- Home
- Cottage Vacation Rentals
- Carmel Fairytale Cottages
This page may contain affiliate links, see our disclaimer here.
Carmel Fairytale Cottages
Carmel Fairytale Cottages -
a fairytale cottage visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, USA. Choose your dreamy cottage for your own vacation. Tips on history, interesting sights, flora, fauna and experiences.
Once upon a time there was a magical town where the homes look like fairytale cottages. The charming small seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is situated 190 km or 130 miles from San Francisco. It is located 2.4 km or 4 miles south of Monterey overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Artist and builder Hugh Comstock created the fairytale home designs in the 1920’s, and over 20 of his original cottages are still standing. See more about the history of the cottages below.
Let's find out more about Carmel and find you a dreamy cottage to rent.
Top Tips for the Region
Los Lobos State Reserve, California USA
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - let me assure you that my fascination with the quirky cottages does not outweigh the other beauties of Carmel. There is so much to see and do here, it is a wonderful holiday spot. Here are some highlights as I see them. Get out your hiking boots to walk one of 22 hikes around Carmel, stroll along the Scenic Bluff Path. Keep an eye out for lumpy rocks that are actually seals. Peer at the kelp and you might spot an otter. Head a few miles south to Los Lobos State Reserve, walk the Point Los Lobos Loop which is 10 km or 6.2 miles.
Beaches - visit Carmel Beach, Carmel River State Beach, China Cove, Pebble Beach and Monastery Beach, and don't forget to walk along the rocky headlands seal spotting. These are beautiful white sandy beaches.
Sea Life - the rocky coastline is covered in sunbathing seals and sea lions, whales and dolphins play in the ocean and otters play in the shorelines. You are in Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area, Point Lobos
State Marine Conservation Area and the
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Discover more about conservation of precious marine animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Carmel Mission Basilica - this basilica and buildings date from 1770 in distinctive Spanish colonial style. This is still an active place of worship and pilgrimage. You can visit the museum, courtyard and gardens as well as the basilica. Admire the thick adobe walls, red-tiled roofs, and graceful arches. This is now a National Historic Landmark. Just beautiful. Located at 3080 Rio Road, just 1 mile from Carmel Plaza.
Where to Stay
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - now let's get you setup with an enchanting cottage to rent. Whether it is an authentic Comstock fairytale cottage or another magical home, there is somewhere special for you to nest and relax in Carmel, or between Carmel and Monterey or beach side at Pebble Beach. You choose.
Storybook Tudor Cottage - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
This fairytale Storybook Cottage was built by Hugh Comstock in 1928! It is a one-of-a-kind, cosy old world experience. Step back in time as you enter through the ancient oak trees and the stone paths. 1 bedroom and 2 bathrooms, ideal for 2 guests, a slice of authentic Carmel history. Are you sure there aren't fairies in the garden?
Tudor Comstock Cottage - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
This
delightful cottage designed by fairytale architect Hugh Comstock in the
1920's is part of the rich Carmel history. With 2 bedrooms and 1
bathroom this home is for 2 guests. Enjoy this quiet location with a
private garden. Park you car in the driveway and then walk everywhere,
you are so close to shops, cafes and restaurants of Carmel. Walk to the
Mission Basilica and the beach, exploring the narrow lane ways of the
town. Just dreamy.
Edgebrook Cottage - Northwest Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
This classic 1926 fairytale cottage is nestled in a unique garden with a seasonal trickling creek. All of the charm of a quaint cottage with a fireplace and cosy accommodations for 7 guests in 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A 6 minute walk to Carmel Plaza, so you can leave the car and walk everywhere.
Chez La Mer Cottage - Golden Rectangle - Carmel-by-the-Sea - Califorinia - USA
Located right in the centre of the village, this cottage has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and welcomes 6 guests with a gourmet kitchen, fireplace and parking. Walk to the beach. Spacious deck,
vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors
add to the charm of this quaint yet comfortable home.
Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea Cottage - Golden Rectangle - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms sleeping 4 guests. On Casanova in the centre of the village. Walk everywhere from this leafy garden. Enjoy the outdoor entertainment areas at front and back. This is a historic board and bat Carmel Cottage now beautifully restored, with full kitchen, fireplace and cosy nooks.
La Dolce Vita Cottage - Northeast Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
This cottage sits in a forest of pine, juniper and oak, in a lovely big quiet garden,it offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, ample space for 8 guests and a high quality amenity and decoration. Enjoy the outdoor seating areas, BBQ, and well-equipped kitchen. Close to everything.
Stone's Throw Cottage - Northwest Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
With 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms welcoming 7 guests this home offers a classic Carmel experience. Stone’s Throw is a historic English Tudor cottage build in 1925 and fully renovated and expanded in 2005 by award-winning architect David Martin. Historical details, luxurious fittings and plenty of space make this home a stunning escape haven. From the traditional English country gabled roof, to the vaulted ceilings and hand-plastered walls in every room, to the oak hardwood floors, you will love this home. Walk to the village and the beach.
Fairytale Cottage - Northeast Carmel - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
With accommodation for 5 guests in 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this 1925 home offers large gardens, exquisite features such as a turreted entrance, abundant paned windows, Dutch door with regional Carmel Stone entry and many luxuries. Close to the village and a walk to the beach.
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - between Monterey and Carmel sits Pacific Grove with its older Victorian cottages, Lovers' Point, views and beaches.
Ship's Watch Cottage - Pacific Grove - California - USA
With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms this historic home sleeps 7. Enjoy the porch, bay window, fireplace and parking. This Victorian cottage has a nautical theme, reflecting Monterey's shipping past. A few minute's drive to the aquarium, a 10-minute drive to Carmel village.
Historic Cottage at the Cove - Lovers Point - Pacific Grove - California - USA
This building dates from 1884 and is one of the first Victorian homes built in the area. Fully renovated and comfortable with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom ideal for a couple. Start the day on your front porch or in the rear garden. Just 1 minute's walk to Lovers Point. 8 minute drive to Monterey. 10 km or 6.2 miles to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Sea Foam Cottage - Lovers Point - Pacific Grove - California - USA
A romantic 1-bedroom cottage with 1-bathroom just a hop skip and jump from the sea. Enjoy the views and walks by the ocean. Close to both Monterey and Carmel. A few minute's walk to cafes and restaurants. Just 175 km or 110 miles from San Francisco Airport.
Carmel Fairytale Cottages -
Pebble Beach -
situated between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey is the enclave of Pebble Beach, hunkering under the Monterey Pines. Home to miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails that wind through the scenic Del Monte Forest. Enjoy the rugged coastline, spectacular scenery and find the Lone Cypress.
Sweet Pea - Pebble Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
Pebble Beach is a gorgeous, luxurious location, this is a charming home just 2 minute's walk from the beach where otters play. Exquisitely finished with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, room for 8 guests, enjoy terraces, sculptured gardens, space, peace and quiet. This home is light, bright and airy with high ceilings and French doors. Lovely fireplace, spacious kitchen. A 7-minute drive to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Molly’s Cove Cottage - Pebble Beach - Carmel-by-the-Sea - California - USA
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathroom this stylish home welcomes 4 guests in the forest near the beach. Peaceful and quiet, with comfort and style. Enjoy the vaulted ceilings, large windows and spaciousness. Plenty of luxurious space to cook and entertain. A private and serene getaway haven. Walk to the beach. Drive 10 minutes to Carmel Plaza.
Accommodation near the Airport - if you would like to stay close to the airport before your departure or immediately after your arrival - here is a cosy cottage for you near San Francisco Airport SFO.
Storybook
Beach House – Pacifica – San Francisco
This cosy and private home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and sleeps 8. Full kitchen, games room, outdoor seating area and charm. Just a couple of blocks to the beach. 10 km to airport.
