They say the heart of any home is its kitchen. When family and friends gather for a meal, they tend to gravitate toward the aromas from a pot of marinara or the sizzle as duck breast hits the pan. Yet the true heart of any modern home may be a device, one that sets the ambience through lighting or music, perhaps a soothing backdrop playing on a screen. Smart technology continues to change the way we interact with our homes. However, the past always deserves a presence. One can find it in nostalgic textures, treasured antiques or bottles of fine wine gathering dust in the cellar. This annual lifestyle magazine takes its name from the Gilded Age concept of home as a haven in a heartless world. A poem by Haley Littlepage notes that “The heart of the home / is more than a room,” calling it an atmosphere. However, she added, “The heart of the home / is more than a mood.” It is also a habit and a discipline. The heart of the home is, therefore, many things. But it is what we consider one of the bests in life—relaxing, sharing a bottle of wine with friends and more. Haven celebrates those things that are not of the heartless world. We hope you enjoy it. -Dave Faries DANIEL DREIFUSS Inside Contents 14 Designing with antiques 18 Cellar-worthy local wines 24 The man behind boutique hotels 28 A programmable home 32 From farm to spa Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Dave Faries Editor Sara Rubin Associate Editor Erik Chalhoub Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Paul Fried, Ava Homa, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Pope˛da, Katie Rodriguez, David Schmalz Digital Producer Sloan Campi Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Photographers Daniel Dreifuss (except where noted) Cover Photo by Mary E. Nichols. The living room of the Charles Hotel Pacific Grove, where innkeepers lay out a spread each afternoon for guests. The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2025. No portion may be reproduced. 831394-5656. www.montereycountynow.com. Dave Sidener, cellar master at the Sardine Factory. 12 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® HAVEN 2025-2026 Subscribeto the newsletter: montereycountynow.com/subscribe Go to montereycountynow.com Discover Monterey County Now NEWS • ARTS ENTERTAINMENT FOOD • DRINK CALENDAR Fresh Local News Served Daily MCNOW_1-3v_haven25_kpr.indd 1 7/23/25 1:11 PM
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