Location: Carmel By the Sea, Central Coast, California, USA
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 3-4)
Keywords: House
As one man said during his first visit, "If I lived in this home, I would never want to leave"!
Welcome to my Carmel Shangri-La nestled in the tranquil privacy of a sunny and shaded woodland environment graced by magnificent oaks, flora and fauna, and very conveniently close to downtown Carmel and the expansive beaches of the lovely and ever-changing Pacific Ocean.
This thoughtfully-appointed home represents my love and deep appreciation of art, crafts and furnishings from around the world which are assembled here in serene and harmonious simplicity.
The living room is centered by a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning Carmel stone fireplace with gas starter, as is the bedroom, and is furnished in a fine-tuned eclectic style which includes Asian antiques. The lovely dark green tightly woven carpeting in both the living room and bedroom blends well with the natural environment surrounding the home.
The inviting dining area accommodates four at the glass-topped contemporary table seated on a thick flokati rug and flanked by comfortable chairs for lingering over a delectable meal, a good game, or an engaging conversation; the adjacent mini-library offers books on various subjects along with a stereo and CD collection for your listening pleasure. Another reading collection resides in the nearby glassed wood cabinet.
At the beginning or end of your day, the outdoor deck adjoining the living room is a delightful place to sip your drink of choice and to view the wonderful garden and woodland beyond.
The artfulness of the kitchenette is complemented by full-size Jenn-Air stainless steel appliances along with a full array of tableware, cookware, spices, herbs, coffees, teas, and more. Begin your first day with a continental breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, jam,fresh fruit and juice
The downstairs bathroom, with not-so-subtle vibrations of Africa, features a dynamite shower with overhead rain shower as well as a standard front fixture and two sprays to use individually or all together. Spa robes are provided for your after-bath/shower respite.
The stairway leading up to the inviting bedroom and bath has beautifully lent itself to the feng shui money tree set in the "ringing quartz bowl" and to the Native American art representatives gracing its walls.
The generous bedroom with its high, cedar cathedral ceiling offers a peaceful night's sleep in a comfortable queen-size bed adjacent to a full-corner window overlooking the garden. A French bed awaits in front of the fireplace for curling up with a good book or enjoying an afternoon snooze.
The upstairs deck is furnished with a petite table and chairs for greeting the day over your morning coffee or tea. A copy of the local morning paper will be available to you.
If you wish to work/communicate, or perhaps begin writing your long-awaited first novel, the bedroom also includes an office area complete with two printers, a phone/fax, Wi-Fi and office supplies. Long-distance station-to-station calls within the continental U.S. are available at no charge.
The spacious and serene upstairs bath features a Jacuzzi soaking tub-for-two set in a glass tile and slate surround, ambient lighting, slate flooring, heat lamp, and fountain, all creating a most relaxing environment.
The huge, meandering garden is replete with Carmel stone walkways and two generous patios, each accommodating dining and relaxing - one with a large, wide-range heater for your cool-weather, outdoor enjoyment. Though enclosed with see-through "deer fencing" to keep these lovely creatures at bay, the garden is very respectfully designed to visually transition into the woodland beyond. In the spring, summer and early autumn, it is alive with color and fragrance; in the winter, it sleeps.
The pathway from the front of the home meanders alongside the exterior length of the enclosed garden - with a lovely seating/dining area along the way - and exits onto the rear woodland expanse.
The prospect of your enjoying this wonderful space is thrilling for me. I do hope that you have the opportunity and desire to visit, enjoy and tell others.
Driving to Great Shopping & Restaurants:
Five minutes to downtown Carmel shopping
2 & 1/2 minutes to Barnyard Shopping Village, website available
Three minutes to Crossroads Shopping Village, website available
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$238-$268/night/3-night minimum
Nov 1-April 30 .. $1385/week
May-Jun ...... $1485/week
Jul-Sep 30 ... $1685/week
October ..... $1585/week
$60 cleaning fee $500 refundable security deposit
Payable in US dollars only
Special rates may apply for holidays and special events.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1989
I am happy and blessed to be a resident of this naturally beautiful Monterey Peninsula with its rich history! Life has been pretty good to me; my son and daughter-in-law are both lovely, bright and responsible adults - great parents - and my two grandchildren are, of course, the best! My 37-year career is still rewarding me with its many opportunities and challenges, my friends are faithful, and my optimism is firmly in place.
Why the Owner Chose Carmel By the Sea
Memorial Day, 1979, I came to the Peninsula for a 3-day holiday from southern California. My love affair with this area began then and it is still going strong. By October of that year, I and my son, Danny, then five-years-old, had become full-time residents. In early 1981, we purchased our first Carmel home, "Buttercup", and in 1989, we purchased this 1200 square foot, one-bedroom, two-bath home located on an acre+ of land bordered on three sides by dedicated woodland and stretching, at one point, for miles. Over the years, I dreamed of what the home and garden could become, and from 2004 to 2006, I began bringing the dream into "reality". To me, it is truly a lovely sanctuary with a strong sense of soul. Of course, it will never be a finished project - the dream goes on and invents new and wonderful ideas of what can be done to make it more enchanting.
