| By Scott Kauffman | October 3, 2008 1:28 AM ET
(CARMEL, CA) - While much of the U.S. real estate market reports sluggish sales activity, this highly affluent part of Northern California is having a strong year. At least that's the case at Tehama, an exclusive development started by famed actor/director and longtime Carmel figure Clint Eastwood.
According to a Tehama spokesperson, the low-density 2,000-acre-plus project currently has six occupied residences, 19 home plans in community design review or at the county level, and nine estates under construction. Additionally, in the last few months, Tehama Realty has sold three homesites valued at $3.2 million, $3.5 million and $5.4 million each.
One of the property owners who recently break ground on a home is Eastwood, underscoring the exciting momentum developing at this picturesque property overlooking the Monterey Peninsula. "While the current national economic dynamics have prompted negotiation, prices at Tehama have remained consistent and unchanged," said Mike Jashinski, director of sales for Tehama Realty. "Our buyers recognize the value of owning property in this community--and they're purchasing here because of the natural beauty, the privacy and the proximity to the cultural and entertainment offerings of the Monterey Peninsula."
Located amidst rolling hills above the Pacific Ocean just minutes from Carmel and Monterey, Tehama offers a rare coastal lifestyle opportunity. Tehama, a name derived from the Native American word meaning "abundance of nature," is a private, gated development with only 90 custom homesites planned. The lots, priced from $2.5 million to $6.25 million, are anywhere from four to 17-plus acres in size.
Overall, the Tehama development team has preserved more than 85 percent of the 2,000-acre-plus community as natural open space, maintaining the viewsheds and wildlife corridors that have been in place for centuries. Depending on where one is, the homesites offer expansive views of the surrounding valley, forested hillsides, mountain vistas, Carmel Bay, or the Monterey Bay.
The beauty of the land is what first drew Eastwood and his former wife to the property years ago, and it is the focus of the community he and Carmel Development Company have designed. "The sensitivity used in planning Tehama is all about keeping what is here and integrating families and their homes into the environment," said Alan Williams, president of Carmel Development Company. "The more time you spend here, the more unique you really know Tehama is. There is an intimacy between the people and the land here that is very special."
In terms of aesthetics, Tehama's architectural styles were selected to preserve the Spanish- and Western-inspired traditions of Carmel. While featuring a high degree of design freedom, Tehama's design guidelines assist residents and their design team in crafting a home that blends into the setting while also reflecting the rich heritage of the Carmel community.
Inside this sustainable luxury community, residents have access to the Tehama golf clubhouse and fitness center, a compound covering nearly four acres. A social fitness membership is offered with the original sale of each homesite, giving owners access to the community's fitness center. The facility sits adjacent to the clubhouse and features porches and covered patios, swimming pools, tennis courts, a community meeting space and Callahan's, a picturesque midday dining venue.
"While our buyers desire elbow room, they also want the opportunity to socialize and get to know their neighbors," Jashinski said.
There is also a private, 18-hole golf course and large practice facility designed by Jay Morrish. Membership to the invitation-only Tehama Golf Club is not included in the purchase of a homesite.