Homes With Ocean Views

Whether one moves to Montecito for the weather, the beaches, or the Santa Barbara lifestyle, one thing we as Realtors know is that most buyers, if they can afford it, either must have, want, or would like to have an ocean view. When suggesting a home a client might like, the question that follows is often, “does the home have any ocean views?”

Whether one is a beach person or not, we all love a view of the ocean and here in Montecito and Santa Barbara, we get island views as well making for an even more dramatic and internationally envied locale.

Montecito is basically a town at the foothills of multiple 3,000+/- foot peaks just as they reach the ocean. This topography and rarified area where mountains meet ocean, where creeks run and species thrive, has been described by many as a nature preserve where people are fortunate enough to live (think botanic gardens in Santa Barbara, most of us feel like we live in the middle of that).

There are so many variations of landform to build a home on, from cliff tops to rolling hills, promontories, valleys, steep hillsides, bluffs over the ocean, on the sand, and even homes built into the earth… but what I hear most often and see in the agent emails with “buyer needs,” is that most clients seek an ocean view if possible.

So, if ocean view living in Montecito is on your bucket list, here are four homes selected from those on the market that are available as of the writing of this article. The homes featured today offer solid ocean views from some or many rooms, not just a peek.

1944 Eucalyptus Hill Road: $3,325,000

This contemporary style home is located near many more expensive view homes in West Montecito on the edge of Santa Barbara between the upper and lower villages in Montecito, the beach areas, and downtown Santa Barbara.

The 3,100+/- square foot, 3-bedroom 2-full and one-half bathroom home is in the foothills above the Montecito Club and the Bird Refuge, boasting ocean, island and harbor views. Designed by Ferguson Ettinger (and built by Allen & Associates), this traditional Skog House pays homage to the diverse materials’ innate qualities, leaving them in their purest, most unrefined form. This home has been cared for by just two owners in its forty-seven-year existence and is located within the Cleveland School District.

907 Park Lane: $5,800,000

This home is in the Montecito Union School District and offers an opportunity to be on six gated acres at the end of an important lane in Montecito. Be nestled in nature, yet just a few minutes to the upper village. Live surrounded by many similar and often more expensive properties, and near hiking trails.

A sun soaked swimming pool and panoramic ocean and island views over treetops are yours along with the 5-bedroom, 6 ½-bath Mediterranean style home. Enjoy the ocean views from most rooms and the home includes French doors and windows leading to the views and terraces.

Additionally, there is a poolside guest cottage, 3-car garage, circular motor court, long private drive, Montecito water and private well.

811 Camino Viejo Road: $7,995,000

Presenting Casa Bene, an ocean view, architectural statement created by Donald Sharpe AIA. This very private estate is in the foothills above the Montecito Club on a promontory just across from a few homes and properties that have sold for or have been listed at prices over $10,000,000 in recent years.

The gated entry leads up the approximately 300-foot-long private drive, arriving at the motor court with the dramatic architecture of the home as a backdrop. The floor plan allows for entertaining small or large groups. There is an open kitchen, family room and formal dining room that flows to the double-height living room with walls of glass framing the views.

All main rooms face the ocean and the master wing in the home is a must see. The lower bedroom wing features four ocean view bedrooms all with glass doors to terraces and gardens. The “Rat Pack worthy” pool room has a full bar and a disappearing wall of glass opening to the covered entertainment terrace overlooking the pool and spa.

There are guest quarters offering three rooms and two bathrooms, with glass doors opening to coastline and mountain views. The landscaped 1.9+/- acre lot also features a tennis court in the lower garden, and the home is within the Cold Spring School District.

1398 Oak Creek Canyon Road: $10,900,000

Expansive ocean and mountain views define this street as well as this Mediterranean villa. The estate is set on over 53 acres of land atop East Mountain Drive within the prestigious, Oak Creek Canyon area on a private gated road, surrounded by equally situated and more expensive homes.

This listing is in the foothills between Picacho Lane and the San Ysidro Ranch, and has been on the market previously within the past few years. The home is now available at a lower price, making this worth looking at for the person who would like a larger pool home with these views on a gated street in Montecito.

The home offers elegant interior spaces flowing to outdoor entertaining terraces. There are five sumptuous bedroom suites, a lavish pool house, and access to hiking trails nearby. The main home is +/- 6,400 sq ft and there is a separate guesthouse. Features include multiple fireplaces, hardwood, stone, and marble floors, central air conditioning and the home is located within the Montecito Union School District.

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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.