This home was purchased by the current owner in February, 2001, a multi-level building originally constructed in 1928. The owners spent three years developing the design and engineering for a new structure, working with Fletcher & Hardoin Architects and Jan Gardner Design. The final plans were developed and Groza Construction chosen as the builder and general contractor. They rented a home down the street and kept a watchful eye over the project. The painstaking care they took shows in every detail of the finished product.

In April, 2004 the existing home was completely demolished, deep new excavation was done, all new concrete foundations were poured and a new basement area was created. The uphill section of the property was fitted with a French drain system and an automatic sump. Construction carried on through August 2005 and further improvements were added through 2006 and 2007, including custom wine cellar cabinetry and extensive landscaping. The project was carried out with full co-operation and approval by the City of Monterey at all times and in all respects. Elevation drawings were sent out to all homeowners within a six block radius prior to construction and a subsequent City homeowners’ meeting received full approval.

The existing Anthony swimming pool was thoroughly re-constructed, including complete new plumbing, coping, new dark-bottom gunnite and tiling and a new spa. All new pool equipment was installed, including pumps, filter and heater and a new pool equipment structure built. In 2012-2014 the filter and heater were replaced with more eco-friendly, energy efficient new models. The original builder of the pool, Blackthorne, continues as the pool maintenance company and is familiar with all digital control systems installed.

The pool area yard was meticulously re-engineered, including new concrete perimeter piers, concrete curbing and sub strait layers, topped by interlocking pavers and new planters all around. New concrete cinder block walls were installed at the perimeters and new pressure treated wooden fencing bolted in on top. They spared no expense – even the hose bibs are copper! The owners continue to make improvements and have since augmented the landscaping by planting new high hedges along the perimeter to provide complete privacy.

The main floor kitchen and living room have 12-foot ceilings topped by steel beams. The living room fireplace is Rumford masonry with a cast concrete mantel. All four fireplaces are plumbed for gas but can also burn wood if desired. Kitchen appliances include a Miele dishwasher, Miele  automatic coffee maker, Wolf Range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Sub-Zero bar fridge, Thermidor ovens.  All plumbing fixtures throughout the home are top level Kohler brushed stainless steel. The chandelier in the dining room is European antique, from Trotter’s.

The French doors are 8-feet tall with 2-foot clerestory windows above. The floors in the living room, kitchen, dining room, hallways, basement stairs and wine cellar are all Beaumaniere French limestone, floated on concrete and hot water radiant heat tiles. The entire house is heated with hot water radiant heat in the floors driven by a Munchkin digital, instant hot water furnace. There are eight separate temperature control modules throughout the home. The original plumbing/heating contractor, Allen Plumbing, has checked the system every year and is fully familiar and available. The cabinetry throughout was custom designed by Downsview. All drawers are “self-closing” designed by Guido Ausenda of Monterey Kitchens. All counter tops or slab surfaces are granite, limestone or Carrara marble. 

All doors on the ground floor are 8-foot solid wood. All metal handles, pulls and hinges throughout the home are Rocky Mountain Hardware. The wrought iron railings, inside and out, were conceived by Jan Gardner Design and engineered by Fletcher & Hardoin. There are over 150 low voltage halogen ceiling light fixtures throughout the home and 21 low voltage halogen exterior lights in copper fixtures.

The roof shingles are fiber-cement slate procured and installed by Groza Construction’s team. All exterior metal, gutters chimney tops and fittings are copper.

All window and French door coverings are custom designed plantation shutters from Accents in Carmel.

The wine cellar is configured for approximately 600 bottles but could easily accommodate more than twice that amount. The cellar also includes a Sub-Zero wine refrigerator with room for four cases and two temperature zones. Being below ground in solid concrete, the cellar easily maintains an ideal temperature.

The family room has a complete home theater system including inset ceiling and wall speakers, designed and installed by Axiom Home Theater, Monterey. Likewise, the sound system in the Living room. Axiom installed Etrhernet cable throughout the house during construction for computer networking. They also installed numerous cable TV jacks and wired the home for satellite reception as an alternative.  

This home is a luxurious and peaceful sanctuary, situated in a neighborhood rich in Monterey history and minutes to all the Peninsula has to offer. Unlike my previous before and after posts, this home is currently offered for sale! Please contact me to arrange a private showing. This is a home you really need to see for yourself to appreciate.