A beautiful place that feels like a sacred space. Our docent's passion shown through. We loved every tidbit she had to offer about Tor House, Hawk Tower, and the lives of Robinson and Una Jeffers. We were amazed at how welcome we were to touch most everything. I even played the Steinway piano! We'll be forever grateful to Mr. Jeffers for planting 2000 trees in Carmel. And for his poetry and beautiful buildings. We never wanted to leave the quiet peace of the garden. read more

The only do tours on Friday and Saturday and you need to reserve in advance. The tour groups are very small because the space in the tower is very small. I wouldn't recommend the tower for overweight people or those with mobility issues. They wouldn't let women bring their purses along because the space is so small. It's supposed to be a one hour and 15 minute tour. Ours was closer to 2 hours. There were times when the talking got to be a bit much, but going in the tower towards the end made it worth it. It's a really interesting lecture on the lives of the people who lived there. I was not familiar with the poet, but it was still very interesting and it was just beautiful. You cannot take pictures on the tour. read more

Wonderful....you won't be disappointed. The docents clearly luv their job and make the tour educational.

With my husband and I both having engineering backgrounds, we came to marvel at the accomplishments of a man who learned how to build his house of stone and then continue to add on... on his own! But our guide, who taught literature and creative writing in a past life, lit our imaginations as he took us on a journey through the love, passion, triumphs, and challenges between Robinson Jeffers and his wife, Una. Our guide quoted Jeffers' poetry with ease, and with the words so intertwined with the precise spot where we were standing, it felt as if Robinson Jeffers himself were speaking to us. "The polar ice-caps are melting, the mountain glaciers Drip into rivers; all feed the ocean; Tides ebb and flow, but every year a little higher. They will drown New York, they will drown London ..." Written by Robinson Jeffers ~1960. And at this point, I was floored. How could he have envisioned this so early on? Being an early resident of Carmel, Jeffers loved and cherished their family dogs and buried both close to the house in the garden. I think all dog lovers will find their truths in the poem Jeffers wrote for his bulldog, Haig. "The House Dog's Grave" (Haig, an English bulldog) I strongly encourage you to look it up, and, when you find yourself in Carmel, to come to Tor House and walk in the footsteps of a great American poet in his own home and hear his own words. His truths may resonate with you as they did for us... And by the way, we were delighted to see that our 12 year old found as much joy navigating the secret passage Jeffers designed for his 2 sons as they must have had countless times in years past! Some joys are timeless! read more

Had a lovely visit with my husband at the Tor House. It is really an incredible property, rich with so many personalized touches throughout the house. You can feel all of the love that went into making this extraordinary home. Stuart Crymes was our guide and was an absolute delight. Very knowledgeable and kept the tour moving along smoothly. So glad we were able to experience this! Thanks so much! read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our early morning at Tor-House. Our Docent made it interesting, taking us back in time, including poetry he chose to compliment the progression of our tour. The views, stories and tranquility of the experience are not to be missed! read more

Definitely worth it. House is amazing, history of the poet who built it even more so - definitely go see it when in Carmel, CA.

the fact that only six people can visit the house and tower at one time makes this a superb experience--easy to ask questions, easy to hear our docent, no stragglers, etc....our docent, Peter was infectiously enthusiastic for the facility and all things "Robin" Jeffers-related, seemed to know each nook and cranny and piece of furniture; and read out several Jeffers poems (or fragments thereof) beautifully. MAKE SURE YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS ON LINE--walk-ins are not accomodated. (I note that most other reviews are 5-star...mine is only four only because I'm not a huge fan of Jeffers' poetry...BUT, having seen where he and his family lived, having learned more about HOW he lived...I plan to revisit the slim volume of his work that I first purchased in the 1970s....) read more

Now a small lot, but still a big presence THE GOOD Touring the home, garden and Hawk Tower you will see and feel how the Jeffers lived. The docent will give you facts. You get to touch and sit and roam. After a few minutes in the house you will sense the rhythm of life when the house was young. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower and take deep breaths. The sea and fog will invigorate you today as it did the Jeffers yesterday. THE BAD Nothing is bad, here. I was saddened because the family had to sell land to keep Tor House alive. At the same time, I am grateful for their effort. OTHER I recommend reserving the first tour time - parking is scarce. Also, after the tour, walk the neighborhood and imagine life less crowded. read more

