April 11, 2019 Rick Brunsman
'Breathtakingly Beautiful' Big Sur Retreat Floats Onto the Market for $7.25M
A fantastic Big Sur mountain retreat on property owned by one family for six generations is now on the market for $7.25 million.
The artist Jo Hudson lived in this one-of-a-kind residence—which was built in 1986—until his death in 2018. He's survived by his wife, Sherri Hudson Johannes, a graphic artist and jewelry designer who's now overseeing the sale of the property along California's central coast.
The two, who met at the nearby Esalen Institute, lived and made art in the sprawling compound set on 59 acres of prime coastal land. Local architect Mickey Muennig designed the home in collaboration with Hudson.
"It was a collaboration of imagination and design," Johannes says. "It was all about the views. Where can I get an interesting view?"
Mission accomplished. Perched on a cliff, it offers spectacular views of the coastline below. A particularly pretty spot on the property is a plunge pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
But there are so many appealing nooks and crannies to choose from. The guest cottage with a second-floor deck offers vistas above the treetops. An "outdoor bed" and nearby hot tub enable unimpeded stargazing at night.
Dining room and spiral staircase in main house
Living room and fireplace
Kitchen with colorful tile
Plunge pool with ocean views
"For people who know the coast, there's just nothing like it," Johannes says. "You have these views of the coastline and peace and privacy. It's breathtakingly beautiful."
It's also not for the faint of heart. Grocery runs must be well planned. Whole Foods in Carmel is an hour and 20 minutes away, Johannes notes. But once you're fully stocked up in this secluded spot surrounded by nature, there's no reason to leave.
"It is a very remote location," says listing agent Nancy Sanders. "For someone who is an artist or a writer, who has a hectic busy life, that's the person who will find their dream come true."
There's plenty of room for family and friends, so perhaps a rotating errand and grocery schedule can be arranged.
The living space includes a multilevel main house made of redwood and featuring exposed beams, a fireplace, and a kitchen with colorful tile. Elsewhere on the property are a guest cottage, two artist studios, a one-car garage with attached workshop, and a caretaker's cabin.
The land, along with woodsy acreage, includes grassy areas for picnics, gardens, and mature plantings.
With development limited in Big Sur, a coastal area about 350 miles south of San Francisco, properties like this one are in short supply.
"It's very rare," Sanders says. Much of the surrounding land consists of state forest, parks, or preservation areas.
"At the moment, it's a relatively small amount of private land. It doesn't turn over much," Sanders says.
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