East Montecito above East Valley Road

In our continuing look at the various neighborhoods around Montecito we have recently taken a look at western Montecito, homes in the Cold Spring School District, estates near the San Ysidro Ranch and beach area homes. Now let’s direct attention to homes just a mile or two from the upper village in Montecito, all within the Montecito Union School District. 

Homes in this north/east section of Montecito find themselves in the slowly rolling foothills, offering views, or tucked into a canyon or resting on a low traffic street among similar sized homes. Properties listed for sale range from about $1,495,000 for a cottage on a smaller lot up to $19,000,000 or more for an estate on multiple acres and boasting architectural significance. 

The area can be defined as homes in the foothills along East Mountain Drive and Bella Vista Drive down to East Valley Road, and from Park Lane to Romero Canyon or just a block past, on Stonehouse Lane to the east. 

This area is popular for a number of reasons, one being that these homes are in the Montecito Union School District, thus not far from the center of town and in a prime resale area. Also, these homes are for the most part on a nearly full acre or more, with the exception of a few smaller homes on Orchard and Tabor Lanes and a handful of properties on Romero Canyon. Additionally, these are less trafficked streets, and other than East Valley Road, most streets in this area meander through the foothills and are not part of the daily commute for non-residents coming in or out of the area. 

So, if you like the idea of a high-end, rural feel while still being very close to town, this Park Lane to Romero Canyon area is worth a look. Here are just a few current offerings in a variety of price points in that area.

2180 Alisos Drive: $2,595,000

Shaded by a grove of oak trees on a level street is this 4,000+ sq ft, single-level craftsman ranch home. Tucked in the foothills just a few blocks above East Valley Road, the serene setting provides home to a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom single-level home that offers walls of windows, skylights and numerous glass doors. 

There are three distinct living/family rooms – each with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Additionally, there are guest accommodations with a kitchenette and outside, one will find fruit trees, a hot tub/spa, garage, and manicured landscaping on the .95-acre lot. 

625 Stonehouse Lane: $5,250,000 

Classic Santa Barbara Spanish architecture, stunning gardens, a pool, and freshly renovated interior spaces combine to deliver this exceptional Montecito property. Conveniently located on a less traveled lane, resting on 1.09 acres among other similar sized and priced homes, this 4-bedroom home plus pool cabana residence checks most boxes on a homeowner’s wish list. 

Set behind a garden wall and gates, one is surrounded by lawns, multiple oak, specimen and fruit trees, mountain views, and privacy. The residence features a formal living and dining room, along with a ground floor master suite with fireplace and French doors leading out to the rear gardens. The newly renovated kitchen and family room both have fireplaces and open to inviting patios and an outdoor kitchen.

799 Lilac Drive: $8,495,000 

Located on one of the most desirable streets in Montecito, this elegant, relaxed Don Nulty designed Mediterranean villa is comprised of approximately 6100 sq ft of living area. The 1+ acre property features an impressive main house with 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 2 half baths, romantic stone loggias, a separate guest suite with its own bath, pool cabana with full bath, and a 3-car garage. 

Additional amenities include a saltwater pool/spa, outdoor kitchen, state of the art Control 4 home automation system, Venetian plaster walls, grey water catch system, and six zones of heating and AC. Enticing mountain and ocean views are found throughout various vantage points of the home.

900 Knollwood Drive: $19,250,000

Inspirational ocean views define this impressive legacy estate. Originally designed by Edwards & Plunkett and renovated by Lutah Maria Riggs, this approximately 9-acre property spans four parcels and maintains much of the same spirit as it did when first conceived. 

From this vantage point, ocean and island views are endless, mountain and ridgeline views stand stoically in the distance and expansive grounds offer an incredible sense of space and privacy. A long, oak-lined drive leads to the main residence. Gracious spaces open to multiple view terraces and lush rolling lawns. 

A guesthouse, detached office, pool, cabana, & tennis court help to create the ultimate compound and offer destinations to explore. This is a true legacy property, the likes of which we do not see come on the market very often.

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For more information on any of these listings or to have me arrange a showing with the listing agents, please contact me directly, Mark@Villagesite.com or call/text 805-698-2174. Please view my website, www.MontecitoBestBuys.com, from which this article is based.