Big Sur Coast

The Big Sur Coast area is located south of Carmel Highlands and is 90 miles of breathtakingly beautiful coastline, alive with pristine and raw natural splendor. Entering Big Sur everything seems brighter, more vibrant, perhaps more extreme as if nature turned up the dial on its intensity and beauty. A source of inspiration, primal fascination and adventure, this stretch of coast will forever establish itself in the hearts and minds of those who are fortunate to experience its awe and timeless beauty.  Starting south of Garrapata Beach in Carmel, the area extends south to the Los Padres National Forest. This massive expanse of land extends approximately 35 miles eastward from the coast to the eastern Santa Lucia mountains and Ventana Wilderness area. The majority of the land is California State Park Lands. Still sparsely populated, it remains home to the wildlife and forest that blanket this protected and unique place on earth, as well as a number of lucky residents who call it home. It was only as relatively recent as the 1920s that there were only two homes in the region that had electricity, which was then generated by water wheels and windmills. Power connections to the grid were not established in this remote area until the 1950’s.

After familiar Hwy 1 was remarkably constructed into existence and designated a state highway in 1939, tourists began to explore this undiscovered land which experienced a boom with the opening of Heart Castle in 1958 in San Simeon. In the early to mid-twentieth century the land began to inspire the prolific minds of artists and writers including Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller, Hunter S. Thompson, and poet Robinson Jeffers. The peaceful solitude and tranquility also drew the spiritual and religious including the Catholic Monastery, New Camaldoli Hermitage, the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, and the Esalen Institute. The ability of the area to inspire self -reflection and contemplation and an appreciation for nature is just as evident today as when first discovered.

 

Big Sur Coast real estate offers privacy, abundant land, and stunning views from sea to mountains. Whether your Big Sur home is nestled in the woods under the canopies of the redwoods or ocean front on a hilltop perch, you live in an exceptionally unique environment. From your private home you can watch nature dramatically change from rolling fog that settles softly onto the ragged rocks to vibrant sunsets reflective on the smooth sand at Pfeiffer Beach. Your location will provide a sanctuary while still remaining in close proximity to the everyday conveniences of Carmel. Click here for all available Carmel real estate. Each home in Big Sur is truly one of a kind. You will be amazed by the unique architecture, design, and presence of these special homes. Even those with modern appeal and bold lines seem to exist in perfect harmony with their dramatic surroundings.

 

Click here to preview all Big Sur Coast homes for sale.

 

For a detailed analysis of Big Sur real estate sales, check out our monthly Community Market Reports.

To live in Big Sur is to live in step with nature. It is virtually impossible not to benefit from the fresh air, ocean vistas and spiritual quality of the land around you. You will enjoy hiking and exploring in the area’s numerous state parks,dining at the luxury hotels nearby including the iconic Post Ranch Inn and photographing the endless postcard images through your camera lens. Perhaps you will train to run the famous Big Sur Marathon or take a painting class and rediscover your talents. You will also have the proximity to enjoy all the exciting events on the Monterey Peninsula including the AT&T Pro Am Pebble Beach golf tournament and the Concours d’Elegance, showcasing fine rare automobiles from around the world. A reasonable drive north will take you to Carmel-by-the-Sea with its fairy tale style cottages and bustling shopping and dining district. Big Sur offers an unrivaled experience and perspective on living that will be yours to cherish when you find your perfect home along the Big Sur Coast.