Big Sur drivers and visitors will soon have access to more stunning views of the Bixby Bridge and the rugged cliffs of Highway 1 along California's central coast under a recent deal between state regulators and a Monaco billionaire to opening an iconic 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 coastal parcel to the public in exchange for removing violations related to unapproved construction and ownership changes made. by the former owners.
Pastor's real estate company, Esperanza Carmel, purchased the Big Sur property, particularly 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 with 166 seats. 14-room restaurant and inn overlooking some of the most beautiful terrain in California.
But Pastor inherited a series of problems with the land, including coastal commission investigations into infrastructure changes made to the “environmentally 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, boasted panoramic views of the stunning landscape along Highway 1, where visitors could “glimpse playful otters.” marine, dolphins, seals and many whales as they migrate towards the coast.” It closed in 2020 during COVID.
The coastal commission agreed to remove the violations and possible fines if Pastor agreed to make improvements to the property and secure development rights to the surrounding bluffs. He also agreed to replace “no trespassing” signs with those indicating public access, and said he would improve trail access and add restrooms and significant parking space. The agreement was signed on May 17, Mercury reported.
Pastor, a billionaire from Monaco who has purchased several properties in Carmel in recent years, purchased the Big Sur land with the ambition of developing the property and opening a restaurant, inn and visitor center. The agreement is limited to eliminating violations and ensuring public access, but could eventually 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 during its June 14 meeting in Morro Bay.
