Friday, July 7, 2017

This Oceanfront Stunner in Carmel Is Absolutely Bonkers

"Serenity" on a Carmel hillside

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Highway 1 along the Northern California coast is one of the most scenic spots in the world. And the Carmel, CA, estate called “Serenity” is ideally situated to take advantage of those stunning Pacific Ocean views.

The home’s exterior takes its cues from a butterfly, and it appears to have open wings poised on a cliff. The architectural marvel recently landed on the market for the first time, at $11.9 million.

If you’re a TV watcher, you might wonder if you saw this distinctive dwelling cast as one of the glorious, modern Monterey mansions featured in HBO’s “Big Little Lies.” Alas, this home was not among the locations used, because if it had been, it might have eclipsed the show’s beautiful superstars—it’s that gorgeous.

Carmel's Butterfly house, also known as "Serenity"Exterior of “Serenity”

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Dining area Dining area

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International philanthropist Joan Murray, who died in 2014, commissioned the home in an attempt to “create an environment of peace and tranquility that would integrate … beauty, nature, simplicity, conservation, and inspired design.”

She hired architect Wallace E. Cunningham, who was named one of the top 100 designers by Architectural Digest. Cunningham asserts that when you “open up a structure to sky, landscape, and view … the building becomes alive.”

So it follows this seaside bluff in tony Carmel Heights was the perfect place to build a residence that appears to have a life of its own. Thanks to the swooping rooflines, the walls of glass, and the setting amid cypress trees, the home seems to be moving while remaining perfectly still.

This effect wasn’t achieved overnight, however. It took 10 years to get it just right.

“The style mimics the exuberance of Italian baroque and simplicity of Japanese minimalism,” says listing agent Brad Towle of Sotheby’s International Realty.

The specifics don’t even begin to tell the story: three bedrooms and 3.5 baths in 2,667 square feet of space. There are spectacular views from almost every room—including the open kitchen.

Modern kitchenKitchen

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Even the bathroom has a view, and the house is situated so nosy neighbors can't peer in.Bathroom

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Floating staircaseFloating staircase

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This property is priced substantially higher than the median home in the tony area, which is $1,595,000. And at $4,462 per square foot, it’s about six times higher than the area median, which is $723.

Open living spaceLiving room

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But in this case, size really doesn’t matter—it’s all about the aesthetics and the one-of-a-kind vibe unlike anything else you’ll find in the world.

The post This Oceanfront Stunner in Carmel Is Absolutely Bonkers appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.



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