Located about two and a half hours north of San Francisco, at the border of Sonoma and Mendicino Counties, is a unique housing development called Sea Ranch. This 10 mile stretch of coastline is a very delicate integration of architecture with nature.
This post is not meant to be a history or photo essay of Sea Ranch. Sea Ranch is well documented. Below are a few very good links to the history/culture of the place.
Summary of Ideals, Culture, and Aesthetics
The Sea Ranch Website
NY Times Post
I have read, seen photos, and even studied in architecture school about Sea Ranch. But this is a place of/about experience. It must be seen and felt to truly appreciate how well the architecture fits within nature. If you go there, you will feel it. It is quite magical.
I would like to highlight the ecodiversity. The coastal portion of Sea Ranch (west of highway 1) is most often referenced. However, on the eastern side of highway 1, is very dense forest. It is extremely beautiful and a striking contrast to the (also) beautiful coastline.
West of Highway 1
East of Highway 1
On the coast
In the forest