Monterra® - The Pinnacle of the Monterey Peninsula

Monterra®…in the News

Gentry Magazine
September 2005

Magnificent Monterey

By Elsie Floriani

Paradise Unspoiled

Elsie Floriani reports on the perfect blending of land, sea, and sky-the hidden treasures of the magnificent Monterey Peninsula

Weekends can be a busy time for many of us-fulfilling social obligations, entertaining houseguests, or simply catching up on all things remanded during the week. When I can spend a leisurely weekend at home, with no obligations, I am in heaven. So it was with some reluctance then that, following the course of journalistic duty, I agreed to spend a weekend checking out a piece of the Monterey Peninsula in preparation for this article. In retrospect, had I known what I know now, I should never have forgiven myself for missing this absolutely delightful weekend getaway, one I can heartily recommend to our week-weary readers.

Bernardus Lodge

Tucked away in a quiet place in the heart of Carmel Valley, with the breathtaking backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the beautiful on-site grounds by well-known landscape architect Jack Chandler, is the Bernardus Lodge, a romantic retreat for couples looking for a relaxing getaway. I knew I was in love when, while checking in, they offered us a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and sat us down in some wonderfully enveloping chairs to await our escort and the arrival of our luggage. This, along with some of the finest Brie I've ever tasted, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and some delicious crackers. I hoped they'd be slow with the luggage.

The wait, though brief, gave me the chance to look around the main lodge, designed to resemble a French country home. Its earthy tones and hand-plastered walls, along with touches of antiques and large, roaring fireplaces, instantly embrace you in a cozy informality. Think apres-ski.

Soon, with room key in hand and a final admonition from the desk clerk, "No Tipping Allowed," we followed our guide to our individual suite, which followed through on the theme with a wood-burning fireplace, feather beds, down comforters, Italian linens, two-person tubs, and the all-important double vanities.

At 5:30 that evening, a beautiful plate of charcuterie arrived, along with olives, cheese, mini pickles, and wonderful breads. Of course, we then availed ourselves of the complimentary in-room wine and gourmet snack pantry. In addition to all the in-room amenities, the full-service spa, which we felt journalistically obliged to check out the next day, is also a huge part of the magnet that attracts visitors to his Edenic retreat. I'm delighted to report it passed every test.

Is it any wonder then that Bernardus Pon, the entrepreneur/bon vivant from Holland with a fascinating background and a passion for wine has, in such a relatively short time (Bernardus Lodge opened in late 1999), won so many top national and international awards? Icing the cake, as it were, is his Marinus restaurant, voted Zagat's "Top Bay Area Restaurant" for 2004. Celebrated Chef Cal Stamenov and Chef de Cuisine Christophe Grosjean have created a culinary utopia, using fresh organic produce from their very own Bernardus gardens. In one of those one-time opportunities, we decided to try the Chef's Tasting Menu ($90) with the wine pairing ($75), and I must say I finished the evening in a Bacchanalian coma. An extraordinary experience. Needless to say, we went to sleep immediately, eager for our next morning's outing to check out the nearby Monterra®/Tehama development.

Monterra® and Tehama

Like everyone else, I'd heard a lot about Clint Eastwood's 2,000-acre Tehama development, including his very private Tehama Golf Course (Tehama being the Native American word for "abundance of nature"). Clint will eventually have a maximum of 90 estate homes on his property.

What I didn't know is that abutting his property and sharing the 3,700-acre expanse of canyons, valleys, cypress-covered cliffs, ocean views, fields of wildflowers, and the general abundance of Nature's bounty, is Monterra®, owned by the Mills brothers of Mills Family Farms in Salinas. Above the fog line like Tehama, the land at Monterra® is sunnier than other Monterey Peninsula locations with warm, clear days and dry, cool evenings. My host, Roger Mills, the jovial, simpatico brother of Basil, is clearly enamored with his property and his project, which is to very selectively sell 168 estate homes on his 1,700 available acres. You do the math: Lots of space per home, but neighbors if you want/need them. His own home, which looks up and across the ravine to the Tehama Golf Club, is spectacular. It boasts 11 bathrooms. "I grew up in a large family with only one bathroom," laughs Mills, "and I vowed that one day I'd have enough bathrooms for all my family so no one would ever have to wait again."

Well, he shouldn't have to wait long to sell his spectacular lots, either. One is more beautiful than the next and the awe-inspiring beauty of the place is extremely seductive.

Tehama Golf Club and Fitness Center

As you might imagine, everything in the architectural award-winning Tehama clubhouse complies with Eastwood's philosophy of "lying gently on the land." Much of the total acreage between the sister communities of Tehama and Monterra® will be preserved in its natural state. The clubhouse, which sits majestically on top of almost everything, incorporates energy panels, which will produce a significant amount of the electricity needed to operate the facility. Even its furnishings are a result of this holistic approach to development. And the Fitness Center, which will be completed in March 2006, has a similar renewable energy system and will become the social centerpiece of the development.

The golf course itself, designed by Jay Moorish, is magnificent-not easy, but worth increasing your handicap. Try to wheedle an invitation if you can. The restaurant at the clubhouse is fab, and in this case, not just a careless adjective. We had two extraordinary meals there.

You should go

So, if you feel the need to just get out of town for the weekend, try this unexplored area of the Monterey Peninsula. The sheer natural beauty of it, the absolutely luxury of it, the perfect blending of land, sea, and sky, plus all the indulgence you deserve, will lift your spirits and send you home revitalized. It's a 98-mile road trip that will make you feel a million miles away. It’s also 10 minutes from the Monterey Peninsula Airport if you'd rather take your jet. Two hundred years ago, this same area inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island. Just think what it might do for you.

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