Building a New Life in Carmel Highlands

Located in the prestigious Carmel Highlands, this home went through quite a transformation. Beginning as a full home remodel, it evolved into a “custom home new build.” For this family of four, relocating to Carmel, California was motivated by a desire to get closer to nature. So it was essential that we brought the elements of the peaceful forest and breathtaking ocean seamlessly into the design of their new home. 

This truly is a “CHANGE YOUR SPACE, CHANGE YOUR LIFE” story. Husband and wife Vince and Melissa and their two beautiful girls had been living in Southern California. They felt like they were missing out on precious moments together as a family. Their initial idea was to buy this as a vacation home and use it as such until their daughters went away to college.  They took the leap and moved here full time…everything changed: new school, new home, new office, new life! 

The just under 2,000 square foot home was in the perfect location surrounded by pristine scenery, but was in dire need of a renovation. A tremendous amount of vision and expertise was required to take this home from what it was to what could be.  To start, we took the home nearly down to the foundation. Using the existing footprint, we created a complete redesign, increasing the square footage by building upwards, adding in a grand vaulted ceiling and the addition of a loft. One of our main objectives was to maximize the magnificent views for the family.

“It was fun sharing the experience of building something together as a family,” adds Melissa. Even one of the daughters had the brilliant addition of the skylight in the upper loft/playroom, which was incorporated into the design.

This family of four was downsizing from a 5,000 sq ft home in SoCal, so we needed to be cognizant of this as we created their new 2,760 sq ft. space. This was a welcomed downsize for the family and our aim was to design in plenty of seamless storage and design elements to help the home feel spacious. This included adding in many large windows and oversized doorways, the grand raised ceiling and open floor plan aesthetic. The family was surprised at how they did not even notice this decrease in space due to the efficiency of the design.

The finished project is a testament to the family’s love for the natural charm of the area and spending time together. The end result is a warm and natural, yet polished and modern aesthetic. Rich woods are found throughout the entire house, and an understated rustic charm is felt in elements such as the gracious chandeliers, trim, and staircase. Hand-hewn Douglas fir box beams, from Vintage Timberworks were sourced from local authentic recycled, reclaimed wood. Throughout the home, wood flooring creates warmth with tongue-and-groove pine custom stained at the clients’ request. Other flooring features country-grade European oak, cut to highlight the natural character of the wood, including cracks from the heart of the tree. It’s finished in beautiful tannin-reactive colors for natural, neutral hues.

Rather than being isolated as it formerly was, the relocated kitchen, featuring a large island complemented by a natural stone wall, now leads into a formal dining and family room, creating a shared space that is truly the heart of the home. Our layout reconfiguration relocated the primary suite to the west side of the home to maximize views, featuring a den for relaxing and a spacious primary bath, appointed with spa elements like a waterfall shower and soaking tub. Views of the ocean and mountains abound and a walk-around deck was added to fully maximize those stunning views.

Long-Awaited Quail Run Project Incorporates a Custom Japanese Bath

Renovations made to this gorgeous Quail Run Golf Community home in Carmel Valley have been decades in the making. Built in the 1960s, the current owners have lived here since the ’90s, and with their two adult daughters now settled in New York City, this husband and wife decided that it was finally time to make some big changes and create their dream home.

The Vision

The clients’ main wishes included improving the flow of the three-bedroom home, especially between the kitchen, dining and living areas; bringing more light into the space; adding a bathroom; and incorporating an Ofuro, or Japanese Bath, into the primary bedroom. They also wanted to fill in the pool, update their appliances and create a better area for their cats’ litter box. 

They asked for clean, straight lines throughout the space, and a limited color palette, but were very comfortable with trusting our designer’s expertise to make decisions on the overall design.

The Challenges

Built about 50 years ago, this house was not constructed in a way that would be considered structurally acceptable by today’s standards. One of the most important tasks on our list was to bring the home up to modern specs and seismic standards. This included removing the siding, adding sheet panel, and addressing termite damage. Neither our clients nor our team was expecting to strip the entire house down to the studs, but we ultimately found an affordable way to address the issues and make the structure safe. 

