Carmel’s “Owl-House” Listing is a Tribute to California’s Boho Coastal Design

Mickey Muennig’s famous “Owl-House” in Carmel, CA was recently listed for $3.75 million dollars. With its signature redwood planks and clean, mid century lines, this home has quintessential Big Sur style. Known as “The Man Who Built Big Sur”, Muenning’s designs are world famous, local attractions for the Big Sur and Carmel area. 

130 miles south of San Francisco, the coastal town of Carmel is home to one of Northern California’s wealthiest towns. The beauty of the natural area, the coastal cliffs, and the mild weather attract many and make the housing market there one of the most competitive.

Up in the trees, the so-called “Owl House” was built in 1976 and is a classic tribute to Californian, coastal design. Muennig’s distinctive features in this home include old-growth, vertical redwood planks in curved lines that feel organic and symbiotic with nature, reflecting immense curb appeal. The house is secluded and feels like a bohemian artist’s dream.

Bright and airy, the house’s architectural features are minimalist and feel instantly connected with nature. Its skylights and distinctive circular windows throughout the home frame the blue skies and green trees outside, and add to slightly nautical yet contemporary aesthetic.

Inside the home, the exposed, untreated wood panels are highlighted by many large windows providing glorious, natural light. In the living and dining areas, Noguchi-style paper lantern pendants hang. Other important features displayed in the home are terracotta floor tiles and redwood built-ins. The warm tones of the heavy wood throughout the home are balanced by the white walls.

The home’s large floor-to-ceiling windows also provide enormous amounts of light. In addition, and in true mid-century fashion, many original fixtures remain including a 70’s floating brass pit fireplace in the living room. In addition, the kitchen and bathrooms even have wood plank countertops. The wooden accents throughout the home stay true to the original house design.

Outside the home, the structure feels symbiotic with nature, blending seamlessly with the surrounding hills and trees. Giant shady oak trees and tall redwoods surround the property. Modest and minimalist-looking, bronze outdoor sconces also surround the outside providing sufficient light. The curved shape of the home and its vast wraparound deck are great for enjoying extraordinary views overlooking the Pescadero Canyon.

This coastal estate is a notable stand-out listing in the Northern California housing market and will need an equally artistic, bohemian owner to match the home. The listing is held by Tim Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty.