Riviera

This rare architectural gem on the Riviera with stunning coastal, ocean, harbor and city views provides all the romantic elements of the Spanish Revival charm unique to Santa Barbara, integrated seamlessly with modern amenities. With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, this two-story Monterey Colonial home with 2,199 sq. ft. of living space plus a 500 sq. ft. garage, is private, quiet and serene, filled with natural light and has ocean and garden views from every room. A sensuously shaped pool, three-car garage with storage and laundry area and lush landscape add to the desirability of this oasis.

Henry Howell of the Edwards, Plunkett & Howell firm, noted for significant contributions to the architectural style of the town (Fox-Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, Fire Station 1), designed a number of substantial homes infused with the grace and harmony that was his interpretation of the beauty and integrity of the Spanish Revival buildings. His ability to site each part of the house to take full advantage of the views and keep a comfortable scale is evident as one flows through rooms and gardens. This vintage 1934-1936 design for Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair Morton is a Howell classic, lovingly preserved and updated.

Leading from the driveway, through the gated courtyard and all around the residence is a colorful landscape fitting for a Mediterranean climate. Along with citrus trees, scented daturas and cascading rosemary, the garden has shrubs and flowers which provide scent and seasonal color throughout the year. The poolside lawn and privacy hedge provide soothing green hues, while the whisper of swaying tree ferns and pygmy palms coupled with the splash of the pool fountain add to the peacefulness. A cool Zen meditation platform and a pocket patio are two restful spots. Hidden among the greenery is a spa and an outdoor shower.

In the evening, dramatic up-lights and music from discreetly placed speakers turn the garden into a magical outdoor living room filled with the perfume of a variety of blooms. A generous sized entertainment terrace off the living room and a spacious porch with an overhead heater provide ample spaces to play, dine and enjoy gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

Indoors, the classical features include oak hardwood floors, Carrera marble countertops, white wood cabinets and drawers with period hardware. A rare find in Santa Barbara homes is the basement, equipped with a wine refrigerator.

The ground floor bedroom with its post and beam design, opens to the front courtyard and can serve as a study or office. The nearby bath contains a tub and pedestal sink. Like the other rooms, there are lovely views of the ocean and garden setting.

A bright sky-lit kitchen affords fantastic detailed views through the large picture window by the in-kitchen dining nook, of the cityscape, sailboats and cruisers in the harbor. Pristine counter tops of Carrera marble, organized pantry, reverse osmosis water, Viking stove, Bosch dishwasher, GE Monogram refrigerator and stainless steel hood round out the array of appliances. Convenient access to the porch and dining room allows for easy entertaining. The formal dining room with linen storage and a living room with panoramic views, gas-lit fireplace and attached terrace finish out the entry floor.

From the vestibule, a wainscoted stairway leads up to the master suite. Fantastic views on three sides, oak floors, beautiful light and air flow create a lovely ambiance. The spacious en suite bath offers marble countertops, tub and shower. Down the hall leading to the other second floor bedroom are cedar-lined storage closets. Windows on three sides of this bedroom are also filled with incredible views; a roomy closet, bath room with shower, period tile floors and the original brass hardware on cabinetry provide vintage charm.

With two furnaces and gravity flow heat, the home can be made warm in the winter very efficiently and with all the windows and doors allowing in ocean breezes on summer days, the house remains comfortable throughout the year.