Light and Flow 

To brighten up the space, we created a vaulted ceiling by removing and restructuring about two thirds of the roof. We then added hand-cut rafters to serve as a focal point. We also opened up the main living areas by removing partition walls so the kitchen, dining room and living room all flowed together. 

In the kitchen, we added updated appliances and paired them with beautiful, frameless cabinetry for a clean look. In the living room we created a full wraparound hearth and mantle which flows seamlessly into pass-through shelves, giving the impression that the feature is made from one solid piece of stone.

A Spa-Like Bath Experience

The customer wanted to incorporate a favorite element of their Japanese roots in their bathroom renovation with a custom Ofuro, or Japanese Bath. We made this vision come to life through a two-part space featuring a shower room and a room for the soak tub in keeping with the Ofuro tradition of showering first before relaxing in the bath. The soak tub, which stays full as the water recirculates, is warmed by its very own water heater controlled on a wall panel. The shower area features stunning, solid-surface walls. 

The cats even got their wish of a bathroom upgrade with a fully automated, self-maintaining litter box. Connected to its own open drain and water line in the main bathroom, the Cat Genie litter box is on an automated schedule based on when the cats choose to use it. It self-cleans, - sanitizes, and -dries every day—and never requires a litter change. 

Finishing Exterior Touches

Compared to the structural challenges the Lewis Builders team faced earlier in this project, the exterior renovations were a breeze. We filled in the pool, which the clients never used, with non-organic fill materials before topping the area with sand and topsoil. By eliminating the pool, the clients then had enough water credits available for their added bathroom. 

Finally, as a tribute to the home’s history, we replanted the eight-foot-wide rose bushes that we had salvaged during construction. 

This family was absolutely beside themselves when they experienced the finished results. They are so happy with the outcome and are looking forward to this next chapter in their family home in Quail Run.

A House for Joseph

We live by our tagline: Change Your Space, Change Your Life®. Sometimes, that means transforming a Pebble Beach cliff house for a high-profile client or updating a seaside vacation home into a modern masterpiece. Other times, we have the opportunity to make a dramatic difference for someone who desperately needs home help — someone like Joseph Escalante and his wonderful mother, Sandy. 

Joseph’s Story

In 2005, Joseph was a carefree young man vacationing with a friend in Mexico. They were relaxing on a beach when three cars came racing across the sand and ran over them in a moment of an unimaginable tragedy. Joseph’s friend died instantly, and Joseph was left critically injured, with permanent brain damage affecting his ability to do life’s most basic functions. 

Joseph moved back into his mother’s Salinas home, where she could provide the constant care he needed to survive. With the addition of his wheelchair and other medical equipment, it was very difficult for him to move around the house and accomplish simple tasks on his own. Joseph and Sandy needed help. 

A New Home, A New Life

When Lewis Builders heard Joseph’s story, we knew we could — and should — help. We got to work designing and crafting an updated, accessible space that would give Joseph a bit more independence and Sandy some relief and peace of mind. 

By early May, the main parts of construction were complete. The house was ready for exterior paint and other finishing touches — perfect tasks for the collection of LB employees, friends, family, and local businesses who stepped up to volunteer. Everyone was eager to make a difference and become part of what it truly means to Change Your Space, Change Your Life.

The morning of paint day, Sandy greeted us with warm oatmeal cookies and immense love and gratitude. She wanted a beach house color and feel — something that was happy but also calming. Sherwin Williams graciously donated all the paint and painting supplies needed to paint the home Vast Sky, a beautiful blue.

Victor Jaurez from Division Painting provided great support with sprayers, manpower, and organization, along with our President, Scott Julian, to organize the LB volunteers. After a few hours of hard work, a taco cart rolled in for lunch to give us a quick break while we celebrated our efforts.

