A Big Sur-inspired midcentury estate tucked away in Carmel Valley has just hit the market for the first time in 55 years for $2,395,000.
The stylish sanctuary surrounded by breathtaking canyon views last traded hands for just $43,000 in 1971. Built in 1967, the three-bedroom residence boasts a thoughtfully updated and beautifully preserved interior.
“It feels like a Big Sur throwback to the 70s,” said listing agent Doug Steiny of Sotheby’s International Realty—Carmel Brokerage. “It’s a really warm midcentury contemporary that people walk into and fall in love with immediately.”
The time capsule boasts expansive windows and glass walls designed to blend in with its scenic 1.44-acre private lot.
“There is so much glass that it almost feels like a terrarium,” Steiny said. “The weather is so good here, so they wanted to create an indoor/outdoor home.”
An open floor plan features exposed beams, wood-paneled walls, built-ins, skylights, and hardwood and stone floors.
“We have had everyone from families to empty nesters look at it,” he noted. “It’s a pretty broad market, but I think the next buyer will be someone who appreciates the style more than anything. It’s so distinct.”
Steiny says while the home could be used as either a primary or secondary residence, he believes the next owner will want to live there year-round.
“It was used as a primary residence, but it’s a both sort of area,” Steiny added. “It’s located in a sweet spot about six to nine miles inland where the heat meets the fog, so it has probably the best weather in the country. There is always a light sea breeze with warm inland air. It’s just magic.”
The cozy living room has a fireplace and two sets of sliders that open up to the outdoor living area.
“There are paths that meander around the pool with giant oaks, so it feels very much like a Zen yoga retreat,” he said. “It’s a wonderful place to recover from stress and offers a place to get away from it all.”
A retro kitchen has custom wood cabinetry, tile countertops, modern appliances, and a separate dining area with built-in seating surrounded by glass to soak in the peaceful views.
The family room offers a second fireplace and also features built-in shelving, an oversized picture window, and dual sets of sliders to provide a seamless transition to the outdoor living area.
One guest bedroom has a wardrobe system with private terrace access and a second sun-soaked one offers a custom desk with built-ins.
A lavish primary suite boasts a curved vanity with dual sinks, a glass shower, and wall of glass opening up to a secluded patio.
The outdoor oasis features an in-ground pool, spacious sun deck, covered lounge areas, and decks for entertaining.
Also found on the property surrounded by lush gardens are a two-car garage, “peaceful Zen spaces,” and a water catchment system.
“Carmel Valley is incredible and it’s just special where this house is,” he said. “It has the least median fluctuation of temperature in the U.S., so it is beautiful year round.”
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Kellie Speed is a contributor to Realtor.com. As a writer and editor, she has worked for a variety of online and print publications, including Inked magazine, Jetset, Westchester magazine, JustLuxe, The Boston Globe, and U.S. Veterans Magazine. A Massachusetts native, Kellie attended Northeastern University for journalism, was previously the Boston editor for Haute Living, and contributed to Avalon Publishing’s Moon Metro Boston guidebook. Kellie writes celebrity profiles and covers restaurants, travel, and lifestyle.
