931 Las Alturas Road :: Santa Barbara

 
Listing Agent:
Steve Slavin
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 (805) 886-3428
Steve@SteveSlavin.com
 SantaBarbaraLuxuryHomes.com
DRE #: 00493760
List Price:

$6,995,000

Neighborhood:

Riviera

Bedrooms:
4+
(plus Guest House)
Bathrooms:
6+
Property Description: MLS # 14-442

1928 Santa Barbara Landmark Ocean View French Villa

“Montjoie”  is truly a spectacular period villa with absolutely stunning views of the ocean, harbor, and islands as well as Santa Barbara’s enchanting cityscape dotted with the classic red tiled roofs. The property itself  has been lovingly restored to its original period grandeur and the current owners have brought the sparkle back to this one-of-a-kind Santa Barbara estate. This landmark home dominates the view of Santa Barbara’s Riviera from most points of the city.
In recent years, the property has been host to many of Santa Barbara’s most important residents and prestigious fund raising events. Its many guests have enjoyed its awe inspiring picturesque views and architectural splendor. Designed as a luxurious residence for the heir of the Montgomery Ward fortune, it is as gracious and elegant today as it was originally envisioned by its Chicago architect, Edwin Hill Clark, in 1928. A casual elegance exudes from every corner of this mansion, with a skillful blend of Beaux Arts and Italian Renaissance styles with a sprinkling  of French glamour. Artisans have carefully crafted and restored wrought iron balcony railings and balustrades, columns, French windows and doors, fine woodwork, fireplaces and decorative details from a bygone era. Interestingly, prior owners of the property over the years have all been couples or individuals and all attest to the home’s cozy nature.
Enter the home through the grand light- filled foyer and access the downstairs public rooms which are rich with intricate details, high ceilings; each has warm, comfortable and intimate aspects or a story to tell. One example is the library/den, which the first owner designed around a 17th Century curved, walnut-paneled room that came from a Tuscan abbey. The grand living room has high ceilings and streams of natural light from the oversized French-style windows with a unique period fireplace: carved alabaster leaf motif and a surround embossed with a cameo and floral design. The downstairs is also accented with a superbly remodeled, true to the period, private guest suite.
Sharing the south terrace and unobstructed ocean views with the living room and den is the grand dining room with floor to ceiling windows of streaming light. Adjoining is  the newly enhanced gourmet kitchen and breakfast area with long granite counters, top of the line appliances and all balanced with period cabinetry.
Up the circular literally “work of art” period staircase is the landing to the second story. From here, enter the  master bedroom wing; romantic master bedroom with dual updated bathrooms, exercise room/upstairs den. In the other direction are two guest bedroom suites and a super sized media/family room. All take full advantage of the ocean views or enchanting scenery, no less breathtaking than those from the doors and windows of the ground floor’s public rooms.
The attached guest house with its own private entry, has two charming bedrooms, full bath and boutique kitchen. This guest house area may be completely shut off from the main house or left open for direct guest access to the main house.
Unique to this home is a dry basement that currently hosts a small wine cellar which could be expanded to include the entire basement. The property also has ample room within its beautifully landscaped grounds for a pool, cabana and tennis court, if desired.