So I'm a little biased because Robinson Jeffers is one of my very favorite writers, and I wrote my Master's thesis on him. His home, Tor House, is one of my favorite places on planet Earth. Even if you have never heard of Jeffers, though, no visit to Carmel is complete without a visit to Tor House. It is absolutely gorgeous, and you have to be impressed with it, especially when you learn about how he built most of the house himself, rolling the stones up from the beach below. The tours here are top-notch. The docents are great sources of information, and they read poems appropriate to different parts of the tour. The real highlight of the tour comes at the end, when you get to climb Hawk Tower. Standing at the top of that great stone tower and taking in the breathtaking views as Jeffers once did is a really special experience. At only $7 per adult, this is one of the greatest bargains in Carmel. Tours are only available on Fridays and Saturdays, and reservations are recommended if not required. Kids under 12 are not allowed. I've recommended Tor House to many people in the past, and nobody has ever been disappointed...neither will you! read more

A MUST SEE !Beautiful, Inspiring, Romantic.Small tours with volunteer docents.Call.to reserve a tour,and bring cash or check...it's inexpensive at $10 person ,and there are books also Available for purchase.We had a hard time finding it,we parked,walked,asked locals...and actually missed 2 tours and luckily they accommodated us for the final tour of the day.Steeped in history, a fascinating look into Robinson And Una Jeffers life and home,a home he built by hand from stones he dragged up from the beach.A lifetime labour of his love for his wife, and for stones.This was.their "inevitable place " where "Lovers make their own dreams".The docents read some heartbreaking beautiful poems by Jeffers at various points from poems about the family dogs(tear jerker alert! )his grandaughter,his death bed,his wife,and his house.The gardens are absolutely beautiful. The views spectacular. We saw whales blowing.Our tour ended with an young man proposing to his love,and she said she said yes.It was epic. read more

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I like architecture, but I don't care about poetry. If you're looking for a tour about architecture, this is not the right tour. If you're a fan of poet Robinson Jeffers (or at least know who he was unlike me and friends I've asked), then this is the tour for you. Thankfully, Jeffers wasn't another lazy, drunken poet, but someone with many interests. This helped make the tour about his life more interesting while the poetry part made it feel like a field trip for an English literature class. The Hawk Tower was fun - particularly with the secret staircase. With giant stone steps and omitted handrails, it's not for the immobile. Subsequently, the tower is not particularly safe so I'm glad they allowed us to explore the structure. Even though the $12 tours are supposed to start every hour, the tour before and after ours were cancelled due to a lack of docents. I recommend buying online tickets in advance to avoid showing up for a non-existent tour and guarantee getting on a tour (albeit the start time might shift an hour). The docent started the Tor tour (sort of a tongue twister) before the stated tour time. The tour lasted a lengthy two hours. read more

I will always love this place. They do tours on Th, Fri and Saturdays only. We got a last minute tour. The tours book up really fast and our tour had 8 people on it. WOW Our tour guide was George. he was fantastic. He gave us all sorts of secrets to the house and secrets of volunteers that get argumentative about the gardens and how they should look and he was just so funny. He was also very informed. He loves the place and you can tell. He enjoys volunteering and I applaud him for that. The day we went, it was so lovely out. We walked the gardens a bit after. Just so peaceful and I could feel the passion of Robinson Jeffers all around us. I love poetry and Tor House is always a special place for me and my hubby read more

We were looking for things to do in Carmel and found this tour for the Tor House online so we called that morning and luckily, there was an opening for two. Enjoy the drive here as you'll see many beautifully designed homes. The tour was $10 an adult, tax deductible. It was about an hour long. Our young docent was very knowledgeable and informative in telling us the history behind the owner, Robinson Jeffers, who was an American poet. He showed us the house, gardens, and the Hawk tower, which Robinson apparently built for his wife. During the tour, he stopped to read us some of Robinson's poetry. The view of the ocean from this house was beautiful as well. If you love history and/or poetry, you'll definitely enjoy the tour, but make sure to make reservations in advance! read more

What a fun surprise! A very knowledgeable docent who recited Jeffers poems from memory...lovely grounds...all outside. Took about an hour or so. Such a peaceful tour mixed with a little local history & poetry. read more

