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January 11, 2018 / Linda Hartong

Penny Lane

House of Hearts

In my last post, I featured Las Campanas with its ornamental rabbit theme.

Penny Lane has taken the theme of hearts.

I watched this house being renovated in 2013 and stopped to peek over the fence.

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I loved the little sign that announced that a spoiled rotten Norfolk Terrier lived there.

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My last stop in November showed the terrier was still in residence. How those hydrangeas have grown.

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The owners designed an unusual gate and the “heart” theme is immediately noted.

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These industrial bolts are striking.

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Let the theme begin!

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The heart stepping stones curve toward the front door.

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The stones are placed with ground cover.

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This is what those innocent plantings look like 4 years later!

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I curve past the white bench.

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This heart is tucked into more ground cover.

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I head toward the front door.

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And pass a striking window box.

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On to the front porch where another window box catches my eye.

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Time to retreat.

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Past the trellis with roses growing on it.

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Toward the angel hanging on the tree.

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Almost there when this statue catches my eye.

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Still more colorful surprises.

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Pink dahlias,

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Trumpet flower

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roses

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and hydrangea bloom.

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What a treat to visit Penny Lane

22 Comments

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  1. Margaret Robinson / Jan 11 2018 11:08 pm
    Margaret Robinson's avatar

    This is amazing! Assume you’ve gotten to know the people that live there. What interesting things in their yard.

  2. Lisa Ferchau / Jan 11 2018 11:13 pm
    Lisa Ferchau's avatar

    Linda, this is my littl house in Carmel. Thank you for visiting! The pictures are beautiful

  3. sherylcblanchett / Jan 11 2018 11:48 pm
    sherylcblanchett's avatar

    Do you know what kind of tree the angel is hanging on, it’s a beautiful tree?

    Sent from my iPad

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  4. carmelcottage / Jan 12 2018 6:25 am
    carmelcottage's avatar

    Absolutely gorgeous thank you! And what a stunning photo of the heart cut-out peeping through to the step stones. I’d love to know the name of the beautiful old English rose.

  5. Lisa Ferchau / Jan 12 2018 11:53 am
    Lisa Ferchau's avatar

    This house is scheduled to be on the Heritage Society tour in June.

    • Linda Hartong / Jan 12 2018 4:48 pm
      Linda Hartong's avatar

      I had been following your home because I thought it was on the Historic Register but could never be sure. Could you tell us a little of the history. Also why did you name it Penny Lane?

      • Lisa Ferchau / Jan 12 2018 7:23 pm
        Lisa Ferchau's avatar

        The home was originally built by Katherine McFarland in 1940. Katherine was a school teacher. She married Henry Howe in 1893. They had 3 children, Katherine, Winifred, and Henry Jr. Henry Jr. died in 1901. In 1906 Henry Howe Sr. committed suicide. Katherine moved to California with her two girls and purchased property in Carmel. She owned lots 7,9 and 11 on Monte Verde Block B. From what I can tell she inherited money from her brother and used that to purchase the lots and build the home. After a few years she built a home on lot 7 for $4,000 and her daughter Winifred moved into Penny Lane. Katherine named the second home The Howe House. She was for many years a member of the Carmel Music Society. Our home was never given a name. Katherine passed away in 1947 while on a trip to New York City. Winnie lived in the house until around 1958 when Barbara Mackenzie purchased it. She did some renovations by adding new windows, a wood furnace and a sun deck. Ms. Mackenzie sold the house to Dr. John and Consuela Moore. The added the master suite up stairs. I’m not sure when she passed away but Dr. Moore passed away in late 2011. They had no children and the home was left in a trust to Dr. Moore’s caretaker. We purchased it December 20, 2011. The home has no historic significance even though “it contributes to the diverse architectural identity of the City, the city does not believe it reflects a period of importance to the community’s cultural or architectural heritage”. With that said, Winifred was an American pianist, critic and educator. She studied music in England with Tobias Matthay and then to Paris to study with Nadia Mendel. It was in Paris where Winifred met and fell in love with Arthur Mendel who was a fellow student of Mendel. The romance lasted until the early 1930’s. From what I can gather she then met Ernest Bloch and there is speculation that they had an ongoing affair until his death in 1959. He was thought to be the 4th B of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Winifred was also instrumental in starting the music festival still held in Carmel.

        The home was named Penny Lane for two reasons, I wanted a name no other house in Carmel had and my love for everything Beatles.

        If you are in Carmel during the Heritage Society tour please come by. You are also welcome to visit when I am in town again if the tour is not convenient for you.

      • Linda Hartong / Jan 12 2018 7:35 pm
        Linda Hartong's avatar

        Thanks so much for all the information!! I tried to link the name to the Beatles song. I guess I was right. Thanks for the gracious invitation to visit

    • Victoria / Jan 13 2018 8:54 am
      Victoria's avatar

      Thanks for posting that I hope to be there again this year!

  6. Nina / Jan 12 2018 12:37 pm
    Nina's avatar

    Those stepping stones are unique. I wish I could get them in Australia. Just gorgeous! And that little angel! Divine!

  7. ceciliagvalentino / Jan 12 2018 4:27 pm
    ceciliagvalentino's avatar

    Do you have Book I could buy Sent from my iPhone

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  8. Victoria / Jan 13 2018 8:55 am
    Victoria's avatar

    ooooooh that’s exciting!

  9. Trish Curlee / Jan 13 2018 4:51 pm
    Trish Curlee's avatar

    Thank you so much for sharing with us. I love love love these homes.

    • Lisa Ferchau / Jan 13 2018 5:15 pm
      Lisa Ferchau's avatar

      Me too! They all have a story to tell if someone will take the time to do the research

  10. Joanne / Mar 15 2018 2:14 pm
    Joanne's avatar

    G’morning, Linda…you capture the cottages of Carmel just perfectly!! Have you ever done an overview of High Tide cottage on Ocean Drive? I simply love the fantasy themes throughout the community…those who have not visited Carmel probably don’t believe them!!

    Keep on writing,

    All the best,

    Joanne Brown Kenosha, WI

    Sent from my iPhone

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  11. annawhenlovestayscom / Jan 31 2022 11:48 pm
    annawhenlovestayscom's avatar

    Hi Linda!! Your photos are breath-taking!!! I’m updating my website called When Love Stays and absolutely LOVE the pictures of the hearts from Penny Lane. Would I have your permission to use these photos on my blog and website because it has a heart theme? Please contact me at: anna@whenlovestays.com Thank you in advance!! Anna

  12. carmelcottage / Jan 10 2023 1:00 am
    carmelcottage's avatar

    Does anyone know who made the pergola/arch? I would love the plans?

    • Lisa Ferchau / Feb 7 2023 7:59 pm
      Lisa Ferchau's avatar

      Saroyan Master Builders made the arch. You can contact them and ask for plans. I don’t think I have them.

    • Lisa Ferchau / Feb 10 2023 1:45 pm
      Lisa Ferchau's avatar

      Saroyan Master Builders made the arch

  13. Kim Cueva / Feb 5 2024 6:06 am
    Kim Cueva's avatar

    I absolutely love the stepping stones. May I ask where did you get them? Your garden motivates me to make my dream garden a reality. Very beautiful.

    • Lisa Ferchau / Sep 6 2024 10:31 pm
      Lisa Ferchau's avatar

      Kim, I got them from a garden store in Carmel that is no longer in business Topes garden center in Salinas Carrie’s them now. They are slate. Call them and make sure they have some in stock.

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