1940s Romantic Hacienda Estate
As dawn illumines the Santa Barbara foothills, warm sunshine and birdsong greet a very special hacienda...a magical retreat with a Spanish heart and a French soul...a private sanctuary where the stunning ocean views from every room are eclipsed only by the artistry of the estate itself.
This hidden 1940s gem has been lovingly refurbished by the current owner, an international recording artist, to reflect Country French elegance and eclectic Mediterranean style. Featured in Santa Barbara Magazine and the book Santa Barbara Style, this 13.5-acre oasis brings heaven down to Earth, offering paradise to enjoy right here and now.
The multimillion-dollar renovation incorporates an authentic adobe restoration by specialist Ken Ruiz, fixtures and hardware made to order in France, and wood ceiling beams from the Summerland / Carpinteria pier. Throughout the hacienda, original restored woodwork, hand-carved doors, custom-designed wrought iron, old-style paned windows, and red tile roofs bespeak the perfect marriage of Spanish and French influences.
Like everything else about the property, the approach is unpretentious yet totally captivating. A meandering driveway lined by immense hedges, trees, and flowers leads to a discreet motorcourt, and just beyond, the herringbone brick terrace that fronts the entire hacienda. Sounds of trickling water from antique fountains provide a musical accompaniment to 180-degree ocean and island views.
Tucked away on the east side of the terrace, the French doors of the main entry reveal a curved, tiled staircase that rises to a central atrium. With vine-covered latticework overhead, a magical koi pond and fountain to one side, and tiled steps to the hacienda’s various wings, this gathering place invites relaxation and repose.
That same repose defines the master suite, where a bay window overlooks a private, east-facing cobblestone patio infused with morning sun. Stenciled ceiling beams, terra cotta floors, and a skylight that runs the length of the room create an irresistible romantic ambience. From the adjoining dressing room, a few steps lead to the lush master bath with a second private patio. The bath’s unique patterned floor features Italian rolled marble tiles with fleur-de-lys stenciled wood.
Three family bedrooms reside nearby, linked by a skylit interior foyer with freestanding fireplace and beamed ceiling. Hand-painted motifs of fruit trees, birds, and angels decorate the walls. The angels reappear on other walls throughout the hacienda, as though an entire choir chose to take up residence in this privileged spot.
On the west side of the central courtyard, three sets of French doors showcase ocean views in the combination living/dining room, an exquisite venue for entertaining. Just beyond lie not one, but two kitchens: a professionally equipped country kitchen and a rustic summer kitchen, both replete with French fixtures, sinks, and lighting.
The uppermost level offers additional living space in a huge family room with stenciled knotty pine floors, a bed alcove with side windows, an attached den, and a detached office. The hillside above is terraced and planted with sweet-smelling lavender, lantana, olive trees, and cedars—a magnificent ode to Provence.
Nearly six acres of sumptuous landscaping encompass swaths of colorful flowers, exotic specimen trees and plants, and emerald lawns that descend to the generous-sized swimming pool. Other amenities on the grounds include a one-bedroom guesthouse, children’s play area, four horse paddocks, a stable and office, a storeroom, chicken coops, and vegetable/herb gardens.
As night falls, with multitudes of brilliant stars twinkling above and the city and harbor lights twinkling below, this matchless hacienda celebrates life, love, and nothing less than the best of all possible worlds.
(805) 886-1300 (Bridget)
(805) 455-8055 (Paul)
DRE #: 01233441 & 00678264
