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The unusual inspiration for this estate listed in California — barns. See ‘Idea Home’

A spectacular — and original — house has graced the real estate market in beautiful Monterey, California, for $6.5 million.

And it comes with a special highlight — it’s famous.

Sort of.

“Commissioned and featured by Sunset Magazine as a true architectural marvel, The Sunset Magazine Idea House flawlessly blends its inspiration from Steinbeck Country’s rustic roots with a luxurious modern style designed by Thomas Bateman Hood to perfectly frame the incredible ocean and mountain views,” the listing on Coldwell Banker Realty describes.

The article highlights the home’s proximity to the ocean and its barn inspiration (more specifically, the barns that hide along the green countryside and rolling hills of the seaside area).

“The home’s barn motif easily translates into luxurious style throughout the interior,” Sunset said. “Barn doors from Old World Door frame the entry into the game room. A mahogany pendant from YLighting casts ambient light on the side chair, upholstered in a velour from Sunbrella.”

The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home has classic features, including:

  • Open-plan layout

  • Views of oak trees

  • Ocean and mountain views

  • Deck

  • Fire pit

  • Pizza oven

  • Built-in BBQ

  • Bocce ball court

  • Olive grove

One of the center pieces of the elegant estate is the fireplace nook, Sunset pointed out.

“An abundance of coastal light infuses the home’s social spaces with a soft glow. Muted colors underscore the tranquil mood,” the magazine said.

“Warm putty-colored walls form a neutral backdrop to the Eldorado Stone massive stone-veneer fireplace, anchored with a chunky concrete mantel. The eclectic mix of furnishings creates a gathering spot; a laser-cut acrylic pendant from YLighting adds diffused illumination.”

The listing is held by Tim Allen of Tim Allen Properties Team, Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.

Currently, the home is listed as “contingent.”

Sherman Chu
Sherman Chu

This story was originally published July 22, 2024 at 5:45 PM with the headline "The unusual inspiration for this estate listed in California — barns. See ‘Idea Home’."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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