and the water are so amazing. Honestly, there’s no place I’d rather be.”

By Christine Lennon

Pictured: Lyndie Benson on the beach with her Roberts surfboard.
Photo by Lisa Romerein