rapunzelexplores — Carmel-by-the-Sea

: One of the most magical things about Carmel-by-the-Sea is its collection of fairytale cottages scattered throughout the town. These whimsical homes, shops, inns, and galleries look like they belong in a storybook and that’s exactly the vision behind them. The fairytale cottage movement began in the 1920s with builder and toy maker Hugh Comstock. Inspired by his wife Mayotta’s doll-making business, he built a charming cottage to display her creations, followed by a studio next door. The enchanting design quickly captured people’s imagination, and soon more storybook cottages began appearing throughout Carmel. Today, 21 of Hugh Comstock’s original cottages still stand, and 11 of them can be found within a short walking distance of one another, making it easy to explore them on a self-guided tour. From the iconic Hansel and Gretel Cottages to Honeymoon Cottage, Fables Cottage, and the charming Tuck Box, every turn feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale. 📍 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 1. Hansel (The Original Doll House) – 1924 2. Gretel – 1925 3. Ober Cottage (also called the Hugh Comstock House) – 1925 4. The Studio Cottage (Guest House) – 1926 5. The Hobby House (now home to The Tuck Box) – 1926 6. Marchen Haus – 1926 7. Our House 8. Storybook Cottage (formerly Browne House) 9. Pink Cottage – 1926 10. Snow White’s Summer Place – 1926 11. Nelson-Krough Cottage – 1926 12. Fables Cottage – 1928 13. Doll House – 1928 14. Honeymoon Cottage – 1928 15. Birthday House – 1928 16. Ocean House – 1928 17. The Wood – 1928 18. Curtain Call – 1929 19. Windhorst Cottage – 1942 20. Yellow Bird 21. Little Ark Save this post for your next Carmel getaway and follow along. #sfbayarea #bayarea #carmelbythesea #carmel #storybookhouses