Montecito Beach Area Homes

Nothing says summer like a day at the beach and no beaches that I know of are more cherished by residents and visitors alike than the beaches of Montecito: Butterfly Beach with the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel and Miramar Beach with the newly opened Rosewood Resort at Miramar Beach. 

The beach area in Montecito can best be defined by any property on the ocean side of the 101 freeway. While other streets and the lower village are close to the beach, the freeway divide allows us to focus on the beach area as defined. 

Whether walking at low tide, surfing during a swell, or picnicking with family and friends, the beach area in Montecito is ground zero for high-end real estate, with sales topping $10 million for oceanfront homes time and again; beach area homes and condos sell near or well over $1,000 per square foot in general. Of course, one does not need to spend $10,000,000 or more to live near or on the beach here in Montecito; it all depends on whether one is near or on the beach and of course the size of the home, whether it is a house or condo, etc.

Additionally, ocean area homes in Montecito, between the 101 freeway to the sand and from Channel Drive to Fernald Point, are within the Montecito Union School District.

While there are certainly more properties for sale in the Montecito beach area than the few I have featured here, the options presented below include a range of choices priced up to ten million dollars. If you do not see your beach area home in these few offerings, there are currently many other properties for sale in the mid few millions for condos and homes, to over $20,000,000 for a trophy property in the area. 

1394 Plaza Pacifica: $879,900

Enjoy partial ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows that open fully to give you fresh ocean breezes and an expansive view of the gardens outside. One of only a few studio units within the development, this condo is well located within the guard-gated Bonnymede ocean-side development at Butterfly Beach.

There is an updated kitchen, wood floors and fresh paint in the unit. In addition, homeownership in the Bonnymede complex includes access to its swimming pool, tennis court, and beachfront area.

1164 Hill Road: $5,495,000

Set just one short street back from Butterfly Beach and very near the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel is this French-inspired Montecito property that offers beach area living, a second structure and a pool. Many of the rooms have outdoor access and multiple windows, allowing for an abundance of natural light and an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Through the blue wooden gates, you’ll follow a flagstone pathway bordered by trimmed hedges and tasteful landscaping. Wide-plank wood floors, vaulted ceilings and soft-toned walls grace many rooms of the home. The master retreat features an open beam vaulted ceiling, fireplace, generous sitting room and bathroom with dual sinks and distinctive tiled floors. 

Three comfortable guest bedrooms, one of which is currently utilized as a den, are conveniently located on the main floor, as are two full bathrooms and a powder room. Located adjacent to the main house and accessed via a flagstone pathway is a detached structure with a 2-car garage. The approximate 0.55 acre mostly flat and usable property is completely walled, creating a private sanctuary with patios, landscaping and all just a stone’s throw from the beach.

1 Miramar Avenue: $5,500,000 

The one and only 1 Miramar Avenue is for sale, and just in time for a new owner to enjoy living near the Rosewood Miramar Resort and the beach at Miramar. Just two doors up from the beach, the home was originally built around 1904 and has been upgraded over time. The feeling of the inviting home and grounds can be generally described as higher-end, tropical inspired, with designer features and attention to detail throughout.

The home has three spacious bedrooms, all en suite, a powder room, formal living and dining room, family room, and kitchen with a commercial range. Additionally, the home features an upstairs apartment with interior or you can close off for exterior access that includes a bedroom, bathroom and living area with ocean views from a private deck. 

1 Miramar is on one of the larger lots in the immediate beach area at over half an acre. This allows for multiple outdoor dining and entertaining areas and weather permitting, the chance to live life year-round is if one is on a permanent vacation.

1811 Fernald Point: $9,975,000

Take in the ocean, island, and coastline views from almost every room of this tri-level contemporary home on the beach. Situated on a private road beyond the gates of Fernald Cove and surrounded by mostly equally or more expensive homes (a neighboring home just sold for over $13,000,000), this redone home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with mature landscaping surrounding the property. 

The lot boasts approximately 50′ of beach frontage and upon entry through the metal double doors one is immediately welcomed by the ocean views and the airy and open great room. The living room with modern fireplace adjoins the ocean-view dining area and kitchen, all featuring maple flooring and open beam tongue and groove wood ceilings accented with multiple skylights. 

Floor-to-ceiling glass sliders allow easy access to the views and ocean breezes enjoyed on the ocean-side balcony. A spiral staircase leads to the lower levels. The master bathroom has dramatic black granite counters, a jetted tub, separate shower and a walk-in closet. On the second level down are two additional bedrooms, one of which is currently used as an office and media room. These two bedrooms share a nicely appointed bathroom. 

A few steps further down find a convenient room with refrigerator and storage for beach snacks that opens onto the beachside deck and access to the sand. Other features found within the residence include air conditioning, storage, and two separate single-car garages, one of which offers interior access.

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.