Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, home to our boutique Lark Hotel Tradewinds, is a charming seaside village that has attracted artists, actors, musicians, and other creatives throughout the years. With beaches, great shopping, historical attractions, and plenty of art galleries, this Central California town has also become a tourist destination for those attracted by its artsy vibe.
Some of Carmel's architecture was influenced by the creative process, reflecting the quirky interests of its owners rather than any traditional Southern Californian design. These unexpected surprises add to the magical feeling of this California town, so be on the lookout for one of Carmel's signature fairy tale cottages. Take a self-guided walking tour of Comstock Historical Hill District to see these charming cottages, with their jaunty colors, uneven rooflines, beautiful gardens, and historical significance.
The fairy tale cottages of Carmel, CA were built by a man named Hugh Comstock, who arrived in Carmel in 1924. Comstock met and married a woman who made ragdolls, which she called Otsy-Totsy dolls. Comstock built a cottage on Torres St. for the two of them and named it Gretel. You'll see why at first glance, as it's straight out of a fairy tale. With a wonky stone chimney, ornate cornices, and a wavy-edged shake roof, this cottage is nestled into its ornate garden and landscaping. Next, Comstock built the cottage Hansel nearby, to act as a showroom for his wife's dolls. He also built one commercial building in the village, dubbed The Tuck Box, now home to a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Comstock eventually constructed several Tudor "fairy tale"-style cottages in the neighborhood, 21 of which remain today, all privately owned.
To see all the Hugh Comstock homes, pick up a map at the Carmel Vistors Center on Ocean Ave. in downtown Carmel, CA. Take yourself on a self-guided walking tour using this map, and make these fairy tale cottages of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA a memorable vacation experience.
