UPDATE: We've received word that The Sunset House is under new ownership.  The current owners have given us the following information:
 Sunset House is a little different from when the Fikes owned it. It remains as charming as ever, but one key difference is that now there is no innkeeper on site. Guests have the house to themselves and all reservation and confirmation procedures are completed prior to arrival. Another difference is that breakfast is now a very light in-room meal. We leave our guests fruit, yogurt, juice, and an array of hot beverages to be prepared in their own room. We also leave them certificates toward an extension of breakfast at one of four premiere local restaurants.
You can visit their website at http://www.sunsethousecarmel.com/ for further information.

Carmel...it's that tiny "Hansel and Gretel" village on the Monterey Peninsula which inspires both wonder and skepticism. The wonder comes from its incredibly dazzling location and the storybook quality of many of the structures on its narrow, tree-bedecked streets. The skepticism comes from publicity about some of the town's idiosyncrasies and one of its former mayors, plus the feeling of some people that such fanciful architecture and imaginative style could only be programmed...as in Disneyland. The truth is Carmel has been "Carmel" for longer than most of its critics have existed. Its full name is actually Carmel-by-the-Sea (one of the triad which includes Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands). It began as an artist colony, still is, and makes no apologies or compromises for its eccentricities and overabundant charm. There are still no individual addresses (directions are given via main and cross streets, and mail is picked up at boxes at the Post Office); the magnificent and beloved trees are well protected, and sidewalks can be seen skirting both sides of them; there are no street lights to mar the beauty of a coastal evening (flashlights are allowed as an aid to avoid the aforementioned trees and their roots). Its transcendent quaintness may threaten some who are comfortable with today's uniform and sterile communities; but Carmel is an original... it expresses its own very unique character, which has been molded and perfected through many years by the singular personalities of its inhabitants.

There are numerous places for a guest to stay in Carmel, ranging from B&Bs in vintage homes; to small hotels that have existed for much of Carmel's history; to old motels that have been renovated into specialized lodges. You won't find any large chain hostelries here, but there are certainly accommodations with personalized amenities and service for almost every taste.

We've sampled several lodgings in Carmel by the Sea over many years. One of our earliest havens was the Sunset House. We loved the location and the B&B itself, but it was in need of some renovation so we stayed elsewhere during numerous subsequent visits. In 1994 we decided to revisit the Sunset House, and we were delightfully surprised. Camille and Dennis Fike had purchased the property a couple of years earlier and had restored the inn to its well-deserved charisma. They'd updated the physical aspects and enhanced the intrinsic charm with antiques and whimsical embellishments. There are four rooms within the Sunset House (three of which offer ocean views): two downstairs and two upstairs. Each has a fireplace with a cozy sitting area and personalized furnishings including unusual accessories. Breakfast is delivered to your room at your specified time and is composed of freshly baked goods, homemade granola, fruit, juice, and coffee. The rooms also contain small refrigerators for storing local wines and appetizers for afternoon snacks, which can be purchased from the excellent Carmel shops such as the enticing Mediterranean Deli on Ocean (the main "downtown" street).

Adding to the appeal is the constant rumbling of the sea pounding on the beach of Carmel Bay (just a short distance from the inn); the nearness of the many and varied shops and restaurants; and particularly the sincere and caring attitude of Camille and Dennis. It's immediately apparent when you meet them that they're dedicated to the comfort and enjoyment of their guests. They obviously love what they're doing, and they're happy to share their knowledge of Carmel (and even a tasting of wine from their private cellar!) with those who stay with them.

As for the particulars of Carmel, there isn't enough space here to list all of the wonderful shops. They range from renowned establishments such as Saks Fifth Avenue, to impressive art galleries, to the many exceptional boutiques. There are acclaimed stores in Carmel Plaza; unusual establishments lining every lane of "downtown", displaying one-of-a-kind treasures; small shops in hide-away courtyards; and even tinier nooks concealed here and there, offering their own distinctive delights.

The catalogue of restaurants in Carmel and the surrounding area is also too immense for listing in this article. Just a few of our favorites include The Forge (lunch outdoors); Anton & Michel (a table in the glassed-in area facing the Courtyard of the Fountains); The Flying Fish (Dennis has his own special dessert there - ask him about it!); Casanova (a wonderfully rambling charmer); Zig Zag (with its contemporary decor); Kincaid's Bistro at the Crossroads (the owner/chef was the creator of the famed Fresh Cream restaurant); The Covey at Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley (a table overlooking the lake); The Highlands Inn in Carmel Highlands (a window table overlooking the ocean); Ventana Inn in Big Sur (on the deck with its sensational view of the Pacific); The Old Bath House in Pacific Grove (a window table overlooking Lovers Point); and The Sardine Factory on Cannery Row in Monterey (a table in the Conservatory).

Other shopping/dining regions in addition to Carmel by the Sea include The Crossroads and The Barnyard in Carmel Valley; Pebble Beach; and Monterey, which offers Cannery Row (haunted by memories of Steinbeck), Fisherman's Wharf, the "Old Monterey" area downtown, and the Del Monte Shopping Center.

Outdoor activities abound in the area, ranging from whale watching/nature loving in Point Lobos (the exquisite state park just south of Carmel on Hwy.1); the unparalleled scenery of Big Sur (further south on Hwy. 1); the celebrated 17-Mile Drive (Carmel-Pebble Beach-Pacific Grove) past some of the most amazing seascapes imaginable and the famous Lone Cypress (the   symbol of the region); golf at Pebble Beach; the marvelous Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row; exciting boat tours out of Fisherman's Wharf; and walking tours of the many historic sites. Nearby Pacific Grove is another spot in which to enjoy the scenery, beach and shopping. One of the most appealing areas of all is just a short walk from the Sunset House. Carmel Beach is a lovely expanse with unusually fine, pure white sand edged by Monterey Cypress that have been sculpted by the wind into mystical shapes. In one direction lies the elegance of Pebble Beach, and the opposite view is of the wildness of Point Lobos.

So a visit to Carmel isn't all glitz, as some might describe it. It's a journey to a very special locale that offers remarkable scenery, historic atmosphere, unique streetscapes, world-class shopping, extraordinary dining, and distinctive lodging as offered at The Sunset House. Give them a call toll-free at 1-877-966-9100 and reserve your own share of the enchantment!

Copyright © 1996 - 2008: Jan Hight
All photos are the property of Jan & John Hight and may not be copied or used in any way without our written permission.

Published -- February 4, 1996
Last Revision -- Sunday, 13-Aug-2006 03:41:39 GMT