Founded in 1902 and incorporated in 1916, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a 1.1 square mile quaint coastal enclave village built amongst a magnificent forest, perched along the Pacific Ocean. Many would describe Carmel as a magical, whimsical fairytale like place showcasing enchanting cottage style architectural homes, astonishing ocean vistas with white sand beaches, and a vibrant coastal ambiance. The abodes of Carmel are an architectural mixture of storybook English cottages, Swiss Alpine chalets, and uniquely Carmel style building design. No two homes are alike, a refreshing change from the typical suburbia lifestyles. The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea resembles a miniature version of Europe. It is not improbable to see to a bereted Parisian saunter out of one of the captivating, Euro-themed bistros. Meander a few blocks down Ocean Avenue to Carmel’s sandy beach and the view is pure California, a rugged Pacific coastline spangled with rocky outcroppings, ghostly cypress trees and the electric green slopes of the famed Pebble Beach golf course. Enjoy world class art galleries, theater, music, dinning, and breathe taking site seeing all within walking distance of each other. Exclusive global travelers are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer and is so memorable.
Carmel enjoys a cool Mediterranean climate with an average year round temperature of approximately 65 degrees, seasonal lows of 45 and seasonal highs of 70 degrees. Carmel by the Sea is encircled by the unincorporated areas of Carmel, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands. Uniquely different and boarding on bohemian, Carmel by the Sea has historically pursued a vigorous strategy of planned development to enhance its natural coastal beauty and to retain its character.
New buildings must be built around existing trees and new trees are required on lots that are deemed to have an inadequate number. Parking meters, the business, cottages, and homes have no street numbers. Carmel cottages are often given names such as “Tinker Bell Gardens,” “Crème Carmel,” “Point of View,” “This Is It,” and the next door neighbor, “This Isn’t.” To help preserve the peace and quiet of Carmel, the hours of construction are generally limited to 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday thru Saturday. Green building practices are encouraged and in some cases required by state mandate.
- Purchasing a Home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea is like stepping back in time to an era where you know everyone in the community and you feel one with nature. The typical home built in Carmel is approximately 1400 SF with a one car garage and is situated on a 4000 Sq ft lot. Larger homes can be found on more spacious or double lots for a premium. Ocean front property and ocean view homes are highly desired properties that are in high demand and sell at top dollar. When you live in Carmel you reside in close proximity to your neighbors and enjoy the lively influx of international tourists. Purchasing a main residence or vacation home in Carmel you will surrender house square footage & lot size for the privilege of being situated right in the heart of one of the most coveted locations in the world.
Famous builders of Carmel include Hugh Comstock famously known as “Carmel’s builder of Dreams”. Architects include Frank Lloyd Wright who built the Walker residence famously known as the “Boat House,” Julia Morgan, Charles Greene, M.J Murphy, Gottfried, and Brown & Hale.
- Carmel Highlands
Carmel Highlands is a small exclusive community that hugs the Pacific coast line and showcases ocean front estates with dramatic views. The fortunate few local residences enjoy a peaceful ambiance without the tourist hustle and bustle of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Estates and lots are often larger scale and afford a private setting. Carmel Highlands real estate offers the perfect combination of seclusion and convenience, it is easily accessible to both the natural wonders of Big Sur, Point Lobos and the amenities of the Monterey Peninsula.
If you blink while driving through Carmel Highlands you will miss the town Old-style gas station and the quaint local general store. Visual views across from the Highlands community showcase the Point Lobos State Reserve park. Over the years Carmel Highlands has attracted celebrities who have purchased vacation homes wanting to escape from a fast pace lifestyle.
Carmel Highlands real estate can be described as some of the most picturesque and exquisite land on earth to own. Dramatic ocean front homes are situated along winding steep roads dipping at the edge of the mighty blue Pacific Ocean. Exclusive ocean front estates are pricey and are a rare commodity desired by many, but afforded by few.
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