Atop the hills of Teháma sits one of our favorite custom build projects to date in the form of a sprawling, 9,900-square-foot marvel with views of the Monterey Bay. After an extensive permitting process, pandemic logistics, and complex requirements to preserve the integrity of this stunning property, this home’s long-awaited completion will have been well worth the wait.
Transforming the Property
No matter how you approach it, building a home in the Carmel area is privileged yet complicated. From permit requirements to water restrictions and more, many property owners don’t realize the extent of the local regulations until after they’ve begun planning their project. Fortunately, Lewis Builders’ signature nine-step process makes it easy to navigate the specific quirks of Carmel’s ordinances while providing clients with a clear path forward to creating the home of their dreams.
For this build, our clients wanted a home that would serve as the ultimate gathering space for their children and grandchildren to visit and enjoy time together, and with careful consideration—and a bit of ingenuity—the Lewis team made it happen.
By the Numbers
This project’s scale was absolutely massive; to create enough space for our clients’ extended family, it took 55,000 man hours to complete, and included:
· Three full kitchens, plus two outdoor kitchens
· Nine fireplaces
· One old-world indoor pizza oven
· One custom 2,000-square-foot putting green
· Over five miles of electrical wiring
· 30 tons of asphalt
· 250 tons of concrete
· 7,500 square feet of stone veneer
· 3,500 concrete blocks to make up the 750-linear-foot retaining walls
· 32 tons of furniture
With this many moving parts, an experienced design-build team like Lewis was vital to the success of this build.
Luxe Design Details
Keeping in mind our clients’ wishes to make this home into an inviting gathering spot for their loved ones to build memories together, our design team searched far and wide to find luxe features and materials to truly make this space the ultimate home away from home.
Because the kitchen is always the heart of the home, we took special care to make the three in this space perfect for hosting family and friends. Inspired by Italian design, we incorporated imported, hand-painted tiles by an Italian artist; a stunning Officine Gullo range and hood shipped from Florence; custom colored Venetian plaster walls that extend throughout the home; and an indoor brick pizza oven built using Old World techniques by Mason Jamie DeMaria.
When it came to integrating the pizza oven into the kitchen’s design, our client was adamant that it must make sense both aesthetically and functionally so it could be used for warming bread or a cast iron pot of soup in addition to enhancing family pizza night. With the help of expert craftsmen, we landed on a design that acts like a glorified fireplace with a custom shell, structure, and elongated opening. One-of-a-kind arched iron doors made by a local metal fabricator, a thick, black soapstone countertop ledge, and a floor hearth in the same soapstone as the ledge complete this gorgeous piece.
Throughout the kitchens, locally made custom cabinetry in solid walnut serves as a timeless and durable storage solution and works beautifully with the reclaimed oak barn wood beams we had shipped in from the Midwest. Finally, ample island seating illuminated by integrated LED lighting creates a bright and spacious gathering spot for hungry family and friends.
To accompany the kitchens, an enormous walk-in service pantry was an absolute must for this home, and the one we created features a statement combination of open shelving and closed cabinets, plenty of counter space, a baking nook, a sink and dishwasher, and even a double oven. Lattice doors and board-and-batten wall details add a layer of warmth and charm that will make food prep a pleasure
Carving Out Room for Retreat
The art of relaxation promises to be an immersive experience for in this stunning primary bathroom, the optimal, private place for our clients to retreat and recharge. Against a picturesque view of the Carmel tree line, a freestanding tub in a cozy nook lined with live-edge stone is the ultimate luxury for anyone looking to unwind after a long day. Across the floor, a crackling fireplace perfectly complements the hues of the setting sun for a livable vignette our clients will never want to leave. Two large vanities, a walk-in shower, makeup counter, a drawer refrigerator, and lots of custom cabinetry, make this space as functional as it is beautiful.
We are so excited to give this sneak peek of this stunning home with its panoramic views ahead of the final reveal. As our team puts the finishing touches on the space, we’re looking forward to showcasing those little details that will truly transform this house into the family-centric home our clients wanted. Meanwhile, you can explore our website to view the 3D renderings and the video showcasing the progress of this project. Stay tuned for more pictures coming soon.
