Carmel Magazine

Carmel Magazine, spring 2018

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184 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's off-the- grid philosophy and two-year stint on Walden Pond, the project website quotes the writer's famous lines: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." Jekogian, who is based out of New York, says when he first came to the property he discov- ered the joys of unplugging. "My construction manager said, 'You're from New York City. Get a tent and stay on the land,'" he says. "I called him on it and lived in it for a month last summer and hiked the property every morning before I checked in with work. I realized how much better I feel and think when I'm staying on the property." Now upgraded to sleeping in an Airstream with electricity generated by solar panels, Jekogian says, "I love the feelings I have here and the openness to thought I have when I stay in nature. This is not a typical development with a golf course. You can connect with the property and friends, family and self and focus on a differ- ent community." Each home site is priced at $5 million for a 20-acre lot, with only two rules for construction. "Don't remove any trees," Jekogian says, "and use all renewable energy sources. The rest is up to you. You can live in an Airstream in an enlight- ened way using solar power or you could build a villa." Plans from a team of top architects who ded- icated their time to influence the project are available to purchase; most are contemporary designs that feature an abundant use of glass to let the outdoors in. "You never see your neighbors so you don't need architectural guidelines," Jekogian says. "It's really quiet. Animals walk right in front of you. We want to build net-zero [energy Those building at Walden Monterey must follow two rules: no trees may be harmed and all homes must be designed with renewable energy systems. Photo: Designed by Fougeron Architecture Photo: Designed by Axelrod Architect

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