Tor House and Hawk Tower, Carmel (must see)

Robinson Jeffers was an American poet best known for his long narrative poems and his focus on nature, isolation, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. He spent much of his life along the California coast, where the rugged landscape strongly influenced both his writing and his way of living. Rejecting modern urban life, Jeffers embraced self-reliance and simplicity—values that are clearly reflected in the home he built for his family and in the creative spaces he designed for himself.

Tor House and Hawk Tower are a historic stone residence and tower built in the early twentieth century by Jeffers as both a family home and a place of creative retreat. Constructed largely by hand from local granite, the buildings reflect his interest in craftsmanship, solitude, and a close connection to the surrounding landscape. Tor House served as the main household, while Hawk Tower functioned as a personal space for writing and reflection. Together, they offer a clear look at how Jeffers lived and worked during his most productive years.

Inside, the rooms preserve original furnishings, personal belongings, and objects used by the Jeffers family. Many items remain where they were originally placed, allowing visitors to see how the spaces functioned as both a household environment and a working setting for a writer. Architectural features emphasize sturdy stone walls, wood elements, and practical layouts rather than decorative display, and the gardens around the house contribute to the overall sense of a carefully built, lived-in property.

Although access to the interior is available only through guided tours, visitors can still admire the exterior of the buildings and their surroundings.

Today, the property is maintained by a nonprofit foundation focused on preservation and education. The site attracts visitors interested in literature, architecture, and traditional building methods, as well as those curious about the connection between creative work and place. Because tour times and availability are limited, advance reservations are recommended for anyone planning a vist of the interior.