Actress Kim Novak captivated audiences in the 1950s and 60s and beyond with her roles in Vertigo, Picnic, The Man with the Golden Arm, and more. Despite Novak’s success, she left Hollywood in an effort to live a more low-key life.
The Carmel estate is perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
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Her primary residence from 1961 to 1973 was 170 Spindrift Lane in Carmel, California, which Novak referred to as the Gull House. Now, the home is officially on the market for $12.5 million. Not only was this her Hollywood escape, but she also used the home as her art studio, as she is a talented painter. According to a recent profile in Carmel Magazine, Novak, 88, purchased the home, which was built in 1957, without ever stepping foot inside.
There is a main house and a guest house, which Novak built in 1967.
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She purchased the home in the height of her career, so it was important to have a secure entrance. The home is located on a private road with gated access, and there are just four additional homes behind the gates. The main home has one bedroom and one-and-a-half bathrooms.
The idyllic views give you a chance to watch otters, pelicans and whales.
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While living here, she built a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house in 1967. The actress and painter has since moved to Oregon, where she currently resides.
The home has charming features, like stained redwood walls and tiling.
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“The sensory experience of being on the front row of the Carmel coast is something you need to witness firsthand,” listing agent Jonathan Spencer exclusively tells Forbes. “The drama of the crashing waves, sea mist on your face, and abundant sea life right outside your window offer an unparalleled lifestyle and sense of oneness with nature’s greatest creation.”
Actress Kim Novak on the set of the 1958 film “Vertigo.”
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Her former two-acre coastal hideaway is situated on a rocky promontory and built into the granite cliffs. It’s located in the affluent enclave of Carmel Highlands, just five minutes from the main town, and the property has become an icon in Carmel. The property is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, near Yankee Point Beach and Pebble Beach.
The home spans 2,070 square feet and is crafted from beautiful stone. Reminiscent of a castle with a turreted structure, the home is crafted from stone and has charming details, like a wrought-iron front door, stained glass detailing throughout the home, a wood-burning stove and cozy living spaces. Modernly updated with a rustic design and feel, the home features tile flooring and stained redwood walls.
Future owners will enjoy views of pelicans, swimming otters, whales, gulls and more from any window in the home.
The cozy living room features beamed ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, a skylight and magnificent … [+]
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The entire lower level is home to the master suite, which includes a spacious bedroom; walk-in-closet; and bathroom with dual vanities, a tub and shower. The bedroom also has a patio. There are large windows that overlook the ocean in nearly every room of the house. Winding staircases lead you to the cozy living space, featuring a wood-burning fireplace, slate floors, beamed ceiling with a skylight; and walls of glass. The home also has an office and a kitchenette that was remodeled in the 2000s with state-of-the-art appliances.
The updated kitchen features modern appliances.
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In addition to the one-bedroom main house and one-bedroom guest house, there is also a detached one-car garage.
The main bedroom connects to a patio overlooking the ocean.
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The home also comes with approved plans to raze the guest house and garage to construct a new 4,300-square-foot three-bedroom and three-bathroom main house.
The cozy one-bedroom guest house offers front-row ocean views.
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The property is listed by Jonathan Spencer Properties of Compass.