Mickey Muennig’s ‘Owl House’

To many Californians, living in beautiful Carmel‐by‐the‐Sea is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Taking that dream to the next level is this week's featured house—a wondrous example of organic architecture in Carmel known as the 'Owl House.'

The secluded getaway was designed by Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig. Renowned for his rustic modern designs fashioned out of weathered wood, the architect's site‐specific projects often incorporate touches of stone, glass, and steel.

Notably, the single-family residence at 24710 Dolores Street is considered the only Muennig‐designed home in Carmel. Close to downtown Carmel Village and powdery‐soft, world‐class beaches, Tim Allen Properties lists the property at $3,750,000.

"It is truly a unique work of art, with interesting details everywhere you look," says Tim Allen marketing director Billy Schmidt. "Unlike anything else I have seen in Carmel."

More than mere shelter, the single‐family residence showcases Muennig's signature Big Sur style and respect for living with nature. Current owner, landscape architect Bernard Trainor (of Ground Studio Landscape Architects), recently completed a sensitive restoration of the 1974 home, which includes a new copper roof, new stone driveway, all new walls, glazing, skylights, and insulated glass doors and windows throughout.

According to the home's real estate team, Trainor, who is the home's third owner, adopted the mantra, "What would Mickey have done today?" which has guided Trainor in stabilizing, waterproofing, and protecting the materials used in the home. "Otherwise, it is essentially left as is," maintaining the original sense of art and design.

An exterior of all‐new redwood siding hints at the nautilus‐influence, which is reminiscent of Muennig's later works. Curves and circular windows give the Owl House its name, with uniquely shaped doorways adding to the organic experience.

Custom stained‐glass windows stream a spectrum of rainbow colors into the living spaces with artistic '70s flair. Of particular note is the handcrafted interior detailing that transforms the structure into a work of art and can be appreciated from every angle.