Carmel-by-the-Sea sounds more like an afternoon delight than a small beach city in California, but the famously dog-friendly seaside community, with its spectacular ocean and coastline views, is in fact a treat for homeowners lucky enough to purchase one of the area’s charming homes and storybook cottages. Last year, The so-called Butterfly House, with its wing-like roof, traded for a record $29 million, and now another home, this one along Carmel’s prestigious Scenic Road, will shatter that record if sold for anywhere near its $35 million asking price.
Dubbed Villa Del Mar, the Spanish-style home spans 5,529 square feet with five bedrooms and six and a half baths and sits on a 12,598-square-foot lot, more than three times the average lot size in the area, which is about 4,000 square feet. It was built in 1928 by the late, legendary, and prolific local builder Michael J. Murphy, who is credited with designing and building nearly 350 buildings in the area between 1902 and 1940.
Entering the three-story home’s front courtyard, with its lush landscaping, is indicative of the drama that continues to unfold inside. Ogival arched doorways, wood-beam ceilings, and dark wooden floors are some of Murphy’s key design details that stand out in the adjoining living and dining rooms. The living room also features one of the home’s three fireplaces, which is set between two large windows that provide dreamy sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
The updated gourmet kitchen is another of Villa Del Mar’s beautiful, light-filled spaces. Tall windows illuminate patinated stone floors, a massive marble-capped island, and high-end appliances, as well as an excess of cabinet space. Three sets of French doors surrounding the nearby breakfast open to the sun-soaked gardens. In addition to a guest bedroom and bath, the top level includes the primary bedroom and its steam room-equipped ensuite bathroom, private office space, walk-in closet, and balcony.
Other highlights include a home office, a wine cellar, and a game room large enough to accommodate a pool table.
When the morning marine layer lifts and the sun sparkles off the water, head outside, where there’s a covered patio and an open terrace, a swimming pool, and views of Carmel Beach. An outdoor pizza oven is perfect for quick alfresco lunches and dinners, but Carmel is also home to a number of well-regarded restaurants, such as Chez Noir and Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse. Attractions like the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are also worth a visit.
Tim Allen, of Tim Allen Properties at Coldwell Banker Realty, holds the listing.
Click here for more images of the waterfront property.
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