Carmel

Earlier in the week I posted about a wedding of friends that we attended in Pebble Beach. Black tie dress on the lawn of the 18th hole--perfect setting for a couple who love golf.

One of the bonuses of going to Pebble Beach was a chance to stay with friends from London who now live part time in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I fell in love with their home seen here.

A

Walking the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you find "cottages" of all styles,

B

including several that look like they could be straight out of the Cotswolds in the English countryside.

C

Fascinating to me was the regulation that the trees can not be cut down when there is any home construction. Isn't this tree amazing?

D

This house is called The Bark Tree by the locals.

E

This was one of the favorites from the outside, beautifully landscaped and actually for sale now, and we lucked into a Sunday afternoon open house.

F

For $2,395,000 million dollars, it can be yours. Three bedroom, 2 bath, 1600 square feet. Take a peek here.

The gardens of many of the homes were spectacular.

G

Love this one,

H

especially the front gate.

Trimmed in blue, this house stood out.

I

And this is the house that faces our friends' house. If you could pick one for yourself, which one would it be? I've labeled them with letters.

J

Clint Eastwood, former mayor of Carmel, has opened this restaurant and inn, Mission Ranch,

with a beautiful vista out the back patio. Formerly an 1800's ranch and dairy, it was rescued from being developed into condos by the former mayor.

Shops in the area ooze with charm,

and tempt visitors and locals alike.

And did I mention, they LOVE their dogs there?  The famous Cypress Inn, partly owned by Doris Day, is probably the most pet friendly hotel in town, as well as the beaches where dogs run free, and many restaurants which are happy to have your furry friends as guests along with you.

We fell in love with the casual, welcoming spirit of this city of artisans and Pacific breezes. Did you spot a place where you might want to live?