South of both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Scenic Highway 1 skirts California’s majestic central coast to reach the Monterey Peninsula and staggering scenery showcasing sand dunes, crescent beaches and dense forests. The approach from the south, also on State Route 1, is even more dramatic -- the slender two-lane highway winds its way between mountains and the headlands above the Pacific, taking you through Big Sur to the famed Peninsula, one of California’s perennial top tourist destinations that includes Pacific Grove’s 17-mile Drive, the iconic trail that twists and turns along the coast and through the Del Monte forest, providing glimpses of famed, “must-play” golf links and the most famous Cypress tree in the world – the “Lone Cypress.”
Nestled within the village of Pacific Grove sits the Old Saint Angela Inn, a classic 4,454/SF boutique inn with original hardwood floors and nine charming, uniquely-furnished guest-suites – all with private baths, some with fireplaces. Born a country craftsman-style home in 1910, the property then was converted to a rectory and later served as a convent. Tax records note that the property has 26 rooms and carries Williamson Act Tax Exemption. The long-treasured Inn, termed by one guest as “a piece of paradise,” continues to be recognized as one of Pacific Grove’s most historic icons and is featured annually in the Chamber-sponsored “Christmas at the Inns” tour.
Within a block of the Old Saint Angela sits the 18-mile-long Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail, a paved, waterfront path that hugs the coast and leads to Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Lover’s Point. Although the overwhelming number of fine area golf courses have long distinguished the Monterey Peninsula as an international destination for world-class golf … and “golf’s greatest zip code” … one of the “must play” courses sits only six minutes from the Inn adjacent to Lover’s Point, the historic, 18-hole Pacific Grove Golf Links.
The Old Saint Angela continues decades-long hospitality traditions that include made-from-scratch breakfasts served in its light-drenched solarium, afternoon tea and home-made cookies in the adjoining patio gardens and evening hearthside wine in the Inn’s warm, inviting lobby. Private lush gardens hidden from street view, ADA-compliance, complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient free parking further welcome the Old Saint Angela’s loyal clientele.
The pristine, well-maintained lodge always has benefitted from top professional innkeepers and further distinguishes itself with unusually spacious, handsomely-updated owner’s quarters that enjoy coveted views of Monterey Bay.
In 2018, Monterey County single family homes priced over $1M began the year with an average list price of $3,685,687; all Monterey County residential values have gone up 5.3% over the past year and are predicted to rise another 1.4% within the next year. Purchasing a “proven” commercial income-producing, nine-guest suite boutique inn overlooking Monterey Bay -- one that also boasts rare and roomy Pacific view owner’s residential quarters -- may be an unusually wise investment!
