Spring 2025

The lower level of the Studio House hosts offices for Alan and his production staff, with walls covered with framed movie posters and awards from countless beloved movies, includ- ing “Lilo and Stitch,” “The Polar Express,” “Night at the Museum,” and “The Abyss.” Prior to beginning the renovation, the Silvestris stayed at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite and were inspired to use cedar ele- ments, Carmel stone and a Craftsman-inspired style in their design. The work of local tilemak- ers and stonemasons along with natural materi- als were carefully woven into existing themes, such as an arch motif that is found throughout the home. They continued the arch design in windows, doors, bar stools, and ultimately used it as the logo for their wine bottles when the family launched Silvestri Vineyards, which has a tasting room in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. While the detailed touches took time, the Silvestris enjoyed every step of the process. “We wanted to do everything right, and it was a joy for us,” says Alan. This included, at times, having to redo count- less hours of labor if a plug was off center or a light fixture wasn’t suitable. “We had a very interesting moment when we went away for a trip to Europe, and we came back and were in our hot tub looking up at our house and saw the grout that had been added by a mason while we were gone,” Sandra shares. Alan adds that while the stonemason was unbelievably talented, he had chosen a grey grout in a classic Italian style, and that Sandra felt it went The Silvestris had initial doubts as to whether or not Alan’s career could flourish when they left Los Angeles for Carmel, which were soon remedied as significant com- posing projects poured in. With castle-like shapes and stone buildings set on a knoll above the Pacific, the compound feels like a nod to times gone by. 146 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall Photo: Ryan Rosene “We’ve been married for a long time, almost 48 years, and I’ve always worked in a room in the house.”