Carmel Californication

Carmel has long been a celebrity hotspot since the early days of Hollywood, well known for its charming village and picturesque houses. Carmel has been either the home or preferred getaway for Clint Eastwood, who was Carmel mayor twice, John Steinbeck, Salvadore Dali, Jimi Hendrix and Steve Jobs.

One of California’s most interesting homes, Kim Novak's Carmel cliff home where she lived from 1961 until 1973, has been listed for an eye-watering $12.5 million.

Famed for her roles in the award-winning films Picnic, Strangers When We Meet, Pal Joey, and her twin roles in Vertigo, she chose a shorter film career, but the movies she made have become classics enjoyed as much today by movie buffs as when they were released in the 1950s and ‘60s. Opting for a quieter lifestyle away from the limelight, in 1961 Kim chose a home far from Hollywood on a rock in Carmel, California where she lived until 1973.

One of the more unique homes in California, the main and guest house, with two bedrooms and 2,070 square feet, are set on two acres of rocky coastline dramatically perched over the ocean waves with sublime views. The home has several roof levels, designed as a cozy escape with wood-beamed ceilings, slate floor, wood-burning fireplace, and ceiling-to-floor windows to capture the rock-and-water views. There is an abundance of nature to enjoy from migrating whales and playful otters to pelicans.

Photo Credit - Jonathan Spencer Properties

In her mid 30s, Kim semi-retired from acting to focus on drawing and painting, escaping the artificial Hollywood environment. During this time, she painted, wrote poetry and song lyrics.

Born in Chicago in 1933, Kim, spent most of her life in California. In addition to Carmel, Kim also lived in another of California’s prettiest areas, Big Sur, where she raised horses. In the late 1990s, Novak bought a ranch on the Rogue River in Oregon with her veterinarian husband.