In the middle of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, there is a grand piece of architecture that reflects on the 20 th century craftsmanship and architectural prescience. Welcome to Ten Winkle Cottage, an incredible piece of the building history of Carmel that most definitely still dazzles both tourists and residents close to 100 years after it was first built.
The Story Behind Ten Winkle Cottage’s Creation
One of the most unique residential creations by master-builder M.J. Murphy was in 1925 at a point when Carmel- by-the-Sea was still growing to be an artist colony. Frederick Ten Winkel was a very active local business person who had a furniture and hardware store at 1536 Ocean Avenue, and commissioned Murphy to design a home that would identify him as a business leader in the area as well as one who admires fine craftsmanship.
The history of this architectural jewel is as interesting to learn as the building itself. Frederick Ten Winkel probably got to know the work of M.J. Murphy via the office of the builder itself, which, in a way, was a display of his unparalleled talent. Ten Winkel was taken aback by the unique style and close attention paid by Murphy towards detail and enthusiasm and asked for a home that would emulate the same structures of architecture and the quality of craft people.
M.J. Murphy: The Master-Builder Behind the Magic
Michael J. Murphy stands as one of Carmel’s most celebrated builders, whose work helped define the village’s distinctive architectural character. During the 1920s, Murphy was at the height of his creative powers, developing homes that seamlessly blended European cottage influences with California’s unique building traditions.
Murphy’s approach to construction went far beyond mere building – he was an artist who worked in wood, stone, and dreams. His homes featured irregular rooflines, hand-hewn beams, and intricate stonework that gave each structure a fairy-tale quality. The Ten Winkle Cottage exemplifies these signature elements that made Murphy’s work so highly sought after among Carmel’s discerning residents.
Murphy’s Distinctive Building Philosophy
It was the opinion of the master-builder that houses ought to seem to have taken their rise out of the country that they are in, and not to cut themselves into the landscape, as it were. This ethic is very clear, throughout the Ten Winkle Cottage, as organic curves and natural material make a symbiotic liasion between the building and the surrounding.
Murphy was very fitting to the detail of the construction including hand-forged hardware to custom millwork. He used surprise architectural detail a lot such as hidden corridors, integrated treatments and decor that made the normally practical rooms into masterpieces.
Frederick Ten Winkel: The Visionary Homeowner
Frederick Ten Winkel was an embodiment of an entrepreneurial spirit that was a feature of early Carmelites. His Ocean Avenue furniture and hardware store was not only a shop where people could come and get the furniture and even building materials they required but also a social hub where people could meet and have a chat.
Being a businessman, who specialized in furniture and hardware, Ten Winkel had a close acquaintance with good crafts and materials. This information must have served as a factor which swayed this decision in his favor to have commissioned the M.J Murphy who he was being assured of the work would remain a classic yet timeless value.
Business Legacy of Ten Winkel
Furniture and hardware store owned by Frederick Ten Winkel was a very important aspect of development of Carmel in the 1920s. When people constructed their homes and also fitted them with furniture, the establishment played a major role in facilitating establishment Ten Winkel by offering necessities and services that helped escalate the population.
This success in business allowed Ten Winkel to build a quality home house on his own property, a home where he could retreat as an individual and as a business man showing his good taste and business sense.
Architectural Features That Define Ten Winkle Cottage
The Ten Winkle Cottage, in its turn, demonstrates many architectural details that are the perfect example of the masterful way of building a house by M.J. Murphy. All these characteristics are used to get a house that is comfortable and yet Californian in the same breath.
Exterior Design Features
The exterior of the cottage has a well decorated surface with carefully balanced symmetry and natural uncharacteristic outline. Murphy has used a combination of different textures and materials to generate interest in drawings but still give harmony. The roof line is also characterized by single curvatures and mixed heights so the construction will not look box-like or stiff.
Natural stone foundations ground the building into place and the wooden siding and the decoration parts give it a warm and textural quality. Rooms have windows positioned so as to maximize the natural light but at the same time providing some privacy and another pleasing proportion both internally and externally.
Interior Details of Craftsmanship
Clearly, Murphy is keen on details and this can be seen further, inside the Ten Winkle Cottage. The beams of the ceilings are hand-hewn to cover some distance to form dramatic focal points and carry out structural roles. The custom work that Murphy employed is revealed in built-in cabinetry and pieces of furniture that he did.
It is common to find well constructed hearth areas (fireplaces) in Murphy houses and a good example is the Ten Winkle Cottage having hearth areas meticulously constructed with both functionality and artistic character. These social hubs are all parts of this comfortable and intimate vibe that Carmel cottages are so attractive.
