Joan Fontaine’s Former Carmel Home Listed for $6 Million
The former home of Academy Award-winning actress Joan Fontaine, Villa Fontana, has been listed for $6 million.
The 4,712-square-foot estate, perched in the elevated Carmel Highlands, was Fontaine’s residence from the mid-1980s until her passing in 2013. The stunning 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom home offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Point Lobos.
Property Highlights
Price: $6 million
Location: Carmel Highlands, California
Size: 4,712 square feet
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5
Notable Features: Sweeping ocean views, gated entry, golden-era library with fireplace, large west-facing decks, detached 2-car garage
Waltzing Into The Home
Joan Fontaine’s former Carmel home welcomes visitors with a gated entrance that ensures privacy while offering a glimpse of the charming property beyond.
A brick-lined courtyard, framed by lush greenery and potted flowers, leads to the front door, where white brick columns and dark shutters add a timeless elegance.
The focal point is the open doorway revealing a grand piano inside, hinting at the home’s refined character and sweeping ocean views just beyond.
Legendary Living Room
The living room immediately sets the tone for the home with its expansive ocean views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. In the corner, a grand piano commands attention near the glass doors, adding a sense of elegance to the space.
The seating area, anchored by a plush gray sectional and accented with warm yellow and gold pillows, offers a cozy contrast to the cool-toned walls. A sleek white fireplace serves as a focal point and is topped with colorful modern artwork that adds some pizazz!
Academy Award Winning Dining Room
In the dining room, a textured, sculptural wall installation in warm earth tones adds depth and drama, while a bold orange painting on the opposite wall brings energy to the space.
A sleek wood dining table, surrounded by upholstered chairs, sits atop a muted area rug, creating a refined contrast against the dark hardwood floors.
At the end of the room, French doors open to an ocean-facing terrace, allowing the sunset to become part of the ambiance.
Kitchen For The Best Leading Actress
Down the hall, the gallery-style kitchen is filled with white cabinetry, sleek countertops, and brass hardware, giving it a timeless elegance, while the brick flooring adds a touch of warmth.
The kitchen leads to a breathtaking breakfast nook framed by panoramic ocean views for casual meals.
Golden-Era Library
Just one room over, the library is a nod to Hollywood’s golden era, wrapped in rich wood paneling and lined with bookshelves filled with classic literature and vintage photographs. At the center, a fireplace sits framed by a portrait, adding to the nostalgic warmth of the space.
Across the room, plush white leather seating offers a comfortable place to unwind while large windows and glass doors open to an ocean-view terrace, blending the elegance of old Hollywood with the beauty of coastal California.
A September Affair in The Bedrooms
The bedrooms in Joan Fontaine’s former Carmel home blend modern comfort with timeless elegance. One bedroom features a plush bed framed by bold yellow artwork and doors that open to the outdoor terrace.
A second bedroom, with its sleek four-poster bed and soft, neutral tones, is bathed in natural light from large windows overlooking the lush greenery of the hills.
Hollywood Entertainment Room
The lower-level entertainment space holds a black leather sectional, offering a relaxed spot to lounge, while large windows and French doors open to the surrounding landscape, bringing in natural light.
Built-in bookshelves display vintage records and collectibles, adding character to the bright white-paneled walls. A fireplace and wall-mounted TV create a cozy atmosphere, while the pool table serves as the centerpiece for game nights.
Hollywood Royalty in The Upper Decks
The expansive upper decks stretch across the second floor, seamlessly connecting each room while maximizing ocean and forest views.
Glass railings enhance the uninterrupted sightlines, while various seating areas invite relaxation, whether lounging under the sun or dining beneath striped umbrellas.
As the sun sets, fire pits cast a warm glow, turning the deck into an ideal space for unwinding, with the scenic coastline as a backdrop.
Our Final Take
Joan Fontaine’s former Carmel home, Villa Fontana, is as elegant and timeless as the actress herself. Perched in the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Point Lobos, the $6 million estate served as Fontaine’s retreat from Hollywood, where she spent her final decades.
Much like her Academy Award-winning performances, the home exudes classic beauty and sophistication, making it a rare gem on the market. As Villa Fontana seeks its next owner, it remains a lasting reflection of the star’s refined taste and enduring legacy.
