CLASSIC MURPHY 1920’s COUNTRY ENGLISH STYLE COTTAGE

I am browsing through the Pine Cone real estate section when I see a photo of a Carmel cottage with smoke curling invitingly from its chimney.

Its name is By-the Way and I remember seeing it on our walks out on Carmel Point.

It is surrounded by a grape stake fence and has many windows. A small stone wall with a blue door slides down one side of the cottage. 

As I read the listing ,I find it has been remodeled to keep the original character but has modern comforts and conveniences.

At 92 year old, it wears its age well.

It was built by M. J.Murphy in the 1920‘s. M.J. Murphy was 16 when he came to Carmel from Utah. He had been trained as a builder and house painter and at age 17, he built his first house, an 899 sq. ft. Cottage, around the tent in which his family was living.

It was during the 1920’s that the bright young architect designed and sold  Carmel houses for about $100, lot included. Some 80 years later, Murphy’s inimitabel houses are still collectible – and this is one I wish I could add to a collection.

The realty company includes a floor plan so with the help of the plan and the photos, let tour the property.

Today the blue door is open

and as we walk through we see that many rooms of this home open to a large brick patio

simply landscaped with potted boxwood and climbing vines. 

A dear little play house sits at the back.

Lets enter through the french door with its sidelights

The entry is bright and the hardwood floors stretch out forever. 

We enter a vaulted living-dining area.

The bay window surrounded by bookshelves looks like a great place to curl up with a book .

We go down a step into the family room with its handsome fireplace – one of five fireplaces in the cottage. 

Notice all clever storage built into the wall.

We turn into a spacious wet bar

And butler’s pantry that separate the family room from the 

kitchen.

I would have to say that this is my dream kitchen. Much of the hardware and lighting is original.

The cook has a great view out the corner window 

And can sit in the wing chairs and toast her feet while she waits for the bread to rise.

The long table doubles as a work space and dining area

I am totally in love with the Cornue stove with its hood and tiled niche , double ovens and multiple burners.

There is even a dutch door that opens to the patio.

This floor also boasts a laundry room- a real luxury.

There are two bedrooms

And two baths on this level.

Climbing the stairs, we reach the master suite with it beamed ceiling and interesting eves

A small gas stove provide extra warmth.

The master bath is a series of rooms

Claw-footed tub

And double vanity all wrapped up in delicate blue and white wallpaper – even on the ceilings.

Back down the stars, lets step out the kitchen door to the patio

And check out the view of Point Lobos, the Pacific and Carmel River Beach

With its graceful curve.

The two-story, 3 bedroom, 5 bath home is 3,196 sq.ft.- quite large in Carmel.

The listing price of this legacy property is $3,890,000  - WOW, slightly over $1,000.00 per sq. ft.

But one can not really put a price on location , view and charm and this cottage has all three.