At the end of the day, our hearts were full of love & gratitude for the difference we were able to make with so many caring hands.  We look forward to completing this project in mid-June, so stay tuned to watch Joseph move into his new digs!

Joseph’s story is an unforgettable one. Watch this video to understand more. 

We sincerely & humbly thank the following friends of Lewis Builders, donors, and trade partners who’ve helped us get this far. We could not do it without their incredible support.  

Dr. John Faramound

Eric Lamison

Jay & Jenny Davisson

CRP Plastering

Mission Construction

Williams Roofing

American Tile

Kasavan Construction

Division Painting

Edgars Plumbing

Ferguson Plumbing

Shoreline Woodworks

Mag One Media

Double the Size of Your Home Without Increasing Square Footage

Making your home feel bigger doesn’t just mean focusing on your interior. Incorporating your outdoor space into your layout plans is a perfect way to expand your living space, and with this gorgeous Carmel climate, we can’t think of a single complaint.

These kitchen windows open up to the outdoor dining area. A conveniently designed exterior countertop is level with the interior side, allowing for an easy and safe transfer of food and drinks. This space is also equipped with a heater for those crisp evenings spent at this gorgeous custom outdoor table.

There’s nothing quite like open-air living. These large fold-a-doors, when fully opened, allow this living space to flow directly onto the patio. From there, the leisure and enjoyment continues from inside to out.

Just within reach of the living room is a comfy seating area surrounding a sleek fire table, ready to host your closest family and friends. This is the perfect spot to relax and have some appetizers before a relaxing dinner.

When it’s time to take a break from the inside kitchen, the outdoor area is fully equipped with a pizza oven and a convenient pass-through window to keep the crispy, cheesy slices coming.

After an exciting day full of outdoor activities and taking in that California sun, there’s a one-of-a-kind surfboard outdoor shower that is ready for you to reminisce about some of your best waves.

Just around the corner is the primary bedroom suite, complete with double sliding doors that open to the patio and hot tub. The bamboo privacy wall allows you to enjoy your luxurious space with comfort, privacy, and that Zen vibe.

When it’s time to reflect on the day and unwind, the backyard fire pit and seating area is ready for you. Take in the sunset, enjoy your favorite beverage, and sink into the evening. We can’t think of a better way to end your day in a home truly designed for outdoor living at its finest.

A Pebble Beach Home Ready To Bask In The Links

This gorgeous Pebble Beach home is nestled on the prestigious Monterey Peninsula Country Club golf course. When you make the choice to live with such privileged views and scenery, spending time outside is essential - and that is what these homeowners planned to do when they moved in. However, the backyard was not very functional and could not accommodate their needs. Part of this remodel was to completely overhaul the backyard and to infuse as much usable space as we could. Now these lucky homeowners can relax with their family and friends next to their fire pit, enjoy their favorite beverages, and take in the golf as it passes by.

The Life of a Homebuilder: Tammy Lewis Featured in The Carmel Pine Cone

Women’s History Month may have passed, but we continue to recognize the contributions of the women who make our company great. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Lewis Builders Chief Administrative Officer, Tammy Lewis, was featured in a recent Carmel Pine Cone feature for their Women in Business series! Tammy knows a thing or two about how remodeling in every sense — whether a home or a life — can be a beautiful thing. This article gives us more insight into her world. Here are the top three facts we learned on building a life and business:

#1: Don’t Be Afraid to Rebuild Your Dream

Earlier in her career, Tammy had a great job in a high-profile position for a large brand. But after meeting the love of her life, John Lewis, she recognized that her dream job wasn’t her only dream anymore — it was time to knock down those corporate walls and build something new. 

#2: The Best Foundation is a Strong Relationship 

After leaving the corporate world, Tammy worked to build and expand Lewis Builders in partnership with John. This blending of personal and professional might not work for everyone, but Tammy and John saw it as the foundation for a strong, service-minded, and values-based business. Strong relationships are at the center of everything Lewis Builders does, from the trust and care we cultivate with our clients to the respect and collaboration nurtured with our team members. 

