Montecito

Enchanting California Spanish Colonial Hacienda in upper Montecito, recreating the comfort of quieter times, softer, elegant, country living.  Isabelle Greene, FASLA, nationally recognized, local landscape architect designed the residence and the grounds.  Much time and effort went into a concerted effort to create this luxurious home.  As Ms. Greene states, “I usually champion the simple”.  Both the inside and grounds are naturalistic blend of local color and historical textures and plants leaving one with the effect that this was a design created and grown over time.  Once the foreman’s cottage for the ranch across the street, it actually does have roots in the neighborhood in more ways than one.  The contemporary version, however, now resembles more the “patron’s” hacienda than the foreman’s quarters, but the elegant simplicity remains.  Truly a blending of old world charm and modern-day conveniences.  (Yes, there is a plasma screen TV in the library.)

ENTRY 16 x 12 – Cherry wood plank flooring, powder room, foyer to all the major rooms of the house.

LIVING ROOM 23 x 20 – Cherry wood plank flooring, washed, open beam ceiling, French doors to large South facing deck overlooking lawns and oaks, fireplace with Santa Barbara sandstone surround.

DINING ROOM 24 x 18 – Cherry wood plank flooring, washed, open beam ceiling, French doors to South terrace.

DEN LIBRARY 14 x 13 – Extensive shelving, built-in entertainment system with plasma TV, views out over North lawn into oak canopy.

KITCHEN  26 x 15 – Bleached oak floors, open beam ceiling, a cook’s kitchen with massive center island prep center with marble counter and prep sink; Viking 6 burner gas top plus two burner grill, Viking double electric ovens plus broiler, Viking dishwasher, Subzero refrigerator/freezer, Grohe French Country farm sink and fixtures.  Within the same space is a breakfast nook.  Adjoining the kitchen is a mudroom, laundry and half bath.

MASTER SUITE 22 x 17 – Cherry wood plank flooring, open beam ceiling, French doors to private deck with yard and pool access; walk-in closet with extensive built-in storage; master bathroom with steam shower and tub, Lefroy Brook fixtures; fireplace with Santa Barbara sandstone surround, truly an inviting retreat in itself.

DOWNSTAIRS GUEST SUITES (2):
    23 x 15 – Set down in a wing of its own, with its own bath, walk-in closet with loft space, fireplace and French doors to the South lawns, full entertainment system with massive speakers, Cherry wood plank floors, open beam ceiling.

    19 x 14 – Views out over lagoon pool and lawn, ensuite bath with shower over tub, French doors to pool.

UPSTAIRS GUEST SUITE 19 x 16 – Cherry wood plank floors, open beam ceiling, bathroom with steam shower, private sunning deck.

BASEMENT AREA 19 x 10 – Game room, 1300 bottle climate controlled wine room, utility room with central vacuum, circulating hot water system and forced air gas heating and air conditioning units and water softener.

GUEST HOUSE 23 x 19 – Cherry wood plank flooring, open beam ceiling, French doors to balcony overlooking South gardens.  Bathroom with steam shower.  Really a small cottage that guests will hate to leave.

LAGOON POOL - 40 feet with simulated beach entry and waterfall.

THE GROUNDS - Ask for a copy of the Los Angeles Times article.  A summary would be, using Ms. Greene’s own words, “Here, large sweeps balance small vignettes; there are lawns for children, oaks to lounge under, paths to stroll and tucked away spots with chairs and benches”.

Lucky you if you are fortunate enough to understand what a rare spot this is, and luckier still if it becomes yours.