Some homes leave a mark that outlasts their walls. The Flying Nun — a joyful, layered remodel of a Harry Gesner original — was that kind of place. Rich in character, personal story, and a Bohemian Chic spirit that felt entirely its own, it was a home that celebrated life at every turn. We lost it in the Woolsey Fire, but its memory is vivid, and this chapter of Cocktails & Casas is our toast to it.

Designed by the legendary Harry Gesner, The Flying Nun arrived at Hayne Architects already full of personality — its sweeping roofline, curved forms, and panoramic Malibu views giving it a presence that was impossible to ignore. The remodel honored that original vision while layering in something new: an expanded floor plan, custom furnishings, and the kind of collected, deeply personal interiors that only come from someone who truly knows how to live.

At the heart of the home was the great room: soaring windows wrapping the Pacific on three sides, a commanding stone fireplace rising to the rafters, and curved leather sofas that invited you to stay for hours. A crystal chandelier caught the light just so. Bohemian textiles, fresh flowers, and candles completed a scene that felt less like interior design and more like a state of mind.

This was Hillary Hayne’s Bohemian Chic aesthetic at its fullest expression — whimsical and warm, layered and alive. A home that didn’t take itself too seriously, and was more beautiful for it.

🍹The Bohemian Spritz

For a home this joyful and layered, only something bright, effervescent, and a little unexpected would do. The Bohemian Spritz is exactly that — a celebration in a glass, as colorful and alive as the home that inspired it.

Why it works:

Prosecco brings the effervescence — the lightness and lift of a home that never felt heavy. Elderflower liqueur adds a whimsical, floral note that echoes the fresh-cut roses and bohemian textiles layered throughout every room. Grapefruit gives it a bright, sun-drenched edge that belongs entirely to a Malibu afternoon. And the edible flowers floating on top? Pure Flying Nun — beautiful, a little unexpected, and completely intentional.

This is a celebratory drink for a home that always felt like a celebration.

✨ The Bohemian Spritz Recipe

Final Sip

The Flying Nun was proof that a home’s greatest quality isn’t its square footage or its view — it’s its spirit. Harry Gesner gave it bones full of imagination. Hillary Hayne gave it a soul full of warmth. And for a season, it stood on that Malibu hillside as one of the most joyful places we’ve ever had the privilege of working on.

The Bohemian Spritz won’t rebuild what was lost. But it’s a beautiful way to remember it — bright, celebratory, and full of life.

Here’s to the homes that stay with you.