On a bluff above the Pacific between Florence and Yachats, a piece of Oregon’s literary history has officially hit the market, and it’s being stewarded by one of Fathom Realty – Oregon’s very own. Fathom agent Shanna McCord is representing the listing of a remarkable oceanfront cottage once owned by iconic author Ken Kesey, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own not just a home, but a slice of creative legacy.

A Home With a Story to Tell

Listed at $699,000, this three-bedroom, one-bathroom home was originally built in 1964 and lovingly owned by the Kesey family for nearly 50 years. Known affectionately as the “Key Sea Coast House,” the cottage served as a sanctuary and writing retreat for Kesey, the celebrated author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion.

The home sits on more than two acres of preserved, oceanfront land. Hardwood floors, view-framing windows, and a wood-burning stove offer a cozy, rustic setting for reflection or creativity.

Shanna McCord describes the property as more than a home.  It’s a place where the soul of the Oregon coast lingers. “It’s a sanctuary where nature is the centerpiece, and history quietly lingers, inviting its next steward to create their own future,” McCord shared.

Where Nature Meets Nostalgia

With the whisper of crashing waves ever-present and uninterrupted views of sea, sky, and coastline, it’s easy to see why Kesey found this setting so creatively inspiring. The property’s untouched natural beauty is one of its most defining features. Rather than being transformed into an extravagant estate, the land was preserved with care by the Kesey family, allowing native plants and wildlife to flourish.

“There is a very limited amount of oceanfront land like this,” said McCord. “This property would be best for someone who can really appreciate the uniqueness of what is here.”

The Author Behind the Home

Ken Kesey was more than just a bestselling writer; he was a cultural icon. A University of Oregon graduate, Kesey emerged as a prominent voice of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. His novels, Cuckoo’s Nest and Great Notion, are both permanently etched into the American literary canon and were adapted into celebrated films.

The coastal retreat near Yachats gave Kesey space to dream, reflect, and create. In archived footage, he described the Oregon Coast as a place of “strange and ancient magic,” a haven where imagination roamed freely, fueled by the natural world and the hypnotic pull of the ocean.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Now, for the first time, this creative refuge is poised to embark on a new chapter. McCord, who specializes in connecting clients with meaningful and distinctive properties, believes this home is ideal for a buyer who values both serenity and story.

“Whether you keep it as a warm and nostalgic retreat or modernize it to suit your vision, this beautiful cottage is a rare gem waiting for its next story to be written,” she said.

A Fathom Agent Making Waves

Fathom Realty is proud to spotlight Shanna McCord for her work on this extraordinary listing. Her ability to honor the property’s legacy while guiding future possibilities exemplifies the heart of what it means to be a Fathom agent, delivering value, vision, and care with every transaction.

For those who dream of ocean views, creative inspiration, and owning a piece of Oregon’s literary soul, this might just be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.