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - Experiences
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - get under the skin of this gorgeous cottage-y village with local knowledge. Here you will find a tour from the city, in case you cannot stay the night, and a couple of local tours to enjoy all the aspects of Carmel that make it astonishingly quaint. Warning to my fellow cottage lovers - it is very high on the cottage-o-metre!
From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Tour
4.3 / 5 (96 Reviews)
Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea
3-hour walking and wine tastings at three hand-picked tasting rooms, history and insights of Carmel by knowledgeable local guide. 3 hours. A great tour to get your bearings about the village.
5 / 5 (13 Reviews)
Carmel-by-the-Sea Guided E-Bike Tour
Visit
Carmel Mission, Mission Ranch
Clinton Walker House - Frank Lloyd Wright,
Robinson Jeffers Tor House, Downtown Carmel
Hugh Comstock Fairytale Cottages, Carmel Beach, Carmel River Beach with a local guide with the ease of an e-bike.
2 hours.
5 / 5 (1 review)
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - Critters, Flitters & Flowers
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - this coastline is abundant with wildlife to enjoy on your hikes, morning walks or strolls after tea or coffee on the porch of your Carmel cottage.
Fauna - keep an eye out for the grey spotty Harbor Seals on the beaches and rocks around this coastline. Aren't they just adorable?
Harbor Seal - Phoca vitulina
California Sea Lion -
Zalophus californianus
California Sea Otter - Enhydra lutris nereis
Birds - gulls and cormorants can be seen hovering above the coastline, as well as these easy-to-spot species.
Common Murre - Uria aalge
Brown Pelican -
Pelecanus occidentalis
Great blue heron - Ardea herodias
Flora - take a walk to see the lonely cypress on Pebble beach.
Monterey Cypress - Cypressus macrocarpa
Coast Live Oak - Quercus agrifolia
California Goldenrod - Solidago californica
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - History
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - so the story goes that, once upon a time in the 1920's, a young Hugh Comstock met a young Mayotta Browne in Carmel, California, a town already known for proliferation and appreciation of art, drama and literature. Their marriage and collaboration created the first cottage, which was made as a home for Mayotta's handcrafted, popular dolls. They built elements themselves by hand and were so happy they then built its twin, naming them 'Hansel' and 'Gretel'.
Comstock incorporated many fairy elements into the cottages like thatched roofs, whimsical roof lines, steep gabled roofs, door covers, handmade window and door casings, asymmetry and an imperfect stone chimney and arched chimney covers. The houses became popular and Hugh designed and built many more around the growing village. Other builders took up the demand and many interestingly conceptualised cottages can now be seen around Carmel. The architectural style has been called 'Fairytale Storybook'. Small touches such as outdoor porch lights in metal lantern style show the attention to detail on each cottage. The local honey-coloured stone was used in the chimneys and in the pathways.
Comstock went on to create English inspired cottages in a garden setting, and effortlessly incorporated tudor stucco and exposed beams, whimsical timber elements, timber shingles instead of thatch, and multiple turrets. This style has been called 'Storybook Tudor'.
Many examples can be seen around the village, and one commercial building was made by Comstock, called 'The Tuck', it can still be seen today in all its charm.
Take a walking tour or follow a walking tour map - available in Carmel Plaza from the tourist office - for great information on the fairytale cottages of Carmel, and other historic buildings - see this article by Monica
Schwartz.
As you walk around the village looking at the Comstock cottages, remember that many are now private homes and please be respectful and discreet.
Plan Your Path
Carmel Fairytale Cottages - travel to Carmel to start your enchanting cottage journey.
To arrive at Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, USA
- Fly into San Francisco Airport SFO
- Drive 178 km or 110 miles south, or choose the coast road, which is only a few miles more
Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.
By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.
I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!
About Me
I'm Katia Luz, sharing my bushland cottage. Discover enchanting, charming, whimsical cabins and cosy places to inspire your dreams. Bon Voyage!
About Me.
© 2025 My-Fairytale-Cottage.com All Rights Reserved.
THIS Website is original, independent and unsponsored.
Privacy PolicY AND LEGAL STATEMENTS. ABOUT ME. CONTACT ME.
