Mountains: A Contemporary Retreat in Carmel

Perched atop the rolling hills of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Carmel, California, this contemporary weekend retreat by Feldman Architecture embodies the perfect harmony between rugged natural beauty and refined comfort. Clad in weathered limestone and steel, the home feels deeply rooted in its surroundings, paying homage to a majestic 100-year-old valley oak that serves as the heart of its design.

Nature as the Centerpiece: The Legacy Oak

The ancient valley oak is more than just a source of shade for the central courtyard it shapes the home’s entire layout. Landscape architects from Ground Studio crafted a series of winding pathways that guide visitors through different zones of the house, seamlessly blending architecture with nature. The result is a living experience where indoor and outdoor spaces flow effortlessly into one another.

A modern weekend getaway in Carmel’s Santa Lucia Mountains, blending steel, limestone, and sweeping ridge views around a 100-year-old Valley Oak.

Dramatic Outdoor Spaces: A Pool with Panoramic Views

The rear of the house opens to sweeping hilltop vistas, featuring a 70-foot infinity pool that appears to merge with the horizon. Adjacent to it, a dual-sided dining room dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, creating an ideal setting for gatherings. On warm evenings, meals can spill onto the outdoor dining terrace by the pool, while a dedicated lounge area offers front-row seats to cinematic sunsets over the untouched landscape.

A central courtyard shaded by a heritage Valley Oak, with meandering paths designed to connect every part of the home to nature.

Interiors: A Balance of Warmth and Edge

Inside, Toni Ambus Design curated a space that balances organic warmth with industrial modernity:

Cedar-clad ceilings infuse rooms with a natural glow.
Oiled steel accents add a sleek, contemporary edge.
Exposed concrete floors keep the interiors grounded and airy.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room flood the space with light while framing the breathtaking views like living artwork.

Warm cedar ceilings, sleek oil-rubbed steel, and cool concrete floors create a modern yet inviting interior style.

A Chef’s Dream Kitchen

Positioned at the home’s core, the kitchen reflects the owner’s passion for cooking. Designed for both function and style, it features:

Crisp white cabinetry and a generous island.
Windows framing views of the courtyard and heritage oak.
This space effortlessly bridges gourmet preparation and social connection, easily accessible from all areas of the home.

A chef’s dream kitchen with white cabinetry, a spacious island, and windows framing views of the central courtyard and oak tree.

Private Guest Suites: Seamless Yet Separate

A steel-and-wood staircase leads to sunlit guest suites, offering:

Self-contained living areas with kitchenettes.
Covered walkways linking to the main house, ensuring privacy without isolation.

Final Thoughts: A Sanctuary of Timeless Beauty

Nestled among mountains, meadows, and ancient oaks, this retreat is more than a home—it’s a carefully crafted experience designed for connection, relaxation, and enduring beauty.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This design brilliantly demonstrates how modern architecture can honor nature without compromising luxury, transforming a century-old oak into the soul of the home. However, deeper exploration of energy efficiency or sustainable materials could have strengthened its environmental ethos. Nevertheless, the project remains a stunning example of how homes can evolve into living art that coexists with the land.