Santa Lucia Preserve, California

Living in a community of like-minded people who revel in the outdoors and value the art of recycling is closer to reality than you might think. Set on 20,000 acres of land with mountainscapes and ocean views just 2 miles from the beach in Carmel, the Santa Lucia Preserve was designed to respect the natural landscape. The region is considered a biodiversity hot spot because of the verdant plant life and diverse species that live in and around the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Global architecture firm Hart Howerton, the visionary behind this unique concept, is passionate about designing resorts and homes that support the well-being of inhabitants and their eco-systems. Everything from the fences to the buildings on the preserve are designed to be as least disruptive to the wildlife as possible. To achieve this peaceful partnership, the preserve has saddled up with nonprofit Santa Lucia Conservancy to manage the land and educate locals on conservation.

To meet the high standards for environmentally conscious construction, the 300 homes are designed in compliance with the preserve’s building codes, which focus on minimizing wasteful materials and building in areas that reduce stress on the land. The Spanish-style hacienda properties boast characteristics like floor-to-ceiling glass windows, chefs’ kitchens, marble countertops, hardwood flooring, and spacious verandas with panoramic vistas. For those who want to envision their own personal sanctuary, there are spectacular homesites available. Members and homeowners will have access to 100 miles of hiking and biking trails weaving through the open land as well as a lake for fishing and boating, a local equestrian center, a golf clubhouse, and a Tom Fazio golf course.

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Protected land in the Santa Lucia Preserve

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Equestrian center in the community

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Tom Fazio golf course

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Exterior view of a home

Wild Boar homestead exterior view

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Wild Boar homestead

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Dining area

Bedroom interior with mountain views

Courtyard at the preserve

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Interior space at home homes on the property