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March 19, 2012 / Linda Hartong

I DISCOVER THE H. MARKHAM HOME AND GARDEN

I am taking my daily walk. Today I start down Delores St. My progress slowed by constantly looking from one side of the street to the other. God forbid I should miss something interesting. 

I notice a narrow opening between tall evergreens. A brick path sprinkled with Camilla blossoms calls out “follow me”, so I do.

Once inside the formal clipped garden with its perfect symmetry and gravel paths surprises me.

I retreat to the west corner of the garden and then decide I want to see this from the front first.

Oh my. This is a dream house of a different stripe , no fairytale cottage.

My research at City Hall informs me this is the H. Markham House – the earliest example of the International style residential design in Carmel. Kent Seavey, historical preservationist for the city , notes “the stucco-clad conical chimney on the west wing of the house, which gives the residence a decidedly North African feel….It reflects the creative and eclectic nature of residential architecture in the village.”

That eclectic nature makes a simple stroll down a street , an architectural adventure.

I am a sucker for symmetry, clipped box and  gardens that rely on shades of green and texture for interest. This house and garden please on all points. 

I like the patio table and chairs and the pot wisely potted with succulents.

From here I can look back at the narrow entry

To the entire front garden

And east to this huge gnarled tree

with deer sheltering under its limbs.

This second patio with a fire pit is at the east end off the guest room. 

The owners’ choices of ornamentation add interest.

I find the floor plan at City Hall and include it here. 

Mr. Seavey speculates that H. Markham may have been related to world traveler Reginald Markham .  R. Markham had Frederick Bigalow build him a Moorish residence nearby in 1927.

So many houses…..so little time.

4 Comments

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  1. Bev / Mar 19 2012 12:44 am

    Linda, you amaze me with your resourcefulness. Go Girl!!! That Moorish House must be to die for! It’s by Frederick Bigland, the same architect that designed my home. Beautiful shots as usual; thanks for sharing, Bev Conrad

  2. Annie / Mar 19 2012 2:48 am

    LInda, I just discovered you last night and have spent four hours of the weekend reading every post! What camera are you using and are you a professional photographer?

  3. Judy / Mar 20 2012 12:00 am

    This one is very different from the cottages, but I really enjoyed seeing it!

  4. Jan Weeks / Apr 23 2012 1:43 am

    I came across your posts after getting back from a trip to Carmel last summer. I am so taken with the cottage stories and quaint town. I cannot wait for my husband and I to go back. In the meantime, I have saved every “Carmel by the Bay” email I’ve received from you and continue to devour them.

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