WILD COMFORTABLE

AN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE RANCH COMMUNITY JUST MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN IS THE IDYLLIC SETTING FOR THIS HACIENDA-STYLE HOME THAT EMBODIES A CHARMING STORY AND LIFESTYLE.

- CHRISTY NIELSON

The 20,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve, located just minutes from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, looks as much like a national park as an upscale ranching community. In partnership with the Santa Lucia Conservancy and nearly 300 member families, The Preserve takes a gentle approach to development, focusing on protecting, maintaining and enhancing the natural resources and wildlife while at the same time respecting the historical and cultural significance of the setting, which dates back to the indigenous Rumsen tribe.

The Preserve immediately felt like home for a couple who lived in another house in the development before finding the perfect lot upon which to build their dream home. “It is such a beautiful, special place, filled with people that we have grown very close to,” the husband says of the couple’s affinity for The Preserve. “Emotionally and spiritually, it has afforded us a lifestyle that is really unique and suits us very well.” He adds, “Our home is an adjunct to the emotional attachment that we have to The Preserve.”

The 6,900-square-foot custom home, which sits on 55 acres, was designed by Marc Appleton, Senior Partner at Appleton Partnerships LLC. It was built in keeping with a fictional backstory conceived by the owners and design team, which grounds the residence in the rich history of The Preserve.