Call: (925) 895-1041

For Home Inquiries Contact

Roland Call and/or Click email:

Phone: (925) 895-1041

Roland.Ellingsen@comcast.net

Papillon House is a 7,500 square foot private residence located at the highest point of The Carmel Highlands, situated in the middle of a Federally protected butterfly habitat for the endangered Smith’s Blue Butterfly.

This butterfly feeds exclusively on two buckwheat plants (in the genus Eriogonum) which grow naturally along the California coastline.  Recently, because of development, crowding by nonnative plants, and a host of other reasons, the food source for the Smith’s Blue has become scarce.  As a result, the protected habitat, as well as adjacent areas, are rehabilitated each year with thousands of new buckwheat plants in an aggressive attempt to repopulate the Smith’s Blue Butterfly. There is no better home and views of the Pacific  Ocean on the Central Coast of California.

Construction of Papillon House began in 2003.  The collaboration between General Contractor, Corey McMills, and property owner, Rebecca D. Costa, resulted in a “rustic European” architecture.  The home was deliberately designed to look and feel as if it has existed on the site for hundred years.

Many of the unique architectural features (gates, doors, arches, etc.) are the result of “found objects” collected by the property owner during her travels throughout Europe.  Papillon House is an eclectic assemblage of old and new, museum-quality collections mixed with flea market finds, both serious and silly.  The home is authentic, without taking itself seriously.

As much as possible, Papillon House has been constructed using natural materials.  The exterior stone is “Chief Cliff” tumbled stone from a small quarry in Montana.  The wide plank pine flooring was reclaimed from the attics of old homes in Pennsylvania.  The interior plaster has been hand rubbed.  The counters and bathrooms include hand polished limestone.  The ceiling beams are also hand hewn.

Perhaps the most memorable feature of Papillon House is the uninterrupted views of the Point Lobos rocks and majestic Pacific Ocean.  Often on days when the coastline is covered with a thick marine layer, the property enjoys full sun, providing excellent conditions for year-round floral gardens which attract a wide variety of butterflies birds and bees.

Welcome to the Papillon House, happy home of the Smith’s Blue Butterfly and other interesting creatures.  We hope your visit is a comfortable and memorable experience and that you will return again soon.