A home’s value is immediately surmised at a viewer’s first glance. In a blink of an eye, an observer will asses the quality, strength, uniqueness and overall appeal of a property and begin to form an opinion of its value. The role architecture plays in the value of the property is crucial, but architecture also plays a role in determining the value of an area.

The area surrounding Carmel and Pebble Beach, California is decorated with homes featuring stunning and famous architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright, Cesar Pelli and Frank Wynkoop are just a few of the well-known names that grace homes in this area.

Recently sold to new owners for the first time ever by Carmel Realty Company, the famous Butterfly House on the ocean-hugging Scenic Road, is one of the architectural masterpieces that stands apart from the many cottages you find in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Built in 1950 by Frank Wynkoop, the Butterfly House is anchored directly into the rocky shoreline and looks as if the waves may crash through the windows on a stormy day, but it’s stood the test of time and still delivers some of the most breathtaking views on the California coast.

Cesar Pelli, one of the top living architects today and the brilliance behind the creation of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, designed Atalaya in Pebble Beach. Sitting atop a hill in Pebble Beach, Atalaya, meaning lookout tower in Spanish, is aptly named as its views overlook Stillwater Cove, Carmel Bay and around to the Santa Lucia Mountains of Big Sur. Only one of three residences designed by the famed architect, Atalya will be Cesar Pelli’s last residence, which adds a priceless nature to the property. This property is currently listed by Carmel Realty Company, which has had the privilege of successfully escorting people into these exceptional homes for over 100 years.

Designed in 1948 for one of Carmel’s original families, the Walker Residence was designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Done in his “organic design” style of blending his buildings with nature, Frank Lloyd Wright, created a cabin on the rocks. Built on granite boulders and using Carmel stone for the walls, the home seems to cut towards the sea like the bow of a ship. Designed with no right angles and boasting its own small private beach, this home is truly unique to Carmel, and an architectural treasure for the entire Monterey Peninsula.

The Carmel and Pebble Beach areas, specifically, are rich with architectural grandeur. Not only does this create a real estate market full of beautiful and attractive homes, but combined with the priceless natural surroundings, you end up with an architecturally stunning landscape that’s assured to hold its value for generations.