#3: Use Every Tool in the Box

As Lewis Builders grew, Tammy leaned into the business in a leadership role managing marketing and company branding, as well as overseeing the financial aspects of the business. In her current position as Chief Administrative Officer, Tammy uses every tool in her toolbox to ensure the long-term success of the company.  

Like many women, Tammy has built a life on the foundation of everything that came before — education, career, values — and it’s evolved and transformed at every stage. The end result? A custom-designed, perfect-fit life and career built around helping homeowners design their own perfect-fit spaces. 

We’d like to thank The Carmel Pine Cone, writer Lisa Crawford Watson, and the Carmel community for their interest and support in Tammy’s achievements. It’s an honor to be part of the Pine Cone publication, and to be recognized as one of our community’s Women in Business. You can find the article on p.36 of the April 1st publication at this link.

Flying Miles Above Ordinary: A Monterra Remodel Takes Flight

Even though custom homebuilding is our passion, you can find just as much reward and satisfaction in a beautiful and unique remodel. 

Remodeling isn’t just about updating and modernizing; it also makes a house feel more like a custom home. These Monterra homeowners entrusted us to add finely crafted personal touches that not only enhance their home, but make it feel more like them.  

Given the breathtaking scenery available around the Carmel Valley area, maximizing views is always a priority. In this case, we had the privilege of working for a very impressive couple - she being a stunt pilot, and he a former engineer. Their views offered a direct view of the Monterey Airport runway, which allows them to monitor real-time flying conditions.

Spaces are defined yet open in this completely custom kitchen and surrounding dining and living room. Personalized details were added throughout, such as the unique wall sconces flanking the apron-front sink and the striking, copper range hood.

Guests can help themselves to a glass of wine or a cocktail at the custom wet bar, conveniently located between the dining room and kitchen and is now illuminated by this elegant under-cabinet lighting. Together, the one-of-a-kind fluted copper basin and surrounding Lemurian Blue granite counter are the epitome of livable luxury.

There is no better way to relax than with a luxurious custom freestanding soaking tub, all while taking full advantage of your gorgeous views. We carefully chose this spot for the tub and replaced a window with a patio door to allow direct access to the private patio. The tub is highlighted with a custom fabricated wood base and railings.

The use of technology throughout the remodel was important to these homeowners. This included recessed LED lighting, and smart switches throughout the house. These essential features progressed the functionality of their home.

Above the garage is the newly extended home office — now double its original size. Of course, we also made sure to add a dramatic, oversized window to bring more of the incredible Carmel Valley views into this space.

We’re pleased to know the homeowners love their updated, custom space that celebrates the area and all its natural beauty. This remodeled masterpiece feels fresh, modern, impressive, and most importantly, distinctively them.

A Tale of Two Builders Who Collaborated 100 Years Apart

Carmel Pine Cone, page 14 - March 10, 2022

By Lisa Crawford Watson

BACK IN the 1930’s, when Carmel was still young, untamed ad full of people talented in the arts, some of the residents who envisioned what the city should be became builders. Bach Fest founders Dene Denny and Hazel Watrous built bungalows . Hugh Comstock designed and built an oversized dollhouse for his wife, and then made larger storybook cottages for others. Michael J. Murphy who, at 19, had become the chief builder for the Carmel Development Company, ultimately had more than 300 homes and community buildings to his credit.

Although Murphy’s early work did not adhere to a particular design style, his Victorian-meets-Craftsman bungalow became known as the Carmel Cottage. To this day, there is cachet to owning a Murphy-built cottage, particularly one in which the early aesthetic has been honored and preserved while the home has been updated to support the tastes and lifestyle of contemporary living.

