Spring 2025

A swimming pool was one of the first additions to the property when the Silvestri family began remodeling, includ- ed to provide fun for their children. Photo: Ryan Rosene C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 145 A castle-like compound in the Carmel Highlands has been the inspira- tion for countless film soundtracks created on site by Grammy Award-winning composer Alan Silvestri. With careful attention to detail and using as many local materials and craftspeople as possible, Alan and wife Sandra spent 10 years painstakingly renovating the main home and three additional structures. During that time, Alan successfully relocat- ed his career out of Los Angeles while composing for films like “Forrest Gump,” “Night at the Museum” and “The Avengers,” as he and Sandra hopped from building to building with their three children during con- struction of their compound. Prior to the Silvestris purchasing the 14-acre property over 35 years ago, one of the smaller buildings was used as a children’s schoolhouse, and another structure once belonged to Stanford University, used as the Behavioral Sciences Institute.A local artist once lived on the property, cre- ating plein air art, no doubt inspired by the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the many trees and wildlife. Other past residents included a doctor and an Italian philanthropist. “It’s a well-loved house in the community, because people come up to us all the time and say, ‘Oh, I got married there,’ or ‘I went to language classes there,’” Sandra says. The top floor of the largest guest house, with over 5,000 square feet, known as Studio House, was jokingly dubbed “The Party Room,” by the Silvestris when they started renovating.With stunning 360-degree panoramic views, the original terracotta floor was graded on a slope to a spout with hose bibs available to rinse away any evidence of wild nights.“Apparently whatever happened, could be rinsed out and you could start again,” Alan says. Now used as guest quarters, along with the main level, the building contributes to the total of nine bedrooms, 10 full and two half baths across the property.