Golden Age Elegance: Joan Fontaine’s Carmel Estate Listed for $6M.
Villa Fontana, a stunning coastal home in California, was the residence of Hollywood icon Joan Fontaine from the mid-1980s until her passing in 2013. Before it hit the auction block in 2014, this place was filled with memories of the Golden Age star.
Joan Fontaine, who had an impressive five-decade career, was the younger sister of actress Olivia de Havilland. She starred in over 45 films and received three Academy Award nominations for "Best Actress," winning one in 1941 for her role as the anxious wife in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller, Suspicion.
Photo : Sherman Chu/courtesy Tim Allen Properties
Fontaine passed away in late 2013 at the age of 96. The following year, her beloved home in the Carmel Highlands, along with its contents—including her Oscar—was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Monterey chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a cause close to her heart. Now, the property is back on the market, listed for just under $6 million, with Tim Allen from Coldwell Banker Realty handling the sale.
Photo : Sherman Chu/courtesy Tim Allen Properties
Built in the mid-1960s, Villa Fontana is a charming shingle-roof home nestled on a cypress-covered acre, just a stone's throw from the beaches and the quaint downtown of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Inside, you'll find four bedrooms and five bathrooms spread across a little over 4,700 square feet of cozy living space on two levels, featuring a blend of red brick and rustic wood floors, plaster walls, and custom wood trim throughout. With walls of glass and several decks, you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Point Lobos from nearly every spot.
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As you step through the tall double doors, you're welcomed into a foyer that leads to a spacious living room, complete with a wood-burning fireplace for those cozy nights. A hallway takes you to the formal dining room and a galley-style kitchen, which boasts a vintage double oven, a stainless steel fridge, and a cute breakfast nook. Just across the hall, there's a walk-in pantry, and a staircase leads down to a lower level that features laundry facilities, a family/game room with a fireplace, and a bedroom currently set up as an office.
Photo : Sherman Chu/courtesy Tim Allen Properties
One of the standout features is a breezeway filled with natural light that leads to an annex featuring a warm, wood-paneled library complete with a fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The primary suite boasts its own fourth fireplace, a spacious dual-vanity bathroom with a sunken tub and shower combo, and opens up to a private patio. On the other side of the house, there's a separate wing that includes a bedroom and bathroom, along with a guest suite that has its own entrance on the lower level. Plus, you'll find a gated motor court and a detached two-car garage right out front.
Photo : Sherman Chu/courtesy Tim Allen Properties
Villa Fontana is more than just a home—it's a piece of Hollywood history nestled in one of California’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. With its timeless charm, stunning ocean views, and warm, inviting interiors, this estate offers the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. As the former residence of Joan Fontaine, the home carries a legacy of Golden Age glamour while embracing the tranquility of Carmel’s natural beauty. Whether as a full-time residence or a serene getaway, Villa Fontana is a rare opportunity to own a slice of cinematic history in a truly enchanting setting.
