29th annual
House and Garden Tour
Hearth and Home, History and Fantasy
Step behind the garden walls to view some of the most iconic and fascinating architectural treasures in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This self guided walking tour will be followed by an included reception at the First Murphy House. Refresh and enjoy wine and nibbles in our beautiful garden. Tickets on sale now by clicking Purchase Tickets below, or by phone at 831-624-4447.
Saturday, September 9th | 1pm – 5pm
CHS & AIA Member Price: $45
Non-Member Price: $50
Day of Event Price: $60
Scroll Down to See Homes on the Tour
Exclusive
Pre-Tour Cocktail Party & Reception
Friday, September 8th | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Located at the incredible Odyssey residence.
Follow the link below for more information:
Homes on This Year’s Tour
Casa Felice
Lincoln 3 SE of 13th
The architect Don Goodhue, here with his own home, aimed to capture the spirit of Carmel’s early 20th century cottages, realized in a contemporary statement. That historic vernacular used simple volumes, overlapping roof forms, dormer, and plain wall surfaces to produce an Arts and Crafts, Tudor expression. Today’s intent is to blend into Carmel’s wooded residential setting as did the early examples, and not to stand out. Openness, spatial contrasts, light and privacy, both inside and out, were primary considerations. The design starts with a simple rectangular gable-roofed form, with added bays, dormers and a stepped ridge dictated by volumetric restrictions. The interior entry progresses through a narrow low-ceilinged hallway to a 21 ft. high central living space; a loft extends the height back through a study and dormered bedroom. The site is approached by a series of stone steps framing varied garden spaces. Integral color plaster, wood shingles, concrete floors, board and batt interior walls and steel windows recall earlier Carmel cottages.
Whale Watch
Scenic Road 2SE of 8th
Built in 1923, this remarkable home offers amazing views of migrating whales from the windows, along with sightings of dolphins, seals and otters. Originally a classic Carmel cottage, it was transformed into a mid-century home in 1963 and a major update was done in 2023, designed by architect Henry Runhke.
Now & Zen Tranquility
24620 Lower Trail
This small, classic, mid-century modern home boasts large areas of floor to ceiling glass under an expansive flat roof and is set discreetly below the street in the Carmel Woods area. In 1999, the late, renowned architect, John Thodos, FAIA, designed a remodel of the residence by making this mid-century structure even more Modern. A new entry procession was created with a Corbusian ramp down to a zen-like garden to the front door. The floor plan was opened up and a new glass cube-topped, spiral stair was added to connect to an expanded lower level with bedroom, bath and wine cellar. Continuous, wood-board ceiling and soffits were installed to unify the main level from inside to out. The remodel was designed for a bachelor. So, in order to emphasize the openness of the layout, a compact cube containing shower, water closet and vanity each accessed from different sides, was set between the Living Room and the Master Bedroom. The new owner purchased much of the original Thodos-designed tables and Le Corbusier sofa and chairs which still provide the furnishings for the home.
Out of the Blue
24760 Lower Trail off Valley Way and Carpenter
This is a “Coming Home House,” located one block away from the owner’s childhood home. Built in 1946, this house had a full remodel/transformation, designed and built by the owner, architect Jim Zack of Zack/DeVito Architecture Construction in 2022-2023. This included an all new interior, with a modern urban sensibility. New features include a garden, deck, patio and interior creative details, many handmade by the Zack. This amazing remodel reflects the new owner’s modernist sensibilities and offers a retreat from their hectic life in San Francisco.
“Feels Wright”
Casanova 7 NW of Ocean
The recently completed two-story residence by architect Thomas Bateman Hood, AIA, takes its inspiration from the circa 1918 artist’s studio at the rear of this property that was part of a family compound. The Studio’s defining feature is a large north facing window that provided essential north light for the resident painter. This window has been meticulously reproduced in mahogany, and the interior and exterior restored and improved for use today as an accessory dwelling unit. The artist’s north window and the studio’s size and shape inspired the new house Living/Dining Room, Primary Bedroom Suite and Garage. Skylights illuminate the interior with views into the overhanging oak tree canopy. Cantilevers on the upper floor distance the house from the surrounding oaks. Clad in horizontal cedar with raised battens, the effect recalls the work of Frank Lloyd Wright evident in many of his now famous “Usonian” houses, thus giving the house the name “Feels Wright”.
Sea Wolfe
Casanova 2 NW of Ocean
Built in 1919, the house had many renovations over the years. When the current owners purchased the home in 2015, they began a major renovation, designed by John Mandurrago, to bring it back to a more authentic time period. Many rooms were remodeled and a Sun Room and guest Studio were added. The beautiful gardens were also completely re-done by the owners.
First Murphy House
Lincoln and 6th
The Murphy House was constructed in 1902 by 17 year old Michael J. Murphy for his mother and sisters. It was the first of many cottages and notable structures designed and built by Murphy. He had a significant influence on the character and architecture of the village of Carmel during his career. In 1990, when the little cottage was in danger of being demolished, the First Murphy House Committee was formed under the auspices of the Carmel Heritage Society. The House was moved to its present site and completely restored.