One particularly good example is the 90-year-old Murphy bungalow on Dolores Street that’s been tastefully and lovingly updated by contractor John Lewis. The result is what you might call the ultimate collaboration between two Carmel designer-builders.

Lewis Builders took the M.J. Murphy home that owner Eric Lamison originally described as “old but not historic” and “remodeled but not contemporary.” and created an updated look that still embraces the home’s roots and Murphy’s smart use of space.

Crafting a legacy

San Fransisco Bay area couple Eric and Laura Lamison have been coming to Carmel for more than 25 years. On most trips, they brought kids and a dog and cozied up in the Cypress Inn or Vagabond House. Ultimately, they decided to purchase a home to keep their Carmel tradition for generations to come.

What they loved about the property was the canopy of trees through which they could view the sea, and the fact that downtown and the beach were an easy walk away. The house itself, however, wasn’t a selling point.

“It was old but not historic, remodeled but not contemporary,” said Eric. “In its day, it was surprisingly smart in its use of space, but the layout was kind of a labyrinth. The finishes were dated, the roof was shot, and there were moisture issues. Still, we had a sense of what it could be.”

So did John Lewis, owner of Lewis Builders, who has an uncanny ability to walk into a space and visualize what it could be and how it would work. His expertise was the reason the Lamisons were willing to buy the property.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for the people who lived in this house before us,” said Eric Lamison. “And I could see, in its prime, it was nice. But it needed an intervention. John Lewis met us at the property and I realized that if we could renovate the house with his firm, the place would become our masterpiece.”

The Lewis Builders team did not expand the square footage or alter the footprint of the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath bungalow. Instead, the redesign of the 2,050-sqaurefoot house maximized space, extended sightlines and introduced an open floor plan with custom finishes and wide access to an outdoor lifestyle.

In 1933, a Murphy-built kitchen was tucked into a corner, and the meal was presented in the dining room.

The new kitchen, the heart of the home, is open to the living area. It is spacious and bright, with an island that invites everyone to participate.

A feature wall is faced in a split-face silver travertine stacked stone, complementing a refaced stone fireplace which provides a balance of weight and texture across the space.

Out with the funk

Dark, timeworn flooring was replaced with a durable Avalon Bay blond luxury vinyl plank throughout, creating continuity and light. Windows throughout the home frame the outdoors like artwork.

Bathrooms are sleek, spacious and crafted with offset tiles, creating a sculptural effect in the shower and backsplash, adding to their understated elegance, and what was once a narrow spiral staircase, is now straight and framed in glass.

Lewis said “Our goal was to maintain the Carmel character of the house but get rid of the funk and turn it into a more fluid floorplan, with seamless transitions throughout the space. This was our vision, our challenge, and our outcome.”

Hallmarks of a Superior Home Remodel

Creating living spaces customized to the lifestyle needs of the homeowner is what remodeling is all about. A great remodel enhances every aspect of the homeowners’ lives — from easing everyday routines, to better accommodating group gatherings, and even creating a sense of serenity through views from well-placed windows.

In this article we touch on three characteristics that we believe every renovation should include along with examples of how we’ve incorporated them into our work:

Maximized Space

Because many Carmel homeowners reside elsewhere most of the year, they want their vacation homes to be frustration-free zones, offering comfort and convenience to make their stays feel natural and easy. So when it comes to remodeling, every square foot of space is precious in these traditional Carmel cottages. Therefore, most of these homeowners are seeking to enhance their living environment by adapting the coveted space they already have and making it even better. 

This single-story home in Carmel is a great example. Perched high on a hill overlooking the historic Carmel Mission and Point Lobos, this home had fantastic views and classic mid century modern roots. Our goal was to restructure the interior in a way that made more sense while accentuating the great features it already had. 

By strategically knocking down walls, relocating the kitchen, as well as both master suites, and a large masonry fireplace, the sightlines throughout the space were greatly improved. The new layout not only maximizes the existing space, it allows for breathtaking views of their treasured surroundings throughout the house, starting when you walk through the front door. 