Property Photos
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- Rear Garden Pathway - Carmel By the Sea, California Vacation House Near Beaches
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- Private Drive Entry - Carmel By the Sea, California Vacation House Near Beaches
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- Front Garden - Carmel By the Sea, California Vacation House Near Beaches
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- Side Path to Rear Garden
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- Warmly Furnished Living Room
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- Comfortable Dining
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- Artful Kitchenette
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- Stairway Gallery
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- Sweet Dreams
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- French Bed & Bedroom Fireplace
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- Fully-Equipped Office Area
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- Serene Master Bath
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- Serene Master Bath 2
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- Peaceful Rear Garden
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- Sunny Patio
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- Path to Woodland
Traveler Reviews (16)
You will not believe your luck...
Guest: Christopher and John
(Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11
Review Submitted: 05/26/11
Having read all the feedback from former guests, it will not surprise you to hear the we second their statements without reserve. Mary uses the word "idyllic" in her description of the property and I used the word "idyllic" a lot during our stay. That is the mot juste - the house is an idyll - a poem to pastoral peace and contentment. And the garden is a completely private place to "regroup" your body and soul - it is an oasis in a private canyon that seems to be completely separated from the din and drone of 21st century. We choose to stay in rental houses far more often than hotels or B&Bs. And we have rented properties all over the country. From a cabin that Booth Tarkington used as a writing studio in Nashville, IN to many trips to Lake Arrowhead, CA - Mary's house in Carmel is the standout of the lot. The house is so beautifully decorated. Very modern and luxurious touches have been placed throughout - such as the spa tub in the master bathroom - both bathrooms are very nicely done - and the beautifully appointed kitchenette. Everything was so clean and remarkably well cared for. (And the pantry is better stocked with cookware than in any similar place we have stayed. Every option has been considered and provided for.) Mary provides a very helpful binder full of Carmel/Pacific Grove/Monterey restaurant descriptions and recommendations. One of her suggestions - Passionfish - turned out to be the best meal we had in the area. I am a very poor sleeper, in general. Here in L.A. I do my Lady Macbeth impersonation more often than not - but in Mary's house, I slept the sleep of the innocent. Without stirring. It was heaven. I am so happy we found the house (and garden!). We had a lovely time. And when in the area we'll be back - oh yes - we'll be back. Mary has created a very potent atmosphere - full of charm and her generous spirit. I recommend it highly - once there, you really won't believe your luck.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Guest: Jerry and Esther, Colorado
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Mary, This home of yours is so comfortable and beautiful. We enjoyed our week here with lots of privacy and quiet. Your decor and upkeep is perfect! Thanks for all that you do to keep this a great place to vacation. We want to return soon . . . Happy New Year!!
Recommended for:
Guest: Andy and Rosemary, Monrovia, CA
(-)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Mary, We had a wonderful vacation in your beautiful home. Thank you for everything. We will definitely try to stay here the next time we visit Carmel. We wish you a very happy New Year! Thank you.
Recommended for:
Guest: Rosalie and Jaime, San Francisco, CA
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/29/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Mary, You have created a beautiful, restful space. Your attention to detail is remarkable. The decor is at the same time simple and sophisticated. We did not want to leave. We try to pick special places to celebrate our anniversary, and we have to say that your wonderful little house is now one of our favorites. We hope to return. Thank you so much for making our stay memorable.
Recommended for:
Guest: Mike and Anne, Phoenix, AZ
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/23/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Mary, Thank you very much for letting Anne and me stay in your beautiful home. We enjoyed every second. Your garden is wonderful and the wildlife great. Coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the evening. Perfect! We do hope you will allow us to do this again. What a wonderful week. All the Best.
Recommended for:
Guest: Bill and Tammy, Vancouver, Canada
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/15/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Mary, Thanks so much for having us as guests in your beautiful home. Your home has been a wonderful retreat for us from the craziness of Concours week! We had a great time, and hope to return to see you again next year. You truly have a wonderful place here!! Thanks again, Bill and Tammy
Recommended for:
Guest: Matt and Lauren, San Luis Obispo, CA
(-)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Dear Mary, What a wonderful place to spend our honeymoon! We couldn't have imagined a more perfect setting! Your home and garden are absolutely idyllic. As soon as we pulled up the driveway, we knew our week here would be lovely. Every morning we chose a different spot to sit outside and enjoy your tranquil and beautiful garden. We really felt at home here! Thanks so much for everything! Matt and Lauren, San Luis Obispo, CA
Recommended for:
Guest: Mike & Nancy, Ogden, UT
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Mary........What a beautiful home and such a special setting! We can tell the great care that has gone into each detail inside and out. Thank you for letting us spend a relaxing time in your home. We only wonder why you would ever want to leave?? Mike and Nancy, Ogden, UT
Recommended for:
Guest: Dina, Berkeley, CA
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/25/10
Review Submitted: 01/02/11
Dear Mary, Thank you so much for opening up this very special place to me. Your home and gardens are truly a peaceful sanctruary. I love all the textures of warmth that you have created in the house, and I don't have the words to describe the garden. In my weeks here, I have seen a pair of quail introduce their brood to the neighborhood, robins, woodpeckers, countless other birds whose names I don't know - and this morning a baby bunny scampered up the path! This has been a wonderful place to lay fallow for a bit. I feel refreshed and ready to face the rat race again. I will cherish the calmness that I leave with, and do hope I can come again. May you enjoy good health and joy in all your endeavors!! Love Dina
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #269470
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Date last modified - Friday, January 27, 2012
