Brief History on the Origin of Carmel-by-the-Sea
California's Jewel City on the Monterey Peninsula
Jan 31, 2009
It was a land with little to offer but a magnificent coastline, yet one man saw the possibility of a thriving town. The talent of a young architect and the unusual gift from an adoring husband helped create the Carmel of today. An awareness of Carmel's humble beginnings offers an even greater appreciation of the design and artistry that adorns the city.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The 17-mile drive tour pops one out on the outskirts of Carmel, and a short distance from the expansive white sand beaches. Cypresses along the beach are twisted and turned in every direction, evidence of the relentless encouragement of the ever changing marine winds; evidence of a certain man and his vision.
Take one road, any road, and soon one will pass before homes usually found in fairytales and dreams. This is an architect and designers playground. And it all started a long time ago when one man decided that this stretch of land should be a haven for artists.
The Beginning of a Dream
James Devendorf was visiting from San Francisco when he was awestruck by the wild beauty of the coastline. His desire to start a community led him to join forces with developer Frank Powers and together, they drew plans to build a town. His intention was to market it mainly to poets, writers and intellectuals. As part of the community landscaping, he planted 100 cypress trees along the coast and inner roads, and was careful to build around mature trees already in existence. A dream that began over a century ago has continued to thrive in Carmel as it is known today.
The First Architect
A young architect by the name of Michael Murphy was invited by Devendorf to build the homes in Carmel. He left Utah in 1902 with his family and while they lived in a tent nearby, he designed his first home. This first Murphy house is now the Welcome Center in Carmel. His early plans followed that of the homes in Utah, but quickly he added architectural details from the craftsman style that gave his designs their own individuality.
The First "Fantasy" House
Carmel’s fantasy filled homes may have taken off when another man came to reside in the area. Hugh Comstock’s dream was to build a home for his young wife and created for her a human size dollhouse. 300 square feet later, his home stood out in such sharp and quaint contrast from the Murphy homes that demand sky-rocketed for the “Dollhouse Tudor”. Today popular favorites that followed his lead are the Hansel House and the Tuck Box House.
California's Jewel City
Since then, the sky has been the limit and creations of all shapes, sizes and colors stand one beside the other. Artisans from around the world have found a voice and a home here.Take a stroll along the paved path for a view of the coastal homes, but walk among the inner roads as well as on each street there is a gem to be found.
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