The Influence of Murphy’s Office Design
The connection between Murphy’s own office and the Ten Winkle Cottage design represents a fascinating aspect of early Carmel architecture. Murphy’s office served as both workspace and showroom, demonstrating his capabilities to potential clients through the building’s design and construction quality.
When Frederick Ten Winkel encountered Murphy’s office, he recognized immediately that he wanted similar quality and aesthetic appeal for his own residence. This client-architect relationship illustrates how architectural ideas spread through Carmel’s close-knit community during the 1920s.
Design Translation from Commercial to Residential
The process of adapting Murphy’s office design elements for residential use required careful consideration of how spaces would be lived in rather than simply worked in. Murphy skillfully translated the visual appeal and craftsmanship quality of his office into a home that would meet Ten Winkel’s daily living needs while maintaining the architectural integrity that had initially impressed the businessman.
Carmel’s Architectural Heritage in the 1920s
The decade of the 1920s represented a golden age for Carmel architecture, with numerous talented builders and architects creating the distinctive homes that continue to define the village’s character today. The Ten Winkle Cottage stands as an excellent example of this creative period.
During this era, Carmel attracted artists, writers, and creative individuals who valued unique architecture over conventional suburban development. This clientele encouraged builders like Murphy to experiment with design elements and create homes that reflected individual personality and artistic vision.
The Fairy-Tale Cottage Movement
Carmel’s cottage architecture drew inspiration from European fairy-tale illustrations and storybook imagery. This influence is evident in the irregular rooflines, whimsical details, and organic forms that characterize many homes from this period, including the Ten Winkle Cottage.
The fairy-tale cottage movement represented a reaction against industrial standardization, emphasizing handcrafted details and individual expression over mass-produced uniformity. Murphy’s work exemplified this philosophy, creating homes that felt magical and personally meaningful to their inhabitants.
Preservation and Historical Significance
Nearly a century after its construction, the Ten Winkle Cottage continues to represent important aspects of Carmel’s architectural heritage. The home’s survival and continued appreciation demonstrate the lasting value of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
Historic preservation efforts in Carmel have helped protect buildings like the Ten Winkle Cottage from inappropriate alterations or demolition. These preservation initiatives recognize that such structures contribute significantly to the community’s character and economic value.
Modern Appreciation for Historic Architecture
Contemporary residents and visitors increasingly appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship represented by homes like the Ten Winkle Cottage. In an era of mass-produced housing, the individual attention and creative expression evident in Murphy’s work feels particularly valuable and inspiring.
The cottage serves as a reminder of building practices that prioritized quality over speed, creativity over conformity, and lasting value over short-term profit. These principles remain relevant for modern construction and renovation projects.
Living History: The Cottage Today
The Ten Winkle Cottage continues to function as a residence, demonstrating how well-designed historic homes can adapt to contemporary living needs while maintaining their architectural integrity. Modern owners have the privilege and responsibility of stewarding this architectural treasure for future generations.
Maintaining a historic home like the Ten Winkle Cottage requires specialized knowledge and careful attention to preserving original features while incorporating necessary modern conveniences. This balance between preservation and practicality ensures that the cottage remains a living part of Carmel’s architectural landscape.
Contemporary Relevance
The principles embodied in the Ten Winkle Cottage – quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, harmony with natural surroundings, and individual expression – remain highly relevant for contemporary architecture and design. Modern builders and homeowners can learn valuable lessons from Murphy’s approach to creating beautiful, functional spaces.
The Broader Impact on Carmel’s Development
The Ten Winkle Cottage and other Murphy creations helped establish Carmel’s reputation as a destination for distinctive architecture and artistic expression. This architectural heritage continues to attract visitors and residents who appreciate unique design and craftsmanship quality.
The cottage represents part of a larger architectural ecosystem that includes other notable Murphy buildings and works by contemporary builders who shared similar philosophies about creating beautiful, individual homes rather than generic structures.
Economic and Cultural Value
Historic homes like the Ten Winkle Cottage contribute significantly to Carmel’s economic vitality through tourism, property values, and cultural identity. Visitors come to Carmel specifically to experience its unique architectural character, which includes numerous examples of 1920s cottage architecture.
The cultural value of such buildings extends beyond their economic impact, providing tangible connections to Carmel’s artistic heritage and the creative individuals who shaped the village’s development during its formative years.
Lessons for Modern Architecture
The Ten Winkle Cottage offers numerous lessons for contemporary architects, builders, and homeowners interested in creating spaces that combine beauty, functionality, and lasting value. Murphy’s approach to design and construction provides a model for thoughtful development that respects both human needs and environmental context.
