Real Opportunities

This is a good time to be looking for an upper-price range home in Montecito, as there are many well-priced properties available in the $4.5-to-$15 million range on the market. Some “done” homes for sale are the result of a developer’s remodel, and others were on the market a while ago and are being reintroduced, often at a lower price, making for some interesting opportunities. 

With a higher-price range home under, say, $8 million, in Montecito, properties can range from 1+/- acre or more in a prime location, with a large home (+/- 5,000 square feet) or a nice-sized home (3,500+/- square feet) with a guest house or pool house, a pool, spa, maybe tennis court, and other high-end features. 

In the price range higher than $8 million, we start to look at much larger homes in prime locations with even more bells and whistles… A private gated driveway, motor court, mature landscaping, water features, privacy, views, top location, and more. 

It is not necessary to spend $10 million or more to obtain a home with many of these features. One can find an impressive, move-in-ready home with many of the amenities mentioned for as low as the mid $4-million- to mid-$5-million range and up. For example:

1399 School House Road: $4,750,000

I enjoyed touring and spending time during our Wednesday agent tour at this remodeled ”Japanese Farmhouse” located just two short blocks from Montecito Union School and the upper village. Lush landscaping provides a private setting where one will find the 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom main home and detached guest quarters. 

The high ceilings, open concept and abundant windows make for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Enjoy the wood decks, backyard pool, fire-pit, and meandering grounds that create a tropical island style retreat in your own backyard. 

This home is located within the Montecito Union School District, and the original home sold for less than $3,000,000 a couple of years ago. The home has undergone a total transformation and is now ready for a new owner.

115 Miramar Avenue: $5,450,000

Located in Montecito’s Hedgerow neighborhood, this gated and private 6-bedroom, 9-bathroom estate is on a level 0.90-acre lot. The home was originally built in 1914 and retains that era’s detail and style while incorporating modern conveniences.

Renovated in recent years, this traditional Craftsman-style home offers approximately 5,206 square feet of authentic character with hardwood floors, spacious light-filled public rooms, a study, office, gym, and 6 fireplaces. Enjoy inviting outdoor terraces and verandas, a pool, 2-bedroom guest quarters, mature specimen trees, sunny gardens, and tack room with a loft. 

This property is situated near Miramar Beach, the upper and lower villages, and is within the Montecito Union School District.

2084 East Valley Road: $5,695,000

This energy-efficient estate reflects old-world style with modern conveniences and technology. The property boasts an impressive gated entrance that leads to a circular motor court, grand entrance, and 3-car garage.

Large custom Mahogany front doors invite you into a bright and spacious foyer highlighting the formal living room with soaring ceilings and expansive views of the rolling lawns and yard. There is a chef’s kitchen with granite surfaces, and appliances from Wolf, Subzero, and Miele. Rich woods and custom cabinetry help to enhance the culinary experience. 

There is a private one-bedroom guesthouse-clubhouse with separate driveway entrance situated near the mosaic tile pool and spa. Enjoy the many patios and outdoor seating areas. This estate property includes the latest in Built-Green technology and is within the Montecito Union School District. The home was more recently listed at $5,995,000.

2733 Sycamore Canyon Road: $11,999,999

This nearly 10,000-sq-ft Montecito estate was more recently offered at $15,900,000 and offers significant privacy, only minutes from the shops and restaurants of the upper and lower villages. A grand entry and palm-lined drive lead to a gracious motor court boasting powerful mountain views. 

This sprawling Mediterranean estate is on nearly 3 acres and incorporates Moroccan-style arches and southern Spanish architectural inspiration. The grand, 2-story foyer welcomes you to the lower-level living spaces, which include a formal dining room, wood-paneled library and an elegant living room with hardwood floors, intricate woodwork, and fireplace. The chef’s kitchen includes top appliances, a large center island, and opens to a family room with fireplace and French doors to the gardens. 

The upper gallery opens to the master suite with his-and-hers bathrooms and closets. The lower area of the property includes a pool surrounded by outdoor dining spaces and social areas. The one-bedroom guest house offers an airy retreat and the estate is located within the Cold Spring School District.

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Please feel free to contact me regarding any Real Estate needs or to set up a showing with the listing agents of any properties featured here: Mark@Villagesite.com or call/text (805) 698-2174. Please view my website, www.MontecitoBestBuys.com, from which this article is based.