An enantiospecific synthesis of the [6.6.3]-tricyclic carbon framework, 2,6,6,9-tetra-methyltricyclo[5.4.0.0^2,4]undecane, present in the sesquiterpenes lippifolianes and the diterpenes cyclosclareol, metasequoic acids and parguerols, starting from the readily available monoterpene (R)-carvone, is described.