On The Market: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California

03/01/2006

LOCATION: On East Mountain Drive in Montecito, near the San Ysidro Ranch, on 2.44 acres with views of the mountains and ocean.

HISTORY: The current owner bought two adjacent parcels and commissioned designer Michael Smith to develop two neighboring houses that would perfectly complement each other and not obstruct each other’s views. Smith worked alongside local architect Don Nulty to customize every element of the home to prevent it from looking like a spec house.
 
STATS: The 13,000-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, a wine cellar, a gym, a media room and formal dining and living rooms. Custom elements include steel exterior doors and windows, 10 stone fireplaces, antique reclaimed roof tiles from South America, Venetian plaster walls in all public rooms and the master bedroom, and handmade bathroom tiles. The property also includes a detached guesthouse.

WHAT SETS IT APART: “The home is larger than most homes in the area, and the expansive ocean views are unparalleled,” says sales agent Rebecca Riskin. “You can walk to San Ysidro Ranch for dinner. The home is adjacent to hiking trails, but you’re also close to the center of town.”

MARKET INQUIRIES: $18.9 million. Rebecca Riskin, Village Properties Realtors, 805.565.8863, www.montecitorealestate.com; Christie’s Great Estates, 505.983.8733, www.christiesgreatestates.com