Iconic Butterfly House in Carmel Still Seeking $40 Million Buyer

For seven months now, venture capitalist Kevin Comolli and his wife Hannah have been trying to sell their stunning oceanfront estate on the Monterey Peninsula of Carmel. But with no takers — despite an extensive two-and-a-half-year renovation and restoration at the hands of noted Los Angeles designer Jamie Bush — the landmark midcentury estate remains on the market, seeking an eye-popping $40 million.

If the Comollis do get anywhere near their ask, it will be $26 million more than the London couple paid for the place almost a decade ago, back in 2014. It also will rank as one of the priciest sales ever recorded in the area, in line with the landmark D.L. James estate purchased last summer by Brad Pitt for $40 million.

Built and designed in the early 1950s by architect Frank Wynkoop as his personal residence, the wing-roof structure is known as the “Butterfly House.” Tucked away behind a gated entrance, on just over a half-acre of cypress-dotted land resting amid a rocky outcropping at Carmel Point, the U-shaped house has three bedrooms and five baths in 3,700 square feet boasting hammered granite and quartzite flagstone floors, Sapele-paneled ceilings, hand-trowled plaster walls and wire-brushed teak throughout.

The split-level home — which has been featured in Architectural Digest, A Century of Style and Most Beautiful Rooms in the World — is fronted by an attached one-car garage flanked by a spacious motorcourt spotlighted by freestanding ceramic totems. From there, a massive great room overlooks sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Point Lobos and Carmel Bay via floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, and displays a sunken viewing lounge and living/dining area that connects to an updated kitchen outfitted with teak cabinetry, an eat-in breakfast bar and stainless appliances.

Other highlights include a fireside family room sporting a wall of bookshelves and built-in seating, plus an office, a media room and playroom. There’s also an inviting master retreat, which holds a built-in bed, walk-in closet, and marble-clad bath equipped with dual vanities and a large soaking tub; and outdoors, the landscaped grounds host a kidney-shaped pool and spa, fire features, and plenty of spots ideal for al fresco lounging and entertaining.

One of only a few true oceanfront dwellings in Carmel, the property also has its very own beach and swimming cove with a diving spot, all nestled alongside 280 feet of waterfront footage.

According to The Wall Street Journal, which previously reported on the listing, the Comollis are selling because they have relocated to Beverly Hills, where they recently renovated a 1920s Tudor home designed by architect Gerard Colcord.

The listing is held by Shelly Mitchell Lynch of Carmel Realty Company.