This captivating knoll top villa was designed by renowned Santa Barbara architect Don Nulty in the tradition of George Washington Smith, whose attention to detail and awareness of dimension and proportion inspired the current owners to create a secluded and romantic, Mediterranean estate encapsulating a style and grace unmatched in many of today’s newer homes. The property is reached by going up one of Montecito’s most prestigious streets, to the gated, tree lined drive. As you pass through the walled courtyard to the front entry, you are greeted by the soft sounds of a fountains water flow, ocean views and breezes that will immediately confront the senses and the magic begins.
The extensive gardens have been featured in numerous magazines, including Santa Barbara Magazine and Distinction. The owners appointed landscape designer Heide Baldwin, in collaboration with Pat Scott to fuse the elements of historical style, contemporary function and livable space they desired throughout the terraced gardens which overflow with lavender, roses and succulents. This is truly a wondrous place to feed your heart and soul as you stroll through the rose covered arbor leading to flowing fountains and tranquil spaces. Continuing along the path you will encounter a Koi pond, rose gardens, numerous areas to sit and reflect on the many vignettes of beauty that surround you. Mature oaks and a wall of olive trees protect and guard this most private and treasured space, a place you can truly call home.
The interior rooms feature high ceilings, plaster walls, wide planked walnut floors, original light fixtures, and late 17th and 18th Century European finishes and furnishings.
The result is an awe-inspiring piece of art taking full advantage of the breathtaking ocean, island and mountain views. Santa Barbara magazine called it “a hillside haven of enchanted gardens and inspired rooms”.
With such a private and romantic space you might just want this all to yourself but visitors and relatives have plenty of spaces to occupy while visiting this magical spot. In addition to the master suite, there is a full guest suite downstairs with sweeping ocean views to the pool area, and “Casita”, a detached guest house and pool cabana with outside shower. Within walking distance to the famed San Ysidro Ranch and miles of the most incredible hiking trails…Montecito, California…this home is what and where it is all about.
Entry Hall Enter through double, antique 17th C French oak, iron and glass doors to the foyer.
Living Room 28 x 17 Planked walnut floors, beamed ceilings, 17th C French limestone“La Espana” fireplace, wall of French doors to the outside South facing terrace and the awe inspiring coastline and Channel Island views. Below the loggia is one of the many, sun drenched outdoor sitting areas, the “banco” a stone terrace with built in banquets, set amongst the olives and boulders.
Adjoining the living area is a wine room with a Viking wine cooler, prep counter and storage for 300+ bottles, 50 in cooler.
Also adjoining the living room and entry is the powder room with Gigi Ronchietto custom Spanish table with sculpted Lotus marble sink from India, sconces by Dennis & Leen. Interior doors in the house are copies of Addison Meisner designs.
Dining Room 17 x 14 Planked walnut floors, a window wall with French doors to an outside terrace with fountains and entertaining area. Dennis & Leen custom Italian Chandelier with Fortuny shades.
Kitchen 16 x 16 Cook’s delight with Viking gas 6 burner plus grill and double oven, Viking refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher and compactor, sculpted travertine sink with English Barber and Wilson faucets, limestone antique Spanish and Portuguese tile counters and backsplash. Center island has prep sink, all encased in custom cabinetry by Stewarts, done in traditional style and finish. Spacious, light filled, with coastline views, access to West terrace and barbeque area.
Family Room 17 x 16 Plank walnut floors, open beam ceiling, Conrad woven blinds, Pietra shell stone fireplace, built-in entertainment center, French doors to South terrace, the pool and panoramic ocean views.
Adjoining the Family room is a 6 x 21 laundry room with Miele washer and dryer, extensive counter and storage area and built-in ironing board.
2nd Bedroom 13 x 10 Just off the family room and creating a great guest suite if the two are combined, ensuite bath with oversized tub and stall shower combination, antique English chest with honed marble counter and sink, Newport brass faucet, slate floors.
Master Suite 19 x 17 Entered through double, 18th Century etched glass bistro pine doors, plank walnut floors, tray ceiling, French doors to two ocean and mountain view balconies, fireplace with antique French brick surround and hearth. The ensuite bath with its groin vaulted ceilings and ocean views includes a handpainted, Kohler free-standing tub with English Barber Wilson faucets, large stall shower with Waterworks shower bars and fixtures, overhead and hand held shower heads and an ocean view window, Rose Tarlow & Salamadre drapes and curtains.There is both a marble top counter with two sinks and a separate vanity area for her. A large walk-in closet, linen closet and separate upstairs laundry are also included.
Adjacent to the Master bedroom is an office with wonderful mountain views
“The Casita” Guest house and pool cabana. Just a few steps from the pool area sits “The Casita” with its 16 x 12 living room, Sweetwater flagstone floors, fireplace and wet bar and its 16 x 12 bedroom with full bath including pedestal sink and stall shower with Waterworks fixtures. There is also an outside shower area between the Casita and the house.
The Gardens The grounds are a botanical paradise of stone terraces, rose covered arbors, fountains and fish ponds with specimen oaks and olives creating a unique opportunity to have what is truly the Santa Barbara lifestyle. Please ask for both the Santa Barbara magazine and Distinctions magazine articles on the gardens.
Additional Amenities:
- 27 x 12 swimming pool with unique sound suppressed, heating and filtration system.
- 3 car garage
- 50 gallon circulating hot water system
- Well for outside landscaping
- Outdoor speakers into the pool and terrace areas
- Security system
- Forced air heating and air conditioning
- Soft Water System
For additional information and showings:
Lisa Loiacono Bob Lamborn
Cell (805) 452-2799 Cell (805) 689-6800
(805) 452-2799
DRE #: 01428913
