Download - The Carmel Pine Cone

18 IYD The Carmel Pine Cone March 26, 2010
I N Y O U R D R E A M S
The best of Carmel and Big Sur come together at Abalone Cove
By CHRIS COUNTS
SEVERAL MILLION motorists traveling along Highway
1 sail past picturesque Abalone Cove every year. At
least a couple thousand of those visitors will stop at a
nearby turnout to stretch their legs, soak in the salty sea breeze
and peer down into an inviting but seemingly unreachable cove.
If they’re not in a hurry, they may notice a private home on the
north side of the cove, much of it shrouded by a dense stand of
cypress trees. If they’re like most people, before resuming their
travels, they’ll wonder for a moment who could possibility live
in such a blessed place.
So close to nature
Don Davis has been fortunate to live next to Abalone Cove
for more than a decade. More specifically, Davis resides in a
2,400-square-foot Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home that sits
perched above the cove. Designed by architect and former
owner Erik Neilson, the residence is situated on 2.1 acres.
Yet despite is its proximity to one of the world’s most famous
scenic highways, the home seems a world away from the hustle
and bustle of civilization. Hundreds of cypress trees, pines and
redwoods create an effective buffer from the road, and even the
ocean does its part.
“The trees really frame the property,” Davis observed. “And
the sound of the ocean cancels out most of the highway noise.”
Standing on the deck of the property’s main residence, it is
impossible not to be awed by the its park-like setting, which
provides a perfect vantage point for observing the local flora
and fauna. It is also tempting to emulate the harbor seals, which
on any given day can be seen basking in the sun on the rocks
adjacent to the home. A staircase leads down to a private rocky
beach and closer look.
“We have amazing aquatic life here,” Davis said. “We had
nine otters hanging out in the cove last spring, including five
youngsters. The whales come in very close to the shore, especially
when they’re returning north in May. It’s not unusual to
see them breaching.”
Facing such a wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean, much of the
Big Sur coast is at the mercy of stiff winds and surging swells.
Yet Abalone Cove is a remarkably calm and sheltered place.
“There’s a reef just offshore that protects us from waves,”
Davis explained. “And the house is really tucked in here. We
have our own micro climate. That’s why we can have palm trees
here. We also have the most delicious apples growing here,
which is pretty unusual on the ocean.”
Yet so close to civilization
While the home is clearly subordinate to its natural surroundings,
the residence is at once elegant, subtle and striking.
Instead of making an architectural statement, Neilson constructed
a three-bedroom and three-bath home that looks like it
belongs at Abalone Cove.
Built in 1980 with glass, Bouquet Canyon stone and clearheart
redwood, the residence is filled with 45-degree angles.
“The angles create the illusion that the house is bigger than it
really is,” Davis explained. “Frank Lloyd Wright liked to do this
in the homes he designed.”
Aesthetic details — like countertops made from granite uba
tuba — add a creative and distinctive touch to the home. And
for the musically inclined, the house offers an added bonus.
“We’ve had chamber groups perform in here and the
acoustics are amazing.” he observed. “We had a cellist, a violinist
and a pianist here, and people were just mesmerized.”
In addition to its visual and audio qualities, the dwelling is
also efficient. “It’s a passive solar home, so it’s easy to heat,”
Davis said. “And if you need air conditioning, you simply open
the windows.”
Yet despite its retreat-like ambiance, the property is remarkably
close to civilization.“I can be in downtown Carmel in 15
minutes and Pebble Beach in 20 minutes,” Davis added. “But it
feels like we’re in Big Sur.”
Living at Abalone Cove and surrounding by such serenity, it
might be tempting to become a hermit. But Davis said the property
— which features an expansive lawn, gardens and a fire pit
— is the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends.
“We’ve had 200 to 250 people here for a fiesta,” he added.
“We sat around the fire and played music. The house has an
entirely different feel at night, and it really comes alive when
people are here.”
The home, which includes a 1,000-square-foot garage and
“entertainment pavilion,” is currently listed on the market by
John Saar Properties for $7.75 million. A separate 2.3-acre
buildable parcel — located outside the viewshed of Highway 1
and complete with its own entrance and utilities — is also available
for $4.75 million. For more information, call (831) 625-
0500 or visit www.johnsaar.com.
PHOTOS/COURTESY JOHN SAAR PROPERTIES
A 2,400-square-foot Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home at Abalone Cove is perched above the crashing surf (above). A
weathered bench (right) offers the perfect place for watching otters at play, while the sprawling lawn and gardens include
a modern sculpture (lower right). Natural light and stunning views fill the property’s main residence (lower left).