Real Estate Industry News

Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood‘s sustainable residential community in Carmel, California enters final phase. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

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If you fancy golf, jazz, cars and the peaceful splendor of California’s picturesque central coast, Clint Eastwood is about to make your day. Again.

Of the 60 purchased homesites, 30 Teháma homes have been built so far.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Following a decade of development and unforeseen delays, Teháma, the Hollywood legend’s ambitious real estate development, blows back onto the market like a timely breeze—circulating its final collection of sustainable homesites to market above scenic Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Just in time for Earth Week too.

Teháma Carmel is ultra-low density—designed for approximately 300 people.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Decades in the making, Teháma is imagined in Eastwood’s vision—as a 2,000-acre private residential enclave in the undulating hills overlooking the tony village where he was once mayor. The iconic director-actor-activist touts Teháma as a pioneering sustainable living community, featuring only 90 homesites, an energy-efficient golf course, and 85% preserved open space—reminiscent of Eastwood’s old westerns (only more green and serene).

Actor Clint Eastwood at Mission Ranch Inn in Carmel. (Photo by Axel Koester/Corbis via Getty Images)

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“Our goal with this land from the beginning was to do our best to keep it like it is,” says Eastwood, a straight shooter whose connection to Carmel dates back 60+ years. “I have always said about this land, that it’s like a good movie script—it’s great, now let’s not screw it up. It’s been exciting to have others share in this vision over the years and join me in calling Teháma home.”

Wildlife includes grazing deer and wild turkeys.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Eastwood’s love for Carmel began in 1951 when he was drafted into the army during the Korean War—stationed at nearby Fort Ord (now closed). He later filmed Play Misty for Me (his directorial debut) in the area, where he served as Carmel mayor from 1986 to 1988. Malpaso, his film production company, is named after a local creek.

Teháma fetures authentic materials and architecture.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

The four-time Academy Award winner knows a good story when he sees one. His Teháma concept was far ahead of its time. Off-grid communities have since become highly desired, especially those accessible to luxurious amenities—dining, golf, pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse, fitness center, and nearby world-class entertainment like the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance exotic car celebration.

Golfing is one of the cherished amenities Clint Eastwood envisioned when he launched Teháma. (Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

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Eastwood envisioned an ultra low-density community of about 300 people who appreciate expansive landscapes, outdoor entertainment, and locally-sourced food. At Teháma, residents know their neighbors even though “next door” can be hundreds of yards away.

Teháma offers locally-sourced food.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

“In Teháma you feel a sense of peace and privacy, yet you are literally minutes away from the wealth of local amenities which draw people to Carmel, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and the Monterey Peninsula,” says Alan Williams, Teháma architect and Eastwood’s longtime friend.

Homesites boast diverse architectural styles and landscapes.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

“Once you experience that remarkable mix of living in a calm rural community and being able to drive a few minutes to go for a walk on the beach, hike in the hills, attend local world-class events, get groceries or go out to dinneryou don’t want to leave,” he adds.

Swimming pool

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Eastwood, a champion preserver of environmentally-sensitive locations, previously rescued the historic Mission Ranch in Carmel from condominium hell in the 1980s. He also teamed with Williams (president of Carmel Development Company) to preserve the 160-year-old ranch.

Teháma is outdoor friendly, spanning 2,000 acres.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Forty years passed between Eastwood’s purchase of the coveted land and development of Teháma’s infrastructure. Teháma has already sold 60 homesites, 30 of which are already beautified with exquisite sustainable homes.

Teháma homesites are natural extensions of the undulating landscape.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Secured by gated entrances accessible from Carmel and Monterey, Teháma homesites are a natural extension of the rolling hillsides, protected canyons, ocean vistas and roving wildlife. Mere miles from the airport and Pacific Ocean, the community narrowly escapes the fog belt, basking in California sun.

Teháma is 85% preserved open space.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Now, seven of Teháma’s final 30 homesites are for sale, spanning 3.5 to 25 acres in varying landscapes—open meadows, elevated hillsides or wooded spaces with views of Point Lobos, Carmel Bay, Monterey Bay and Santa Lucia Range.

Homesites range between 3.5 to 25 acres in open meadows, elevated hillsides or wooded spaces. Pictured: The Forrest.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

“While views far and near are exceptional, much of what makes Teháma special is what you don’t see—no overhead power lines, no blinking lights or intrusive signage, the night sky is preserved with very limited use of outdoor lighting, detention basins looks like natural meadows,” says Williams. “Even something as practical as your fire hydrant blends in with the surroundings.”

A tranquil lake

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Teháma means an “abundance of nature”—and it lives up to its name, as deer and wild turkeys graze a landscape that eagerly awaits new homes and residents. Teháma sold its first 60 homesites just prior the 2008 economic recession. Shortly after that cold spell, it shut down sales efforts—hibernating until another day, which is now. After all, a great script deserves the light of day.

A dense fog descends upon the picturesque central California coast.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Whether traditional or contemporary, Teháma homes boast authentic architectural styles and materials, integrating seamlessly into the surroundings.

View from ‘The Rock.’

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

The seven exclusive homesites up for grabs include: The Hilltop, a 15.4-acre plot ($2.5 million); The Promontory, an 11-acre plot ($5 million); The Summit, a 10-acre plot ($6.25 million); The Rock, a 5-acre plot ($3.2 million); The Forrest, a 7-acre plot ($1.8 million); The Sanctuary, a 13.2-acre plot ($1.5 million); and The Reserve, a 10-acre plot ($2 million). Rick Ojeda of Compass Real Estate is Teháma’s exclusive listing agent, handling real estate, membership and visits.

Director-actor Clint Eastwood fell in love with Carmel in 1951 when he was in the army. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Teháma is noted for its ecological preservation and high-quality on-site water sourcing, including California native grass and meadow flora regeneration, a state-of-the-art filtration system and a reclamation treatment plant which converts waste water to reclaimed water that sustainably irrigates Teháma’s Jay Morrish-designed golf course. The course includes a solar-paneled clubhouse, 200-to-300-year-old oaks, and native grasses (save the seeded greens).

Teháma’s clubhouse is solar-energy efficient.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

A stone’s throw from Pebble Beach Golf Links (host of June’s U.S. Open Championship), Teháma residents have access to a social membership, dining, fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, the clubhouse, and the 20-year-old private-by-invitation Teháma Golf Club.

Teháma’s golf course includes 300-year-old oaks and native grasses.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

 “Our approach at Teháma has always been about designing of the land, and not on it,” says Williams. “For example, we used indigenous Carmel stone to build the clubhouse and fitness center, making it look like it’s always been a part of the land here.”

Friends attend a yoga session at Teháma Carmel’s fitness center.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

Williams also designed the community’s infrastructure and sustainability initiatives—including underground utilities, inconspicuous parking garages, and solar panels.

Yes, that’s a birdie—in wild turkey form.

Jason Speth/Courtesy of TehamaCarmel

“Teháma represents a true last-of-its-kind locale on the central coast of California,” says Ojeda. “Perhaps its greatest amenity though is the one that was here before Teháma—the land.”