Top of the World

It is one thing to be fortunate enough to own an ocean-view home in the Montecito area. It is another thing altogether to own a 9+/- acre hilltop, with three substantial homes, three guest apartments/houses, three pools, three spas, parking for dozens of cars, and control of the entire end of this important lane in eastern Montecito (Ellen DeGeneres just sold her home down the street last month for a reported $34,000,000).

What is presented here is a unique opportunity to own more than 20,000+/- square feet of Mediterranean-style homes and guest quarters on three separate but contiguous lots, where all main homes offer ocean views, privacy, air conditioning, and other features associated with other $5-million-plus homes in the area.

While any of these three homes can be purchased separately and are all listed with different agents in town, the purpose here is to illustrate that it is possible for one owner to purchase the entire end of this lane, creating an ultimate private compound for extended family and friends. 

Each property has its main selling points (they share most of these) and all have made my “Best Buys” list recently. However – at an asking price of $21,945,000 – if purchased together they represent an opportunity that does not currently exist in any other area of Montecito.

By owning all three parcels, one would control a level of privacy difficult to come by. I’m just saying.

What follows is a look at each of the three homes individually, and note, they all reside at the top of Hidden Valley Lane, which is in the Montecito 93108 ZIP code, however, these are not in either of the Montecito school districts, being in the more rural area of eastern Montecito, just west of Toro Canyon. 

3091 Hidden Valley Lane: $5,995,000 

At the crest of a hill, at the end of a country lane, the sweeping ocean, mountain, and harbor views and the gated privacy combine, to create the Tuscan-style estate named ”Villa Vista Bella”.

The nearly 7,000-sq-ft main residence and rustic 2-bedroom guesthouse are on more than 2 acres, offering a total of 6 bedrooms and 7+ bathrooms. The gated driveway offers a grand approach leading to a welcoming motor court. Dramatic water and stone features set the tone.

Making one’s way through the home leads one to a loggia, infinity-edge, ocean view pool and nearby spa that are surrounded by mature landscaping. The home offers liberal use of stone and terra cotta tile, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and an abundance of windows and French doors.

This listing has been on the market for some time and has gone through a few price reductions to land at the current listing price.

3077 Hidden Valley Lane: $6,650,000 

This Mediterranean Villa is perched on terraced 3+/- acres and offers views overlooking the Santa Barbara coastline, mountains, and city lights. 

The main home includes 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Below, with its own private entrance, is a 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest apartment with living area and kitchenette. 

Additional spaces include a loggia-style family room, wine cellar, 2 garages, room for media/exercise, and a wine cellar. The private grounds enjoy professional landscaping, a 75-foot lap pool, spa, citrus and avocado orchards. 

This property has been on the market approximately two months at this original asking price.

3090 Hidden Valley Lane: $9,300,000

This Mediterranean-style estate property was designed by Don Nulty and built by Rich Coffin in 2013, offering impressive views of the ocean, islands and mountains, in a completely secluded setting. 

A private gated drive leads to this estate set on approximately 3.2 acres. The villa includes 3 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a movie theater and entertainment room, elevator, salt water pool and spa, fire pit, bocce court, and Sonos sound system all around the property. 

There is a pool cabana with en-suite bedroom, and the grounds feature culinary gardens, sunny patios, and vistas all around. This property has been on the market just over one month, and the price has been reduced from $9,950,000.

Please contact me to arrange a showing with the listing agent of any property mentioned or for any Real Estate needs: Mark@Villagesite.com or call/text (805) 698-2174. Please visit my website, www.MontecitoBestBuys.com, from which this article is based.