Ikeniwa— Pond Garden—Is A Departure From The Expected
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - $7,280,000
In a coastal village defined by heritage, this newly finished sanctuary introduces a rare architectural language: a precise, minimalist dialogue between the legacy of I.M. Pei and the tranquil soul of an Asian garden. Designed by Emily Yang Bauer, the residence is a masterclass in "urban nature." Rather than competing with the landscape, the architecture frames it. The open-concept great room serves as a glass-walled gallery for Carmel Bay, where floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundary between the interior and an expansive indoor-outdoor terrace. Here, the Pacific breeze and sound of the central garden pond become the home's natural soundtrack.
The aesthetic is disciplined and serene. At the heart of the home, the great room features:
Minimalist Precision: Custom Poliform cabinetry in the living area, and integrated Miele appliances provide a sleek, functional backbone to the chef's kitchen.
Elevated Perspectives: The marble kitchen island is positioned so the host remains connected to guests while enjoying long views of Carmel Bay and the urban forest.
Light as a Material: Dual east/west exposures ensure the home is painted in a shifting palette of light, from the soft clarity of morning to the dramatic, gold-soaked sunsets over the bay.
Private Sanctuaries
The lower level is dedicated to quietude. The primary suite is a private viewing pavilion, featuring a panoramic sliding glass wall that opens directly to the courtyard and garden pond and a custom fireplace. The en-suite bath is a study in texture and light, featuring a sleek double vanity, walk-in shower, and Poliform cabinetry closets.
Two additional guest rooms maintain this modern rhythm; one serves as a creative retreat with a floating desk perched over the pond, while the second offers versatile proximity to the main living area.
The ADU & Grounds
A separate 800-square-foot ADU offers a level of finish rarely seen in secondary dwellings. With its own gourmet kitchen and living area overlooking the central pond and a glimpse of Carmel Bay, it functions as a true second residence for guests or extended family. Outside, the grounds are an intentional sequence of maple and cherry trees, a Japanese pond garden, and historic stone lion heads. This abode doesn't just provide a place to live—it provides a specific way of being. Ikeniwa is a rare convergence of cultural heritage and modern minimalism, offering a level of curation seldom found in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea.