Montecito

Private Montecito Garden Retreat

THE PROPERTY

“Magical,” “inspiring” and “eclectic” are just a few of the words fitting this one-of-a-kind home, built in 1972 for philanthropist, poet, author and social activist Katherine “Kit” Tremaine in the hills above Santa Barbara. As one approaches the structure from the gated entry, it appears to form an ethereal sculpture. Indeed, it’s as if its lines, textures and features – both interior and exterior -- are continuously evolving as one moves about, and as the ever-changing light and shadows interplay. The dramatic effects are emphasized in the structure’s construction of site-made adobe bricks; hand-hewn, heavy wood lintels and interior beams; and sloping, curvaceous walls.

The main residence and its nearby and equally striking guest quarters are perfectly placed to present spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara Harbor, and beyond to the Channel Islands. These distant vistas are but one element of the property’s stunning visual montage, however. Surrounded by over 8 acres of gently rolling hillside preserved in its natural state and hosting a vast array of native trees and plants, the living structures seem to assimilate organically the topography and vegetation. That flora includes numerous rare and exotic plants, painstakingly collected and cared-for by the current owner.

Integration of that natural splendor with the interior spaces of both the main house and separate guest residence is achieved through the liberal use of glass throughout – in the form of exterior doors and strategically-placed and variously-shaped windows.

Realizing that the Tremaine house is no traditional structure of traditional confined and defined spaces, the authors of the popular authoritative book Santa Barbara Architecture write: “. . . A feeling of great and varied space has been achieved. While the bedroom, dressing room and bath areas can be made private, the house is a total, elaborate and continuous open space which flows unhindered . . . The care and craftsmanship of wood cabinetry and exposed olive and eucalyptus logs within add warmth and texture. An entrance hall opens directly to a large latilla-covered patio with a deep stone-lined reflecting pool/fountain . . . The living room and bedroom share this court which is enclosed on three sides, creating an outdoor room.”

Practical aspects of the main residence include an acoustically-engineered great room, two spaces appropriate as home offices or sitting rooms, as well as ample closets, cabinets and storage areas. The guest house offers its own comfortable kitchen, full bath and large closet-dressing area.

Whether one’s priority is intimacy or entertaining, seclusion or sharing, privacy is paramount here. And while meandering the trails throughout the property’s over 8 acres of natural beauty, relaxing in the rejuvenating outdoor spa, enjoying guests, or simply curled-up with a good book and the spectacular view, one understands instantly that tranquility prevails at this one-of-a-kind estate.

THE HISTORY

By 1972, wealthy New Orleans-born heiress Katherine “Kit” Tremaine had shed the material and social trappings of privilege in favor of a Bohemian lifestyle that embraced artistic, intellectual and humanitarian interests. She had become a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War, and was sharing her fortune with foundations and institutions involved in a multitude of social concerns including homelessness, women’s rights, Native American and labor issues.

Feeling that her transition from her many years of immersion in what she called “the Montecito lifestyle” of non-stop social gatherings punctuated by idling in luxury required a different abode, Kit Tremaine set about building a unique residence grounded in the earth. With a firm vision, she built her Coyote Road retreat in the hills above Santa Barbara.

Writing in her 1992 memoir, Fragments: My Path Through the 20th Century, she expresses her affection for this very special place:

Today I live in a house made of adobe bricks. We made the bricks from the soil on the very land the house stands on. When you look at it from down on the beach, it is invisible as it has become a part of the landscape . . .

My house, which I have created, nourishes me in a very real way, a spiritual way. One of the blessings I have enjoyed during my life is having been able to choose my dwelling places, and this one supports me and extends its warm welcome to all who come to it.

. . . It is a wonderfully harmonious house, and a day doesn’t go by that I don’t give thanks for it, and for the glories of the garden as well.

Kit Tremaine passed away in 1997, but not before she had donated well over $30 million to charity, and had gained an international reputation not only as a generous philanthropist, but also as a hands-on advocate for the causes to which she contributed financially. In addition, she was known as an anti-war activist, author, poet and student of “New Age” spiritual and paranormal disciplines. Playing a major role in the evolution of this gifted, talented and immensely interesting woman was her idyllic Coyote Road estate. Here, during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s this magical home and its surrounding, serene 8 + acres were likely host to some of the most influential artists, thinkers and social advocates of the day. Coming together for contemplation and camaraderie, they bestowed their spirit of creativity – abundant in the home even today.