Teháma: Sustainable Carmel-by-the-Sea community envisioned by Clint Eastwood
Only a few coveted homesites in Teháma are up for grabs, and they’re listed exclusively by Compass.
Teháma, the coveted private residential community secluded in the hills above the village of Carmel-by-the Sea and envisioned by Clint Eastwood as a model for sustainable development, is bringing to market its final collection of homesites.
Teháma has the same magical, bountiful quality today that it did when Eastwood first set foot atop one of Carmel Valley’s most splendid hillsides 40 years ago. By “lying gently on the land,” the majestic acreage has become a pioneering community for conscientious stewardship and sustainable living.
“People like me are looking for a place where they can have a quiet life and yet still be close to things. Me? I like elbow room. But it’s nice to know that if I want to go to the Carmel Bach Festival or listen to some jazz in Monterey or watch the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, it’s just minutes away.”
Clint Eastwood
“Teháma represents a true last-of-its-kind locale on the central coast of California,” said Compass agent Rick Ojeda, the exclusive sales partner for Teháma. “The natural beauty of the land here is unsurpassed, from the rolling hills and ocean vistas to the abundance of wildlife, and it is thoughtfully complemented with tireless attention to preserving and respecting the land. It’s a vision that began with an unwavering commitment to stewardship of the land.”
The ultra-low density community (85 percent of its nearly 2,000 acres preserved as open space) consists of only 90 homesites — 60 of which have already sold. Now, the first seven of Teháma’s final 30 homesites, ranging from 3.5 to 25 acres, are being released. These coveted properties offer a variety of living opportunities in either open meadows, elevated hillsides or wooded homesites with views of Point Lobos, Carmel Bay, Monterey Bay and the Santa Lucia Range.
A century ago, the seaside village of Carmel was founded as a haven for artists and writers who were drawn to the rugged natural beauty and pastoral calm of the Monterey Peninsula. And today, the same stands true. Replete with fairytale cottages and gnarled Cypress trees, nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea is beloved amongst Teháma residents for its art galleries, restaurants, shops and, of course, pristine beaches.
“Our goal with this land from the beginning was to do our best to keep it like it is,” said Eastwood, whose legacy of preservation in and around Carmel goes back more than 60 years.
“I have always said about this land, that it’s like a good movie script: it’s great; now let’s not screw it up. It’s been exciting to have others share in this vision over the years and join me in calling Teháma home.”
Clint Eastwood
Eastwood’s adoration of Carmel began in 1951 when he was drafted in the army and stationed at Fort Ord. He later filmed his directorial debut, Play Misty for Me, in the area, named his production company “Malpaso,” after a local creek and, from 1986 to 1988, served a term as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Eastwood has long been a champion of preservation of environmentally sensitive locations. He saved the historic Mission Ranch in Carmel from becoming condominiums in the 1980s. It was then that he first teamed up Alan Williams, of Carmel Development Company, whose preservation, improvement and adaptive reuse of the 160-year-old historic ranch gained international appreciation.
Williams would go on to design the Teháma Clubhouse and Fitness Center as well as all infrastructure and sustainability initiatives for the Teháma community. From underground utilities to inconspicuous parking garages and solar panels, every human contribution at Teháma has been thoughtfully integrated to maintain the natural beauty of the community.
“Our approach at Teháma has always been about designing of the land, and not on it,” explained Williams. “For example, we used indigenous Carmel stone to build the clubhouse and fitness center, making it look like it’s always been a part of the land here. It’s a spectacular setting — overlooking the nearly 2,000 acres preserved in open space at Tehama — for members to relax or dine on locally sourced fare and enjoy the many fitness opportunities such as the pools or tennis courts.”
Teháma has also been a model for ecological preservation through its successful regeneration of a variety of California native grasses and meadow flora. Additionally, an on-site water source and state of the art filtration system affords Teháma residents a reliable, long-term source of high-quality water. A state-of-the-art reclamation plant treats the community’s wastewater to produce reclaimed water which sustainably irrigates the Teháma Golf Club’s Jay Morrish-designed golf course.
“At Teháma, we’ve designed a self-sustaining community for generations to enjoy,” noted Williams.
Each just-released homesite was thoughtfully selected to integrate with the lay of the land and complement the incomparable character of the landscape. With multiple secured, gated entrances accessible from both Carmel and Monterey, peace of mind is ensured. The first seven of the final homesites at Teháma include:
The Hilltop – Homesite 10 | $2,500,000
24 Teháma |15.43-acres | 2.20-acre building envelope
The Promontory: Homesite 17 | $5,000,000
9 Alta Madera | 11-acres| 1.38-acre building envelope
The Summit: Homesite 25 | $6,250,000
38 Teháma |10.05-acre | 1.64-acre building envelope
The Rock: Homesite 29 | $3,200,000
34 Teháma | 5.01-acre homesite | 0.76-acre building envelope
The Forest: Homesite 38 | $1,800,000
20 Teháma |7-acre homesite | 1.56-acre building envelope
The Sanctuary: Homesite 39 |$1,500,000
21 Teháma | 13.16-acre Homesite | 1.04-acre building envelope
The Reserve: Homesite 45 | $2,000,000
54 Marguerite |10.01-acre homesite | .68-acre building envelope
For more information about Teháma, visit tehamacarmel.com. Contact Rick Ojeda of Compass at 831.200.3756 to learn more about real estate, membership or to arrange a visit.