Montecito

Located at 699 San Ysidro, this historical home was designed by infamous Bay Area architect, Bernard Maybeck and is a truly superb volumetric composition enhanced by its setting. Set on over four and one half park-like acres that feature a lighted tennis court, pool, covered patio, and pergolas, spectacular rose garden, redwoods and mature fruit trees. The great room is the heart of the home with white birch walls, oak floors, a grand marble fireplace, and silk paneled ceilings. This room enjoys harmonious proportions enhanced by wonderfully tall glass paned pocket doors that open to flagstone entertaining areas. The master suite features window-framed views of treetops and mountains. Nestled at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and moments from the Pacific.

A stunning canopy of olive trees line the driveway and set the tone of relaxed opulence upon arrival.  Stonework surrounds the glass paned front entry and upon crossing through the foyer, one enters the Great Room. This space is fondly referred to as the music room; it is the true heart of this home. The walls are cased in white birch with a grand marble fireplace resting at the center. Gazing skyward, one’s sight is drawn to the original raw silk panels that cover the ceiling, illuminated by recessed lights that glow against gilded surfaces. The volume of this room and the great panes of glass throughout assist in relating the indoor space to the magnificent park like setting outdoors.

The formal dining room also features large glass paned pocket doors that open to a flagstone patio with fireplace, overlooking the pool and grounds. In the kitchen is a built-in seating area for intimate gatherings in front of the Motawi tiled fireplace. A dumb waiter services both second and third floors. Atrium windows lead through the kitchen down the hall to a butler’s pantry with wood cabinetry and ample counter space. Further down this hall is the lovely laundry room, also featuring floor to ceiling wood cabinetry and beautiful natural light. Continuing on, one discovers a two bedroom, 1 bath guest quarters.

The second floor houses the master suite, featuring seating alcoves that enjoy treetop and mountain views. The master bath is tiled throughout with wood surround tub and walk-in shower. A spacious suite is also located on the second floor featuring a bedroom fireplace, walk in closet with bay window seating, en suite bath and sleeping porch with original sliding windows. The third bedroom located on this floor overlooks the southern gardens and pool and is flooded with sunlight through the afternoons. For this room there is sizable bath with marble counters, tub and shower.

Perched amidst the treetops on the third floor is the recreation room replete with wet bar. A simple rhythm of exposed framing creates a casual retreat and grouped casement sash windows provide dramatic views to trees and mountains.

In addition to the five bedrooms and four and a half baths located at the main house, there is a separate bedroom and bath with exterior access, well suited for staff amenities. There is also a fantastic one bedroom, one bath craftsman style bungalow separate from the house. Details throughout include rich woods, full kitchen with stainless appliances and Motawi tilework.

With an astute sensibility and reverence for nature, Maybeck thoughtfully created this home. Gazing at the house from the southern lawn one sees the rising cross-gabled roofline and how clearly the peaks echo the mountains in the distance. Then too, one notices that the colors of the cedar shake, and painted accents also blend to the scenery and that the sandstone venturi chimneys and exterior masonry piers of the pergola and outdoor terrace are all a nod to the veins of sandstone in the backdrop. Notably, Maybeck studied in Paris at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, was greatly responsible for shaping architecture in the Bay Area, and was the recipient of the highest honor of Gold Medal from AIA, and also of an honorary degree from Berkeley in 1930. He is known for designing the Hearst’s Wyntoon, S.F. Palace of Fine Arts, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Principia College, and a plethora of homes and clubhouses.