The Monterey Peninsula's local stone has a soft and warm feeling that lent itself perfectly to the patio of this Carmel-by-the-Sea home. The rustic elegance of the fireplace design represents an old world charm you won't find in the work of modern, "quick build" masonry contractors.
RIVER ROCK, LEDGER STONE, BRICK, SLATE, OWNERS' OWN COLLECTED ROCK
The home wherein this fireplace was constructed is located next to the Fresno River. We used local river rock to show off its natural fluidity. We also incorporated the owners' collection of rock, which they had saved over many years.
Masonry contractor Robert Pierson wanted to give this stove setting the illusion of softness because it was situated in a corner and had a sharp-edged mantle. The flowing lines represent how water would travel down a mountain.
Robert Pierson's intent was to represent how a creek actually flows and appears in nature — with the very large rocks of the hearth placed at different levels beside the smaller ones.