Key principles demonstrated by the cottage include the importance of site-specific design, the value of handcrafted details, the benefits of using natural materials, and the wisdom of creating spaces that feel personal and meaningful rather than generic and standardized.
Sustainable Design Practices
Long before sustainability became a mainstream concern, builders like Murphy practiced many principles that modern green building advocates recommend. The cottage’s use of local materials, passive solar design elements, and emphasis on durability all contribute to its environmental responsibility.
The building’s longevity itself represents a form of sustainability – well-built structures that last for decades or centuries have far less environmental impact than buildings that require frequent replacement or major renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the Ten Winkle Cottage?
The Ten Winkle Cottage was built by master-builder M.J. Murphy in 1925. Murphy was one of Carmel’s most celebrated builders, known for creating distinctive homes that combined European cottage influences with California building traditions.
When was the Ten Winkle Cottage constructed?
Construction of the Ten Winkle Cottage was completed in 1925, during the height of Carmel’s development as an artist colony and resort destination.
Who was Frederick Ten Winkel?
Frederick Ten Winkel was a Carmel businessman who operated a furniture and hardware store on Ocean Avenue. He commissioned M.J. Murphy to build the cottage after being impressed by Murphy’s architectural work, likely including the builder’s own office.
What architectural style is the Ten Winkle Cottage?
The cottage exemplifies the fairy-tale cottage style that became popular in Carmel during the 1920s. This style features irregular rooflines, natural materials, handcrafted details, and organic forms that create a whimsical, storybook appearance.
Where is the Ten Winkle Cottage located?
The cottage is located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, a historic village known for its distinctive architecture and artistic heritage on the Monterey Peninsula.
What makes M.J. Murphy’s architecture special?
Murphy’s architecture is distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, use of natural materials, and a philosophy of creating homes that appear to grow naturally from their surroundings rather than being imposed upon the landscape.
How did Murphy’s office influence the cottage design?
Frederick Ten Winkel likely saw Murphy’s office and was impressed by its design and craftsmanship quality. He then requested a home that would capture similar architectural elements and construction standards.
Is the Ten Winkle Cottage still standing today?
Yes, the Ten Winkle Cottage continues to exist as a private residence, serving as an excellent example of preserved 1920s Carmel architecture and demonstrating how historic homes can adapt to modern living needs.
What was Ten Winkel’s business on Ocean Avenue?
Frederick Ten Winkel operated a furniture and hardware store on Ocean Avenue, which served the growing Carmel community’s needs for home furnishing and building supplies during the 1920s.
Why is the cottage historically significant?
The cottage represents important aspects of Carmel’s architectural heritage, exemplifying the fairy-tale cottage movement of the 1920s and demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship of master-builder M.J. Murphy. It contributes to Carmel’s distinctive character and cultural identity.
How has the cottage been preserved?
The cottage has been maintained as a private residence with careful attention to preserving its original architectural features while adapting to contemporary living needs. Carmel’s historic preservation efforts help protect such significant structures.
What can modern builders learn from the Ten Winkle Cottage?
Modern builders can learn valuable lessons about quality craftsmanship, site-specific design, the use of natural materials, attention to detail, and creating spaces that feel personal and meaningful rather than generic and standardized.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
The Ten Winkle Cottage stands as more than just a historic home – it represents a philosophy of building that prioritized beauty, craftsmanship, and individual expression over mass production and standardization. Nearly a century after its construction, the cottage continues to inspire architects, builders, and homeowners who appreciate the lasting value of thoughtful design and quality construction.
Frederick Ten Winkel’s vision, combined with M.J. Murphy’s exceptional skills, created a home that has enriched Carmel’s architectural landscape for generations. The cottage serves as a tangible reminder of an era when builders took time to create structures that would stand the test of time while providing beauty and comfort for their inhabitants.
As Carmel continues to evolve, the Ten Winkle Cottage remains a cherished part of the village’s architectural heritage, demonstrating how historic buildings can maintain their relevance and appeal across changing decades. The cottage’s enduring charm and structural integrity validate the wisdom of investing in quality construction and thoughtful design – principles that remain as valuable today as they were in 1925.
For those fortunate enough to encounter the Ten Winkle Cottage, whether as residents, neighbors, or visitors, the building offers a glimpse into Carmel’s golden age of architecture and the creative individuals who helped shape this unique community. The cottage stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between visionary clients and skilled craftsmen, creating buildings that transcend mere shelter to become works of art that enhance their surroundings and enrich human experience.