To me this is one of the best treasures of Carmel! You will explore a very intimate ( 6 ppl plus guide ) tour of a wonderful piece of true American Family History, Art, Architecture, Literature, Handbuilt Stonework, Woodwork, Gardens, Ocean View, Novelty... Plus the Tower!! Our host was so lovely and well informed... Just a delight. The tour was just over a hour and was very close to downtown/ Carmel by the Sea. We left feeling inspired. Wondering, how we can live in such a house!? Open Friday- Saturday, reservation needed. read more

I just finished a graduate seminar on Jeffers and simply had to visit his "inevitable place." It was every bit as magical as I thought it would be. The tour was fun, thorough, and a bit of an adventure on a rainy day. Climbing to the top of the tower was an awesome experience. Both Jeffers scholars and those new to his poetry will find something to enjoy. I especially appreciated the opportunity to sit in Jeffers' chair. Thank you to the Tor House foundation and our tour guide (I believe his name was Johnson?) for the perfect day. I'll be back soon. read more

Don't try to go here with your Black boyfriend, even if he just got back from serving in Afghanistan for the racist tour guide here to behave the way he does. Tour guide took one look at him and came up with every reason he could to deny us of the tour. "This tour is too full," he said with just 6 people. Benefit of the doubt, it was too full. However, my boyfriend asked "When is your next tour time?" The tour guide at at 11:30AM immediately responded, "This is our last one until next weekend." Basically just shrugged us off and tried to get rid of us. We left without causing a scene but do be advised not to go here unless you've got fair skin and light hair. We tried calling ahead of time and researching their hours, guidelines and such, but nobody answers the phone and the website hasn't been updated. read more

Docents do a great job in providing information! Loved the facts and stories told. The masonry work is amazing as well as the wood details. The gardens are beautiful as well. Very interesting tour! read more

I'd never heard of this place, but loved it. A beautiful hand-built stone house, buildings, and tower overlooking the ocean. The tour guide told lots of great stories well, and made us clamor for more. Making reservation can be tricky: they take a single group of six people once an hour, so plan accordingly. read more

This is a very special tour conducted by exceptionally prepared docents. Moreover, our docent was reciting Robinson Jeffers' poems from memory, not from the paper. We truly enjoyed learning about the history of the Tor house, and the invaluable value it brings for visitors and locals. read more

While searching for things to do in Carmel we found the Tor house and Tower. We booked a tour at 10am Saturday 9/15/18. The home of Robinson Jeffers was nestled in a neighborhood. We thought we had arrived at the wrong place. Who would have thought one could live next to such a historical landmark. If one were to walk around it would be unique on its own. The docent we had made its history come alive. He made you laugh, think, and feel like you were able to see into the lives of this unique family. It is an experience I won't soon forget. read more

Beautiful location, interesting and knowledgeable tour guide and an all around fun experience! Even read samples of Jeffers' poetry out loud to get the full immersion. read more

When I lived in Carmel, this house was still inhabited by a Jeffers family member. I passed it all the time. Now, however, you can tour this one-of-a-kind property and learn its history. It's open Fridays and Saturdays and the small groups allow for all your questions to be answered. Even if you knew nothing about Jeffers or his family, this sweet home is something to see. read more

Great tour due to the amazing buildings with tower that Robinson Jeffers designed and created by hand. The tour guides are lovers of literature and can make this poet's story come alive. read more

Great tour and great tour guide. Available Fridays and Saturdays only, and at the right price, reserved online. I'm not fond of Jeffers' poetry, but the house is still definitely worth the visit, it has fantastic views and is definitively charming. Four stars - yes, it's a top attraction for the area, but after all, it's not quite the Grand Canyon or Versailles. read more

...a hidden gem...Anyone who is interested in early Carmel history should visit this house. We especially enjoyed climbing to the top of Hawk tower...with a special surprise inside. Our guide was very informative and related many interesting anecdotes about the construction of the home and the Jeffers' family life. We would highly recommend this tour. read more

We took the Tor House tour this past weekend and our guide was very informative and the place had a beautiful view. I would recommend taking this tour if you're visiting Carmel. The only reason for the four stars was the group size. We drove in from out of town and made reservations ahead of time and expected others to have also. It may have been because we were the last group for the day but our group was kind of big. The rooms in the house are very small so it was a bit cramped and uncomfortable with 12 people. read more

Great place, great tour. I passed the place once not realizing it is on a regular house lot and tucked back. The streets are a bit complex with one ways. Parking is on the street. You must have reservations. read more

An amazing house. Well worth your time. Added benefit--you get to see many of the spectacular houses along the Carmel oceanside.

