Teháma, Clint Eastwood’s Sustainable Enclave, Offers Seven New Homesites In Carmel

If you fancy golf, jazz, cars and the peaceful splendor of California’s picturesque central coast, Clint Eastwood is about to make your day. Again.

Following a decade of development and unforeseen delays, Teháma, the Hollywood legend’s ambitious real estate development, blows back onto the market like a timely breeze—circulating its final collection of sustainable homesites to market above scenic Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Just in time for Earth Week too.

Decades in the making, Teháma is imagined in Eastwood’s vision—as a 2,000-acre private residential enclave in the undulating hills overlooking the tony village where he was once mayor. The iconic director-actor-activist touts Teháma as a pioneering sustainable living community, featuring only 90 homesites, an energy-efficient golf course, and 85% preserved open space—reminiscent of Eastwood’s old westerns (only more green and serene).

“Our goal with this land from the beginning was to do our best to keep it like it is,” says Eastwood, a straight shooter whose connection to Carmel dates back 60+ years. “I have always said about this land, that it’s like a good movie script—it’s great, now let’s not screw it up. It’s been exciting to have others share in this vision over the years and join me in calling Teháma home.”

Eastwood’s love for Carmel began in 1951 when he was drafted into the army during the Korean War—stationed at nearby Fort Ord (now closed). He later filmed Play Misty for Me (his directorial debut) in the area, where he served as Carmel mayor from 1986 to 1988. Malpaso, his film production company, is named after a local creek.

The four-time Academy Award winner knows a good story when he sees one. His Teháma concept was far ahead of its time. Off-grid communities have since become highly desired, especially those accessible to luxurious amenities—dining, golf, pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse, fitness center, and nearby world-class entertainment like the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance exotic car celebration.

Eastwood envisioned an ultra low-density community of about 300 people who appreciate expansive landscapes, outdoor entertainment, and locally-sourced food. At Teháma, residents know their neighbors even though “next door” can be hundreds of yards away.

“In Teháma you feel a sense of peace and privacy, yet you are literally minutes away from the wealth of local amenities which draw people to Carmel, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and the Monterey Peninsula,” says Alan Williams, Teháma architect and Eastwood’s longtime friend.

“Once you experience that remarkable mix of living in a calm rural community and being able to drive a few minutes to go for a walk on the beach, hike in the hills, attend local world-class events, get groceries or go out to dinner—you don’t want to leave,” he adds.

Eastwood, a champion preserver of environmentally-sensitive locations, previously rescued the historic Mission Ranch in Carmel from condominium hell in the 1980s. He also teamed with Williams (president of Carmel Development Company) to preserve the 160-year-old ranch.

Forty years passed between Eastwood’s purchase of the coveted land and development of Teháma’s infrastructure. Teháma has already sold 60 homesites, 30 of which are already beautified with exquisite sustainable homes.

Secured by gated entrances accessible from Carmel and Monterey, Teháma homesites are a natural extension of the rolling hillsides, protected canyons, ocean vistas and roving wildlife. Mere miles from the airport and Pacific Ocean, the community narrowly escapes the fog belt, basking in California sun.

Now, seven of Teháma’s final 30 homesites are for sale, spanning 3.5 to 25 acres in varying landscapes—open meadows, elevated hillsides or wooded spaces with views of Point Lobos, Carmel Bay, Monterey Bay and Santa Lucia Range.

“While views far and near are exceptional, much of what makes Teháma special is what you don’t see—no overhead power lines, no blinking lights or intrusive signage, the night sky is preserved with very limited use of outdoor lighting, detention basins looks like natural meadows,” says Williams. “Even something as practical as your fire hydrant blends in with the surroundings.”

Teháma means an “abundance of nature”—and it lives up to its name, as deer and wild turkeys graze a landscape that eagerly awaits new homes and residents. Teháma sold its first 60 homesites just prior the 2008 economic recession. Shortly after that cold spell, it shut down sales efforts—hibernating until another day, which is now. After all, a great script deserves the light of day.

Whether traditional or contemporary, Teháma homes boast authentic architectural styles and materials, integrating seamlessly into the surroundings.

The seven exclusive homesites up for grabs include: The Hilltop, a 15.4-acre plot ($2.5 million); The Promontory, an 11-acre plot ($5 million); The Summit, a 10-acre plot ($6.25 million); The Rock, a 5-acre plot ($3.2 million); The Forrest, a 7-acre plot ($1.8 million); The Sanctuary, a 13.2-acre plot ($1.5 million); and The Reserve, a 10-acre plot ($2 million). Rick Ojeda of Compass Real Estate is Teháma’s exclusive listing agent, handling real estate, membership and visits.

Teháma is noted for its ecological preservation and high-quality on-site water sourcing, including California native grass and meadow flora regeneration, a state-of-the-art filtration system and a reclamation treatment plant which converts waste water to reclaimed water that sustainably irrigates Teháma’s Jay Morrish-designed golf course. The course includes a solar-paneled clubhouse, 200-to-300-year-old oaks, and native grasses (save the seeded greens).

A stone’s throw from Pebble Beach Golf Links (host of June’s U.S. Open Championship), Teháma residents have access to a social membership, dining, fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, the clubhouse, and the 20-year-old private-by-invitation Teháma Golf Club.

 “Our approach at Teháma has always been about designing of the land, and not on it,” says Williams. “For example, we used indigenous Carmel stone to build the clubhouse and fitness center, making it look like it’s always been a part of the land here.”

Williams also designed the community’s infrastructure and sustainability initiatives—including underground utilities, inconspicuous parking garages, and solar panels.

“Teháma represents a true last-of-its-kind locale on the central coast of California,” says Ojeda. “Perhaps its greatest amenity though is the one that was here before Teháma—the land.”

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.