Custom Details

Nobody wants their home to look unimaginative. That’s why all of our remodels incorporate tailor-made, custom details as unique as the homeowners who live there.

Our client’s goal for this 1970s era Pebble Beach home was to modernize while preserving the unique, vintage character. To achieve this, we kept much of the original interior woodwork intact, along with a stunning spiral staircase that we enhanced by replacing the carpet with custom wood treads on each step. 

Unique lighting fixtures, dramatic ceiling beams, geometric tile, copper fire sprinklers, and cable railings are just some of the finer details found throughout this one-of-a-kind home that give it so much personality. 

New Ways to Connect with People & Property 

A remodel can open up a world of opportunity to connect with your surroundings and your loved ones. When we design spaces with connections and relationships in mind, life tends to flow in an easier and more natural way. 

In this Carmel Valley modern farmhouse, our clients wanted to transform their space into an ideal environment to not only grow as a family, but to entertain friends and colleagues as well. Their space was designed intentionally to maximize their breathtaking mountain views and surrounding greenery to help build memories in a truly unique setting. 

With Fold-a-Doors in the patio and kitchen windows, indoor spaces are extended into outdoor living areas. On a beautiful day, these homeowners can enjoy a meal together while listening to the sound of the birds and breathing in the refreshing California air. 

Should they decide to keep their doors closed, their new kitchen and dining room will still be an amazing gathering place. A double island provides ample seating and work space, and with a temperature-controlled wine enclosure that holds an impressive 180 bottles, they’ll always be ready to pour a refreshing beverage for themselves or their guests. 

Selecting the Right Remodeling Partner

Everyone deserves to have a home that meets their needs, fits their personality, and enhances their lives. By partnering with a remodeler with a proven track record for maximizing available space, crafting custom features, and helping homeowners connect harmoniously with their living environment, you will be well positioned for success on your next remodeling project. 

A Letter From John

To My Community,

One of the things I look forward to when a year comes to an end, is it inspires me to reflect on the past year, and focus on what it is I want to manifest in the coming year. A little exercise I’ve done for the past dozen years or so is to come up with one word that exemplifies what kind of year I want to have. It sparks great conversation with my wife and friends who play along with me. And it always leads to creating a year better than the last.

So this past year my word was adventure. And it sure was, both personally and professionally. Our family embarked on an international adventure in Costa Rica. We navigated to waterfalls, drove through rivers, and immersed ourselves and our kids in local culture. And professionally, the adventure of our business taught me how to navigate higher than ever demand, COVID-induced supply shortages, and rising construction costs. And more importantly, this year exemplified how the adventure of life fuels my spirit.

And now at the end of 2021, I’m left feeling grateful for so many things. First for this wonderful place we get to call home. I’m grateful for the fantastic clients whom have placed their trust in Lewis Builders; it’s something I don’t take lightly. I’m also grateful that our business continues to grow almost 20 percent year-over-year with the help of our amazing team’s talent and dedication. Thank you to each of you. Our clients. Our employees. And our community.

So looking ahead to 2022, the word I am choosing, is… Joy. Both how I can experience more of it, and also how I can spread more of it. I believe our life’s purpose to to enJOY it. Professionally, I feel joy when a client experiences inspired living from their newly completed home. I feel joy in leading and mentoring my team to reach their highest and best, both personally and professionally. I feel tremendous joy with being able to give back, in 2022 we will finish our outdoor renovation project with Meals-on-Wheels, and are also able to complete an accessibility renovation for our worthy friend, Joseph Escalante.

Personally, I feel joy experiencing life with quality time with my kids and wife. Whether it is Mount Aconcagua that I aim to climb this year, or simply teaching my kids how to ski, I seek to follow my joy. Create my bliss. And I encourage each of you to do the same in your own way.

So come play along with me. What is your word for the year? What is it that you want to create in 2022?

Sincerely,

John Lewis