On The Market: Riviera, Santa Barbara, California

11/01/2006

LOCATION: In what is commonly referred to as the Riviera—a hillside section on the north side of Santa Barbara that overlooks downtown and the Pacific Ocean.

BACKGROUND: Built in 1929 by Reginald Johnson, one of the most prominent architects in Santa Barbara and Pasadena during the 1920s and ’30s (he also designed the nearby Four Seasons resort and Santa Barbara post office). One of the home’s prior owners was a structural engineer who made major structural improvements during the 1990s.

STATS: The 5,700-square-foot house is located on over three acres of flat land. In addition to eight bedrooms, the home includes a two-bedroom guesthouse as well as a swimming pool and poolhouse. All of the original European carved-wood doors, tile floors, beamed ceilings, ironwork and wood floors remain intact. Architectural highlights include a double-groin vaulted ceiling between the living room and dining room, several loggias, and balconies and terraces off almost every room. (Click image to enlarge)

WHAT SETS IT APART: “It has all of the great materials and craftsmanship of an older house, but it’s in better condition than a lot of brand-new houses,” says Realtor Randy Solakian. “And not only does it have an immense amount of architectural integrity, but the site’s topography with so much flat land and such an expansive view is quite rare.” (Click image to enlarge)

MARKET INQUIRIES: $9.45 million. Randy Solakian, Coldwell Banker, 805.565.2208, www.montecitoestates.com