We often think of movie sets as places created specifically for a film, but throughout the history of movies and television, homes have been used as movie sets as well. Clint Eastwood starred in Play Misty for Me, and the home used for filming is now on the market for $11.9 million. The movie was a turning point in Eastwood’s career, and the home, used to shoot the final dramatic scene, also earned its claim to fame.
Clint Eastwood has a knack for dramatizing real-life experiences. In the case of Play Misty For Me, it was a few experiences friends had dealt with. One friend was a d.j. who enjoyed reading poetry on the air. The other was an actress that had an obsessed fan.
He built a story of a d.j. who read poetry on the air and a caller that fell in love, and then obsession, with him. The final scene in the movie is not a happy ending. The obsessed woman viciously stabs the d.j. because she caught him with another woman. He pushes her in an attempt to defend himself, and she falls through the glass door and off the cliff.
After the movie was filmed, the homeowner continued to live in the Carmel home for over 30 years. It was finally sold, and the next homeowner spent $2 million renovating the home. The home received new flooring, high-end materials, and needed updates. It was also professionally decorated, which allows breathtaking views to take center stage.
The Home
The home is set on 1.25 acres of rugged California coastline, and the estate is gated for privacy and security. It’s smaller than the typical Hollywood mansion, at 2,781 sq ft. It has an airy coastal cottage feel that works perfectly for its size. It has three bedrooms and three baths, and the guest house has one bedroom and one bath. Most of the walls are classic white, and the floors are blonde hardwood.
Combined with the open floor plan, skylights, and large glass walls, the home is exactly what a beach cottage should look like. It’s simple and understated but still feels luxurious. The ceilings are white wood with exposed beams. The master bedroom and dining area have arched ceilings to create more visual interest.
My favorite part of the home is the two-tier deck. If you love the outdoors and ocean views, there’s nothing better than having lots of comfortable seating to enjoy the coastline. The deck is made of white wood plank flooring with white wood railings. Cable railings are used as well, providing safety while maximizing the view and the airy feel of the home.
The Neighborhood
Carmel is a town unlike any other. Dogs are welcome in business establishments, high heels require a permit, and the town itself is only one square mile. It has no street lights and no home mail delivery. While the style isn’t for everyone, it certainly fits in well with the timeless craggy coast and the abundance of wildlife.
The plan for the city has always been ” a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach”. It has certainly maintained its goal with a small-town rustic charm that many find surprising given the affluence of the residents.