Estate was popular watering-hole for 1930s movie royalty

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- For the first time since its construction in 1924, the famed McComas House of Pebble Beach, California is being made available for private and group rentals. Francis McComas was one of the most collected American water colorists of his generation, and as such hosted many of the country's luminaries during the 1920's and 30's, while they were visiting Pebble Beach and nearby Carmel. Those who socialized chez McComas are said to include Sinclair Lewis, Cecil B. DeMille, Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Gloria Swanson, Joseph P. Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn, Howard Hughes, Conde Nast, Basil Rathbone, Bette Davis and Clark Gable.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120517/CG09055)

The Mediterranean style estate was built for early California water color painter Francis McComas and is located in a river rock-walled enclave steps from the Pebble Beach 'Lodge' and shops. The Spanish colonial revival house was designed by San Francisco society architect Clarence Tantau, and was recently renovated to add modern conveniences, while leaving the classic elements of the house undisturbed.

Elizabeth Bernard, a private investor from Princeton, New Jersey, was the first person to occupy McComas House for a recent group event. "It's an amazing location and a uniquely elegant property. The new owners have restored the house beautifully. As a luxury rental property, nothing can match this in California, in my opinion." Ms. Bernard hosted a dinner dance and business retreat, and has rebooked the property for a golfing long weekend for 5 school friends and their husbands. "The house has an intimate quality that allows it to accommodate both small and very large groups. The ballroom is extraordinary."

The exterior property includes nearly 3 acres of old and nascent gardens, a circular gravel driveway for generous parking, a front, center, and side terrace for entertaining, and a riding ring. The inside includes five elegant bedrooms (3 en-suite) with 2 additional bathrooms (for a total of 5). The 800 square foot ballroom (McComas's former studio) features 18 foot ceilings, a 17th Century oak fireplace from a Belgian castle, and floor-to-ceiling paneling. The adjacent hearth room also has a fireplace and connects to a separate "ante room" for smaller meetings, TV, or to serve as a sixth bedroom. The gourmet kitchen includes all modern conveniences, a table for casual dining, state of the art appliances, and leads to the terracotta-floored dining room. Exit the dining room thru the north door and you'll find the butler's pantry and bar with everything you'll need to entertain your guests. Lastly, accessed via the center terrace or the master bedroom, is the Firestone Conservatory, named after a former owner of the house. This beautiful oak paneled room, surrounded on 3 sides by small steel windows, is destined to become a guest favorite. The conservatory offers a view of the estate and the mountains beyond, with a peek at the ocean. A 19th English stone fireplace, a bar sink, and refrigerator make the room de rigeur for a cozy after dinner nightcap, or to observe the encroaching twilight.

High ceilings and unique architectural flourishes abound throughout the house and include original art, antique paneling, original chandeliers and period sconces. For your convenience there is a professional laundry room. Interested parties are invited to visit www.mccomashouse.com for more information or media images.

Media Contact:

C. Benzel, Benzel Public Relations, 360-318-3951, chris@westa.com

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SOURCE Benzel Public Relations

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http://www.mccomashouse.com