Tucked within the prestigious gated community of Monterra in Monterey, California lies a true architectural gem that’s having its second glow-up.
Originally commissioned and featured by Sunset Magazine in 2008 as one of their famed Idea Homes, the stunning property at 8370 Monterra Views in Monterey, Calif. has graced its fortunate owners with breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas for over a decade.
“Living here has been a profound experience,” the owner shares exclusively with Fancy Pants Homes. “The design of the house, particularly the living room with its expansive views, has given us countless sunset memories, a daily spectacle that never ceases to amaze.”
Now, for the first time since its inception, this rustic modern masterpiece is looking to change owners and is being offered for sale, priced at $6.5 million. Tim Allen of Tim Allen Properties Team (affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California) holds the listing.
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Property overview
Designed by renowned restoration architect Thomas Bateman Hood, the 7,286-square-foot residence seamlessly blends inspiration from Steinbeck Country’s rustic roots with contemporary luxury.
The 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom estate spans three main structures across 1.75 acres, employing an effortless indoor-outdoor flow through expansive windows and sliding glass doors.
Reclaimed materials like redwood siding from an abandoned stagecoach station and repurposed barn doors pay homage to the region’s history.
Architectural and design highlights
Beyond its architectural pedigree, the $6.5 million home dazzles with an array of lavish amenities, its seamless fusion of rustic charm and modern luxury, and quite a few eco-conscious features.
The design incorporates a rustic modern style using eco-friendly and recycled materials such as reclaimed barn wood from a local stagecoach station.
Meanwhile, energy-efficient systems and drought-tolerant landscaping ensure minimal environmental impact.
A Sunset Idea House
As a Sunset Idea Home, this property was envisioned as a model of what modern, sustainable living should embody.
Each year, Sunset Magazine collaborates with leading architects, builders, and designers to create a home that not only pushes the boundaries of residential design but also integrates the latest in green technology and materials.
This home serves as a prime example of that initiative, designed to inspire and influence trends in home building.
Interior design and features
The interior of the home is a testament to sophisticated design, where contemporary furnishings meet artistic flair to create a welcoming yet impressively elegant atmosphere.
Vast windows and strategically placed gathering areas make the natural surroundings an integral part of the home experience.
The gourmet kitchen features a rounded island, high-end appliances, sapele wood cabinetry and quartz countertops. The opulent primary suite includes an infinity soaking tub and waterfall shower, while the other bedrooms have unique themes.
The sellers have many fond memories of the house
The sellers, Robert and Lauren, have many fond memories of their beautiful home.
As Robert reminisces, “The living room that has the best views has allowed us to see magnificent sunsets year-round. Those will be great memories. We’d stand arms around each other, mesmerized by the colors, our puppy pushing between our legs to see what we’re looking at.”
Connection to Steinbeck Country
Embedded in the locale that inspired much of John Steinbeck’s work, the property captures the essence of what the author celebrated about the region: a life of simplicity and a profound connection to nature.
The home’s location and design philosophy reflect this ethos, offering a peaceful retreat that honors its cultural and natural heritage.
The open floor plan and indoor-outdoor connection further evoke the relaxed lifestyle and closeness to nature John Steinbeck captured in his writings about old Monterey and Carmel.
Entertaining spaces flow effortlessly to the outdoors, where owners can lounge by the fire pit, play bocce ball or enjoy pizza from the outdoor oven.
Indoor-outdoor living at its best
The home’s seamless indoor-outdoor living was a highlight for the couple.
“The thing we loved best about the house was its indoor/outdoor quality…We commissioned a formal dining room table…right in the middle of the arbor. For the first 10 years we lived there we did all our entertaining outside, including formal dinners,” Robert shares.
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A serene ambiance despite the grandeur
Robert also speaks fondly of the home’s grand yet serene ambiance.
“If you’ve ever been in a Gothic Cathedral somewhere in Europe you know the feeling of walking into a building that possesses the great quality of space… At 7,200 square feet it’s like we float from room to room.”
The home’s tranquil setting allowed the couple to embrace a leisurely lifestyle reminiscent of Steinbeck’s writings about the area. As Robert muses, “Thoughts are slow and deep and golden in the morning.”
The current owners redid the outdoor areas
“We remodeled the entire outside,” the seller tells us, before diving into the extensive outdoor remodel and newly added amenities.
“We added the flagstones upon which the outdoor kitchen and outdoor living room set. We also added the arbor, dinning room table and pizza oven. Then to continue the feeling of stimulating entertainment of the senses we added a full sized bocci ball court.”
“For landscaping we added a small grove of producing Moreno Olive trees, artichoke plantings in the raised beds, and a vegetable garden in planters outside the kitchen window.”
Architectural gem seeks new caretakers
With only one previous owner and a coveted location within Monterey’s prestigious Monterra community, this property presents a rare opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a harmonious blend of luxury, sustainability, and architectural excellence.
Perhaps Robert said it best: “Working, playing and sleeping in our house is like being in a magic wonderland.” For the right buyer seeking a relaxing retreat near Monterey’s scenic attractions, the magic can begin anew.
*Editor’s note: to clarify, the house is now being brought to market for the first time since its owners purchased it, soon after it was completed in 2009. While the current owners have been the sole occupants of this property since its inception, the house did have a short run on the market before they purchased it.
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