Spotlight on Stonepine
Stonepine is paradise on earth. Nestled on 330 acres in the hills of Carmel Valley, the estate dates to 1925 when the Crocker banker built it as a country retreat. In 1983, Gordon and Noel Hentschel purchased the estate, naming it Stonepine for the towering Italian Stone Pines. The original manor house, now called Chateau Noel, is built in the Mediterranean style. It has a formal living room with Italian furnishings and a handcrafted limestone fireplace. The foyer and library also boast fireplaces. A curving staircase leads to eight suites, each with a romantic name such as Venetian, Cartier, Chanel and Taittinger. Cottages are also available. During the day you can go winetasting or relax by the pool and enjoy the tranquil Tuscan-like setting. Tennis, croquet, hiking and golf are also available. There are 12 formal gardens which are in full bloom come spring. On cold evenings a fire blazes in the main house, where guests often gather for cocktails at dusk. Dinner is in the formal dining room paneled with 19th century burnished cherry wood. For more information on reserving the estate, visit www.stonepineestate.com.