A 33-acre cliffside home in Big Sur, California with postcard coastal views located on a former gold mine that was in use until 1960 is offered for sale.
When gold was discovered in the 1880s, Big Sur was already well known for its natural beauty but was extremely remote and transportation was treacherous. Access was only by horse or foot and the state was slow to provide funds for expensive and dangerous road construction where few people lived. It wasn’t until 1919 that approval was finally given to build Route 1 along the Big Sur coastal area. Since regular laborers refused to work in such a dangerous environment, prisoners were used and prison camps set up in various locations to work on the road and later to build bridges. Even after the road was completed in 1937, heavy rains would bring landslides causing the road to be closed for weeks or months at a time. Anticipating the arrival of new people, some of the original Big Sur families donated or sold thousands of acres to the state for park land in order to restrict development that would destroy the coastline’s natural beauty. Today, most of Big Sur belongs to the state or federal government, strict regulations make new construction difficult, and billboards are prohibited.
Bringing to mind the exquisite scenery in the 1965 film The Sandpiper that was filmed in Big Sur, this 2,467-square-foot home jutting out over a cliff facing the Pacific Ocean has huge scenic views surrounded by virgin forest, a natural waterfall and the shaft to the actual mine representing nature and pioneer history.
Designed to maximize ocean, coastal and woodland views, the main house has expansive windows in every room that capture views from every angle. The great room features redwood beams and columns that were harvested and milled right from the property. The property going back over 100 years was a gold mine, and now the old miners' cabin shapes the modern rustic kitchen. There is one bedroom / one bath caretaker's home is located up the hill from the main house perched in the forest. Just a short stroll from the main house you will find your own private water fall that runs much of the year. The entire property is "off the grid." An elaborate solar system for energy, natural springs for water and septic. This home encompasses Big Sur magic throughout. Come experienced it for yourself first-hand.
Big Sur has attracted writers including Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller and Hunter Thompson, photographer Ansel Adams and musicians Al Jardine and Trent Reznor.
This Big Sur home is priced at $2.25 million; co-listing agents are Dana Bambace, Mark Peterson and Melissa Radowicz of Compass Realty, Carmel-By-The-Sea, California.
