Touring the many charming Carmel by the Sea Fairytale Cottages is a great way to enjoy the lovely city. The town itself is located off the coast of Northern California just about an hour and a half South of San Francisco. It is essentially part of Monterey County and it was founded in 1902. The village was a haven for famous artists, poets, musicians, and writers. Some creating works inspired by Carmel by the Sea such as “Treasure Island” written by Robert Louis Stevenson.
One of the most popular attractions of Carmel by the Sea is its collection of fairy tale cottages that make up a lot of the homes, shops, inns and galleries all over the area. This storybook theme sprouted up from the imagination of Hugh Comstock, a builder/toy maker who had a loving wife that had a great collection of dolls for her business. He felt inspired to build a whimsical home for his wife to house her dolls and eventually a studio right next door. And the charming storybook theme snowballed from there. 21 of the original Hugh Comstock cottages still exist in the area, and 11 of them are clustered together in a small area which I have mapped out for anyone who wish to take a self-guided tour of them.
Hugh Comstock Carmel by the Sea Fairytale Cottages
The “Hansel” & “Gretal” Cottages
A. HANSEL – BUILT IN 1924
GRETAL – BUILT IN 1925
These two original cottages of Hugh Comstock are what inspired the building aesthetics of Carmel by the Sea over the next century. The two side-by-side picturesque structures have such a whimsical style straight out of a children’s book. From the steep pitched roofs, arched windows and doors, and the rustic Carmel stone chimneys, it’s like experiencing a fairy tale come to life.
(During my visit in Fall of 2020, these two structures were undergoing extensive renovations so I was unable to obtain any photos of them. I’m not sure when the work will be completed. Such a bummer we couldn’t get any photos!)
The “Obers” House
B. OBERS HOUSE – BUILT IN 1925
Don’t forget to use my Walking Tour Map, just a short stroll down the street and around the corner is the Obers House. Also an original Comstock structure, the little home has gone through some landscaping renovations over the years with a beautiful garden, and an additional garage. However, the original home still maintains its lovely charm.
Did you know that Carmel-by-the-Sea began as a haven for dreamers, artists, and story-tellers? Homes here do not have address numbers, but rather, names, in order to support a sense of camaraderie and personality.
“The Studio” Cottage
C. THE STUDIO – BUILT IN 1925
Around the corner is this little gem. This particular cottage started off as the doll display studio for Mayotta Comstock and her doll-making business. I found it to be so charming with the rustic fencing, but it’s a bit hard to get close up since there is a modern-day TESLA parked right in front in the driveway! Isn’t it so funny when the home is almost a 100 years old, but then you have a modern day, self-driving vehicle parked in front of it? I can’t help but think of time traveling.
“Our House”
D. OUR HOUSE – BUILT IN 1928
Hugh Comstock and his wife, Mayotta had a whirlwind romance. Mayotta was crafting a collection of her dolls in her yard when Comstock noticed her collection while on a walk. They started conversing and the rest is history.
(Always remember when touring these homes, that they are private residences and they are NOT open to the public. Make sure to stay outside of any fencing or perimeter unless especially invited by the owners to get a closer look.)
Storybook Cottage previously known as “Browne House”
E. BROWNE HOUSE aka STORYBOOK COTTAGE – BUILT IN 1926
This pink little cottage was my absolutely favorite. It reminds me of a cute little gingerbread house, just minus the wicked witch. The owners just recently painted it this lovely shade of pink in the last few years. It also has the best view from the street making it easily accessible for photos. In fact, the home owners were just driving up while we were there taking pics and they were nice enough to let us get a little closer to get some close-up shots.
Carmel cottages
Storybook Carmel by the Sea
Carmel fairytale cottages
You can now STAY at the Storybook Cottage! Yes, you heard me right! It’s available as a VRBO Vacation BNB to rent and it’s so adorable! Who can resist? Check for Availability now!
“Honeymoon House” and “Birthday House”
F. HONEYMOON aka YELLOWBIRD HOUSE – BUILT IN 1928
G. THE BIRTHDAY HOUSE – BUILT IN 1928
Unfortunately we were unable to get photos of these two locations due to overgrown brush and trees at the time of our visit. Or cars may have been blocking the front. However, Lynn Momboisse, over at Carmel by the Sea BlogSpot was kind enough to share her photos with me. She has a great article about the Hugh Comstock cottages, so make sure to check it out.
Carmel by the sea cottages
Comstock Homes
Carmel Storybook Cottages
“Fables” & “Doll’s House” Fairytale Cottage of Carmel by the Sea
H. FABLES – BUILT IN 1928
I. DOLL’S HOUSE – BUILT IN 1928
The Fables cottage is another one of my favorites. The tall and steep shingled roof with its stone chimney was so adorable. I especially loved the stepping stone path with a railing covered in climbing ivy. The whole idea of houses having names with signs is also a special treat. What would you name your home if you were to give it a name?
“Ocean House” & “The Wood” Carmel by the Sea Fairytale Cottages
J. OCEAN HOUSE – BUILT IN 1928
K. THE WOOD – BUILT IN 1927
Unfortunately we were unable to get photos of these two locations due to overgrown brush and trees at the time of our visit. Or cars may have been blocking the front. However, Lynn Momboisse, over at Carmel by the Sea BlogSpot was kind enough to share her photos with me. She has a great article about the Hugh Comstock cottages, so make sure to check it out.
Storybook Carmel by the Sea
Comstock Homes
Carmel Storybook Cottages
Other Carmel by the Sea Cottages
It’s quite simple to find Carmel by the Sea Fairytale Cottages throughout the small city. Many homes, inns, shops and other structures built over the last hundred years follow a similar storybook cottage aesthetic. Don’t miss The Forge in the Forest Restaurant or the Tuck Box Tea House. Both were buildings also constructed by Hugh Comstock! Around every corner, you’ll come across cute picturesque cottages with beautiful gardens. Some homes feature a modern-day building style with touches of old-world European cottage themes. While others keep the whimsical charm of fairy tales and storybooks.
Make sure to take a drive on “Scenic Road” along the coast of Carmel Beach where you will find many beautiful beach homes in addition to some beach cottages as well. And also locate Carmelo Street on your GPS, which is in a neighborhood with lovely homes and inns lining the quiet streets.
Stay in a Carmel Cottage AirBNB
If you’re looking to visit Carmel by the Sea in California and want to stay in your very own fairytale cottage, then make sure to visit my list of the most adorable storybook cottages that you can rent and stay in on AirBNB. I’ve put together a list of the loveliest places to stay in Carmel and Monterey County.
Other Things to do in Carmel by the Sea
There is so much more to do in the city of Carmel. Besides touring cute little cottages, make sure to check out the town’s incredible restaurants, shops and art galleries in the Carmel Village. Plus Wineries, the Basilica Mission and the Carmel Beach. Don’t miss my 2-Day Guide in Carmel for a great list of additional things to do in this lovely town.
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What a great guide to visiting this cute town, it looks like a fun place to visit. I love the themed cottages you shared!
This place looks incredible! I never knew it existed but I bet my kids would love it. I love your guided tour too – so helpful.
These houses are so unique and beautiful! I actually thought this was somewhere in Europe before i saw the Title! It would be so cool to visit this area.
Loved this guide. I had heard the name but never really knew what it was . If I ever head back to San Francisco, I will have to check this out and sleep in one of them !
Hehe, these are private residences so you can’t sleep in them. Unless you’re Goldilocks?
I’ve never been in one of these cottages but have always wanted to, you make them look so dreamy