Drivers and visitors to Big Sur will soon have access to even more breathtaking views of the rugged bluffs of Highway 1 along California’s central coast, under a recent agreement between state regulators and a Monegasque billionaire to open an emblematic cliffside property to the public.
The California Coastal Commission and Rocky Point owner Patrice Pastor reached an agreement last month to open the 2.5-acre oceanfront parcel to the public in exchange for eliminating violations related to unapproved construction and changes to ownership made by previous owners.
The pastor’s real estate company, Esperanza Carmel, purchased the Big Sur property, including the site of the since-closed Rocky Point restaurant, for $8 million in 2021, according to Mercury News, with plans to open a high-end restaurant. range of 166 places. restaurant and 14-room inn overlooking some of the most beautiful grounds in California.
But Pastor inherited a series of problems with the land, including investigations by the Coastal Commission into infrastructural changes made to the “ecologically sensitive habitat” by its former owners without approval. The owners also had limited public access to the land with “no trespassing” signs and locked gates, according to the Mercury.
The cliffside restaurant, located about 10 miles south of the charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, offered panoramic views of the impressive scenery along Highway 1, where visitors could “spot playful sea otters, dolphins, seals and numerous whales as they migrate along the coast. It closed in 2020 during COVID.
The coastal commission agreed to eliminate the violations and possible fines if Pastor agreed to make improvements to the property and secure development rights on the surrounding bluffs. He also agreed to replace “no trespassing” signs with those indicating public access, and said he would improve access to trails and add restrooms and significant parking space. The deal was signed on May 17, the Mercury newspaper reported.
“This coastline is one of California’s true treasures, with breathtaking and fabulously spectacular views,” said Lisa Haage, chief of law enforcement at the California Coastal Commission. “We worked hard to reach an agreement that would provide amenities for visitors and residents, including trails, picnic tables and even public parking and restrooms. »
Pastor, a Monaco billionaire who has purchased several properties in Carmel in recent years, purchased the Big Sur land with ambitions to develop the property and open a restaurant, inn and visitor center. The agreement is limited to eliminating violations and ensuring public access, but could potentially make it easier for Pastor to obtain approval for redevelopment plans.
Esperanza Carmel did not respond to requests for comment.
The Coastal Commission is expected to formally approve the agreement at its June 14 meeting in Morro Bay.
California Daily Newspapers