PUT IT ON YOUR LIST OF MUST SEES!! Tor House was the highlight of our trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea. I did not even know about Jeffers until my boyfriend mentioned who he was and that we go. With that said, I thought it might not be that interesting, just a fee and a quick walk through of a building that some poet lived in once. NOT TRUE! It was BEAUTIFUL! and INFORMATIVE! We took the scheduled noon tour which started in the garage portion of Tor House showing pictures and books of Jeffers and his family's lives. The Guide started the story there and answered any questions we had along the way. The tour guide DEBBIE was super nice and informative. The garden is GORGEOUS! The House interesting, unique and contains the Jeffer's original items inside. On the tour they are also very laid back about you being near the surroundings, only they ask that you do not take pictures inside the house. The even offer to let you play Jeffer's piano if you know how, and someone did. It was beautiful. They take you up the tower as well which you can go outside or choose to go up inside through a secret pathway which we did and was fun. The view is unforgettable from the house and the tower. A different and original experience that we will remember always. Definitely worth going. Not a negative word to say. Thank you Tor House! Kelly and Chris read more

Took the 12pm tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our docent, Mr. Jansen, was wonderful. He had lots of interesting stories to tell about the poet and his family and on several occasions recited poems to us - right where they were written. He has a wonderful voice and his timely performances made the tour quite special. Be sure to wear good shoes - the steps in the tower are steep and can be slippery when wet. Great fun! read more

Beautiful tour from an architectural standpoint as well as a literature lover's standpoint. Stunning views of the coast and incredible interior and exterior tour. Really enjoyed the Poetry readings which came alive when visiting the rooms in which the author lived. Definitely worth the money. read more

I visited Tor House for the first and second times in the last 5-6 weeks. Fascinating poet, Jeffers, beautiful location, amazing home, extremely friendly and knowledgeable guides. Two very special days. I am excited to visit again. read more

I visited the Tor House site in Carmel several times in the last month, taking friends with me who haven't been there but know of Robinson Jeffers' work. Each time the docent of the small tour was engaging and knowingly shared information about Jeffers, his background, family life, and his memorable and profound works of poetry. The docents covered different information, so each time it was a fascinating learning experience for me. And I was able to share a little Jeffers lore with those on the tour. There's something very special about the coming together of stone, setting (by the sea), the trees that have grown up around the structures, the lovely garden lovingly planted, and all the features that conveyed the Jeffers' interests, what they valued. One can't help but feel the presence of "Robin" and his wife Una's spirits lingering there. read more

Great tour of stone residence built by one of American's greatest poets - Robinson Jeffers. Tour guide Vince was very informative, and read several of Jeffers' poems at appropriate places. Tour included the residence, the beautiful grounds, and Hawk Tower which Jeffers built for his wife. It was hard to believe that Jeffers constructed 40ft Hawk Tower by himself, lugging the stones up from the beach. The guided tour into the Tower, up the winding stone steps, into the secret and very narrow passageway up to an open landing, and then the final few stone steps up again to the very top was exciting. Visitors are there rewarded with a grand view of the coast and Point Lobos. Vince explained that Jeffers was a Coast Watcher during WWII and offten sat there as lookout. Photos of the place cannot do it justice. Highly recommended. It made our trip. Jim C. read more

I loved this tour - the docent was really nice (a guy with curly hair). It was the perfect length. I felt like i really got to know the author. The reading in the dining room was awesome. read more

What a wonderful little tour. Our Docent Elliot, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. One doesn't need to be poetry literate to enjoy the grounds and poems. read more

Even if you are not a poetry-buff, Tor House + Hawk Tower are very interesting architecturally. If you can get tickets, take the tour: http://www.torhouse.org/tours.htm If you cannot get tour tickets, you can still see the two buildings from Scenic Drive + Ocean View Avenue (front + rear) read more

We visited the Tor House on Friday for the first time and had a wonderful experience. The docent did an excellent job in presenting just the right amount of info on the history of this unique site. If at all possible I would highly recommend you climb the stairs to the top of the Tower for an amazing view of the house and beautiful gardens. read more