About 226 Highland Drive
This 1930s Spanish-style stucco home has a long history as a guest cottage for one of the families that developed the Rio del Mar area nearly a century ago. The tile floors, stucco walls, arched doorways, steel casement windows, oak floors, wrought iron railings, and cross-gabled tile roof are all part of its original charm, beautifully preserved for more modern times.
The street entrance through a recessed, arched doorway gives way to a stunning two-storied vista of Monterey Bay, visible through wide and gleaming windows and multiple levels of outdoor decks and patios, each with its own angle on the coastline and ocean below. A formal living room has a vaulted, wood-paneled ceiling, exposed wood beams, cozy oak floors, a chandelier, and a dramatic, stone-lined fireplace and hearth. French doors and steps lead down to another den/living space with the same exposed beam ceiling and a custom tile floor. Expansive floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows take full advantage of the 180-degree views, which are also visible through an opening in the living room above.
Through an arched doorway are an open kitchen and dining area, separated by a breakfast bar featuring the tile counters found throughout the kitchen. The tile counters contrast with vivid bursts of color from hand-painted tiles incorporated into the backsplash. The tile contrasts with white cabinets and stainless steel chef-grade appliances, including a four-burner Wolf range, French-door refrigerator, dishwasher and under-cabinet microwave.
Two bedrooms feature oak floors and original steel casement windows. A third bedroom, featuring built-in bookshelves, wood paneled walls and ceiling, currently serves as an office. It has the same stunning views of Monterey Bay as the living room and decks. Two bathrooms continue the vintage details. One has an art deco black-and-white tiled floor, with the trim detail echoed in an updated marble tiled tub/shower. The other features Spanish-style tile and cabinetry, including a unique copper sink. Both have sconce-style lights. The back decks lead to a stucco cellar which includes an office, storage space and a wine cellar which connects to the one car garage. The back yard features a custom stucco water feature with inlayed tile, stucco planter boxes and several levels of outdoor entertaining. All face the expansive sand, white water & cement ship views of the Monterey Bay to Pleasure Point.
The world and the neighborhood surrounding this historic gem have changed a great deal since the home was built, but it’s beautiful view is perfectly intact, along with so much of the craftsmanship and charm that were part of its original and enduring appeal.
