New Listings in Montecito

I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying “at-home time” as much as is possible. Perhaps by the time this article is out on the streets, there will be more people out and about. In the meantime, regardless of being somewhat back to normal or not, we are all spending more time at home and finding time for things we need or want to do within the confines of our homes.

We are learning by spending a lot of time at home, that perhaps a home should reflect the interests of the owner. For example, if someone likes the outdoors, perhaps a yard. If someone likes to work in a quiet space, an office or a den will be helpful, etc… Fortunately, our home has a yard… a yard I must admit, we did not use nearly as often prior to the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders as we do today.

Choices in style of home, amenities, spaces to get away to, yard to play and work in, all become more important the more time we spend at home. Living in Montecito allows one the ability to seclude oneself in a place that is envied around the world for her beaches, topography, scenic beauty, and in many cases, stylish architecture. Being recognized as one of the best climates to live in last year did not hurt the 93108 either.

On top of the livable climate and natural beauty of the area, Montecito has fought to maintain a community sensibility and architectural review process, that has thus far, kept her from building 6,000-square-foot box houses on tiny lots.

Look around, there is a nice mix of home styles to choose from at any given moment, in most price ranges. Here are a few newer listings (hitting the market in May of 2020), some of which were on the market in the past year, but are new again on the market and worthy of mention for one or more reasons. The incredible English barn homes offered for sale on Miramar Avenue mentioned below are just one example of the unique homes and living experiences available here in Montecito.

216 Ortega Ridge Road – $3,149,000

Ortega Ridge Road sits up high, confidently positioned between Montecito and Summerland, and this home offers both mountain and Montecito Valley views as well as nearly 4,000 square feet of living space to enjoy.

Inside find an inviting living room, chef’s kitchen, and family room with open floor plan designed for indoor/outdoor living. There is a master suite with sitting room and a mountain view deck, plus three bedrooms, and an office.

Resting on just over an acre, enjoy the gardens, pool, spa, bocce court, dining patios and fireplace. This home is located within Montecito’s 93108 zip code and is in the Summerland and Carpinteria School Districts.

1572 Green Lane – $3,150,000

This home is located on a private lane in the Hedgerow neighborhood of Montecito, just blocks from Miramar Beach and Montecito Union School. Consisting of nearly 2,700 square feet of living space, this renovated Mary Craig home, guest house, and artist’s studio offers old world charm and modern convenience.

The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home and the 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest house are surrounded by one half acre of well-developed landscaping that offer desired privacy. A great room was added to the floor plan by the current owners and the three fireplaces in the main house bring additional warmth and charm to the home.

Additionally, there is an artist studio and a large trellised patio.

1164 Hill Road – $4,895,000

This European style 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom main house and the 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest cottage are surrounded by mature landscaping, providing privacy and seclusion on an over half acre lot near Butterfly Beach and the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel.

Located on a rare double lot with deeded beach access, this home offers a living room with French doors leading to the well framed garden and pool. There is a formal dining room, breakfast nook with fireplace and access to outdoor seating areas under the pergola.

The hot tub and pool are surrounded by colorful, yet drought tolerant landscaping with always-perfect synthetic turf and mature trees and hedges for privacy. This home is located within the Montecito Union School District.

705 Oak Grove Drive – $6,495,000

Set amongst mature Oak trees on this private and gated, .97-acre lot, find this Montecito urban farmhouse estate, located in the foothills above East Valley Road, in the Montecito Union School District.

Completely renovated and reimagined in 2016, the home features three bedroom suites, all with French doors leading to patios and the garden setting. The master suite has dual closets, master bath with custom finishes and built-ins, a soaking tub and oversized spa shower. An additional, two rooms in the main house provide versatility to use as bedrooms, offices, or home gym.

Walls of French doors open to the wrap around veranda and resort like pool with spa, fire pit and entertaining patio with mountain views. A re-imagined and converted barn now offers two additional guest suites adjacent to an outdoor kitchen. Professional landscaping and an attached garage that can park up to eight cars tandem, rounds out this San Ysidro Ranch inspired compound.

210 Miramar Avenue – $6,900,000

In the Montecito Hedgerow, midway between Miramar Beach and the Montecito Union School, rests The Porter House: a newly renovated residence that is rich in history, style, and creature comforts.

What began as two 18th century English barns has evolved into a hip getaway in Montecito, filled with unexpected delights, architectural pedigree, and lush gardens. Wise and wavy woodwork lends a sense of wit and whimsy throughout the house.

As the light evolves throughout the day, different areas of the residence come alive. Enjoy morning lattes in the solarium. Host an epic cocktail party in the lounge. Enjoy a nightcap off the master terrace.

For information on any of these listings or to have me arrange a showing with one of 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.