The Golden Rectangle – Historic Homes of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Historic Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a celebrated travel destination known across the globe.  Situated along the coast of California south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded around the turn of the 20th century as a progressive bohemian artist’s community.  Many famous writers, artists and poets helped shape the formation of Carmel, including notable influences Jack London, Anne Bremer, Robinson Jeffers, William Frederic Ritschel, Sinclair Lewis, and Mary Austin.  These artists and writers were drawn to the stunning coastal beauty and tranquil atmosphere of Carmel, discovering here a hidden fountain of creative inspiration.  Ida Brooks described this phenomenon in a 1906 newspaper article in the San Francisco Call:

“There has been observed of late southward flight of song birds, literati of every sort; artist folk in general— what you will —seekers after the beautiful. Some have gone and returned, gone again and returned, and have gone at last with determination to remain, as birds that have round a better nesting; some winter there, some summer there… I followed them up the other day. Mile after mile I went by rail — then climbed into a stage coach, and when I began to smell the pines I knew; I was nearly at my journey’s end. At the end of another mile I found myself in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Fortunately no railroad line has as yet penetrated into this peaceful hamlet; the rumble that greets your awakening is only the breaking surf upon the sands. And those sands are of such absolute whiteness that looking out upon them on a cold night you would on the instant think yourself in a country of drifting snows.”

The breathtaking scenic beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea attracts visitors from across the globe. Photographer iStock.com/Pgiam

Carmel’s “Golden Rectangle”

The most famous historic section of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea is known locally as “The Golden Rectangle.”  This section spans the southwest area of Carmel-by-the-Sea west to Carmel Beach.  Many of the homes in the Golden Rectangle were built in the early 1900s, and a good number were custom built by artists and poets living in the community.  Here in the Golden Rectangle you will find a storybook collection of historic cottages and coastal bungalows, featuring Spanish and Italian architectural influences, custom woodwork and hand-crafted masonry.

It is no wonder that homes in the Golden Rectangle are some of the most coveted real estate not just on the Monterey Peninsula, but in the entire world.  Carmel’s city plan describes the town as “a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach,” and this is truly exemplified in the Golden Rectangle.  Many homes here enjoy stunning ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, spanning north from Pescadero Point, Pebble Beach, and south to Point Lobos.  To enhance and preserve the character and charm, there are no street lights or parking meters.  The relatively flat stretch of the Golden Rectangle lends itself nicely to taking a leisurely stroll, with quaint meandering streets and pathways and many dog-friendly areas.

Carmel-by-the-Sea features historic theaters, art galleries, fine dining, and dog-friendly venues. Photographer iStock.com/S. Greg Panosian

Carmel-by-the-Sea is rich with art history, culture, and entertainment, and owning a home in the Golden Rectangle means you will enjoy close proximity to these amenities.  Whether your interest is in downtown shopping, historic venues such as the Forest Theater and the Sunset Center, art galleries, fine dining and wine-tasting, or the stunning white sands of Carmel Beach, living in the Golden Rectangle means you will always have these amazing opportunities just a short distance away.

Please enjoy the video I put together, giving you a glimpse of a few cottages located within the Golden Rectangle.  Also below is a market report for the Golden Rectangle.  If you would like to buy your dream home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, I invite you to give me a call at 831-869-6117 today so we can discuss your goals.

Golden Rectangle Market Report