This sprawling Mediterranean Equestrian Estate has been designed by John Malick & Associates, located on a nature preserve in Carmel, California. The project was designed to intensify the experience of its setting: a 20,000 acre nature preserve nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and Pacific Ocean.

The buildings’ style reflect the preserve’s history as a Spanish land grant parcel later used as a gentleman’s cattle ranch.

The main house consists of a series of towers and wings perched along a ridge, each oriented to views and adjacent topography.

The rusticity of the kitchen island complements the refinement of the surrounding cabinets. The tile on the upper walls is a custom design by John Malick & Associates, created specifically for this kitchen.

The mantel in this warm living room was specially designed for the space by John Malick & Associates in collaboration with a team of talented artisans in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Niches, stone arches, and deep embrasures accentuate the thick walls typical of Spanish colonial construction.

The paint is a custom color with multiple custom glazes. The headboard is one of a kind, incorporating an antique window from an Afghan palace. The beams were salvaged from old buildings, and the textures, twists, etc. they add to their character. The architects achieved the look of old distemper with a custom color and multiple custom glazes.

Each room has a distinctive ceiling form and incorporates exotic architectural fragments such as Afghan woodwork or specially-carved Mexican fireplaces.

The floors in this bathroom are 8″x16″ limestone, 1/2″ thick, with chiseled edges.

Although the horse barns are hidden by a hill, you can see the driveway leading to them branching off to the right.

Photos: Russell Abraham