Montecito Jewel

73_montecito_coverPresenting some of the most stunning panoramic Pacific Ocean views on the entire West Coast, this magnificent James Morris, AIA, designed 6,000 square foot home rests on two hilltop acres. Dramatic Versace-designed entry gates lead to a 40-car motor court, and a spectacular courtyard hosting a beautiful pool offering as its centerpiece the bronze sculpture “Descending Night” by sculptor Adolph Weinman.

Inside, walls of glass provide heart-stopping vistas of the ocean and mountains. Imported Italian marble floors grace the home throughout, while skylights adorn the 14-foot ceilings.

Formal living and dining rooms, a gourmet kitchen, two spacious master suites, a very private 600 square-foot guest suite, three full baths plus two half-baths, an office/library and four fireplaces comprise the living space.

In addition, the grounds of the estate could quite comfortably accommodate an 800 square-foot guest house, and the existing stable invites renovation and enhancement.

Serene Ocean Views and Islands beyond

241_07_4523-11The enticement of this exclusive Santa Barbara/Montecito property is its glorious site high up above the ocean, with broad views over Butterfly Beach, across the water to the Channel Islands, and along the sweep of the coast as far as Summerland. Its location in a small, elite neighborhood near the Four Seasons Biltmore, the Ty Warner Estate, and the Music Academy of the West, with easy access to the beach, provides opportunities for delightful walks along the shoreline and the cliffs. Looking away from the sea, there are views of the garden below and of neighboring properties set among lush groves of mature trees—eucalyptus, pine, cypress and palms. And one might catch a far-off glimpse of the mountains beyond. The gated property is entered through a large courtyard containing a two-car garage. The approach to the house is via wide pebbled stairs that appear to float above a reflecting pool lined with blue mosaic tiles, and bordered by plantings. A circular light in the middle of each stair guides one at night to the front door. Built in 1951, the house has an air of ’50s chic. Perched on a sloping corner lot of almost half an acre, it was ingeniously designed to take full advantage of the views. Set out on two axes, with a third for the garage, the bedrooms along one axis are angled to view the sea, while the axis of the living/dining rooms and kitchen allow for a view of the garden, bordered by hedges for privacy. Rectilinear and circular lines are juxtaposed throughout—in walls, ceilings, and room profiles—giving a sense of surprise on a walk-through. The house seems made of light—flooding in from floor-to-ceiling glass windows wrapped around two sides of the building, and further enhanced with numerous clerestory windows set just under the ceiling line—providing no clear delineation of inside and outside. The entire site has been thoughtfully arranged for maximum privacy—even the height of the house precludes the need for window shades. With an open plan for the living room, dining room and kitchen, the rest of the house is designed for privacy in bedrooms and baths. The master bedroom, spacious and airy, has an adjoining combined bathroom/dressing room, and two other bedrooms each have large dressing rooms and share a circular-shaped bathroom located between them. The expansive and inviting living room, positioned at the corner nearest to the sea, is linked to a sunken dining area with a large black circular chimney hood descending from the ceiling and hanging above a circular raised fire pit—a magnificent focal point. Being entertained in this venue would be a memorable experience for guests. Functionality is displayed in the many storage cupboards and shelves in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and along the hallway. The white-tiled kitchen is crisp and bright, and decorative with colored, diamond-shaped tiles set into a square over the stove; nearby is a laundry annex. The color copper is a recurring theme inside and out. Copper squares are set into walls, there is an oval copper ceiling in one of the bathrooms, the base of the fireplace is made of tiny copper mosaic pieces, and horizontal copper bands run along the courtyard wall sheltering the outdoor patio near the kitchen as a distinctive entrance feature. From the covered patio that runs outside along the edge of the living room, dining room, and kitchen, one can appreciate the varied levels of an established garden, grassed with terraces defined by rock edges, and lined with hedges and flower beds. Tree ferns, palms and oaks are evident, and the row of majestic Canary Island date palms along the cliffs are part of the scene. One can relax to the soothing music of waves breaking on the beach below, breathe the balmy air, and watch hummingbirds and woodpeckers fly through the garden. The quiet peacefulness is inspiring, and the changing colors of the sea and sky endlessly fascinating. This is Santa Barbara/Montecito living at its height. Taking all things together, this is a property for that special person who will appreciate its last-century style of architecture and the attention to ease of living that this property affords.

Architecture as Art

242_08_2838-11Experience the beachfront in a way few others ever will. This extraordinary contemporary estate offers expansive walls of glass which showcase breathtaking views of the gently curving sandy beach at Padaro Lane along with lushly landscaped gardens shaded by huge eucalyptus, oak and cypress trees which surround the homes on this special beach enclave along Southern California’s “Gold Coast.” Entry to this sophisticated awe inspiring home is from a long gated driveway lined with mature coral and eucalyptus trees alongside a new clay tennis court with lights. An element of surprise is provided by the brilliant red of the front door, in itself, the first piece of art in this gallery of architectural fantasy. Upon entry, you are drawn into widening views of sand and surf as rooms unfold to stunning views. Elegant white oak floors and windows framing ocean views provide an elegant palette for exquisite art and fine furnishings. Comfort, privacy, and a serene sense of luxury surround you in this “open” floor plan. The entry level offers a private bedroom opening to an interior courtyard, a great room that encompasses a step up living room with windows above the sand, a comfortable dining area next to the outside entertainment deck along the beach, and a chef’s kitchen with every amenity, as well as a two bedroom wing with access to the outside for walks on the beach. The upper level is reminiscent of a New York style loft with huge gallery like space and rooms with no beginning and no end. You move from a light filled office with large picture windows framing the coral trees at the entrance and an intimate second level private sun deck with fireplace to the closet area (without enclosures) to the bathroom with its fireplace and large glass shower overlooking the beach and finally to the spacious master bedroom itself. All rooms are one. This incredible space is to be lived in and enjoyed without the normal boundaries of walls and doors. In addition to the main residence of 5900 + square feet, the property offers a detached guest house of 800 + square feet which has a wonderful courtside living room for television, games or relaxed conversation, two bathrooms and a room filled with four glorious wood framed bunk beds. What fun for family and friends to stay here while spending time on the beach at Padaro Lane. No child would want to sleep in any other room. Outside is a new clay tennis court, so you can play with ocean air and breezes on a beautiful north/south court with lights. Alongside the court, there is storage for rackets, balls and a refrigerator for soft drinks. ARCHITECTURE AS ART; form follows function; design is fantasy in this exceptional beach estate completed in 2008. This home is to be lived in with awe at the union of the outdoors and indoors; you can “have it all” in this masterful expression of open space and luxurious interiors.

Montecito Oceanfront

245_1121243903971Welcome to THE BEACH. Experience an oasis of privacy and calm, as you enter the gates to this stunning property at the end of a private lane. With nearly 200′ of “on the sand” frontage, you can enjoy Santa Barbara’s famed Mediterranean climate in this spectacular oceanfront compound. A meandering stone pathway, shaded with lush tropical landscaping, leads you past two guest studios, a gym, children’s play room, and a koi pond with waterfalls to the two story Cape Cod three bedroom main residence with exquisite handcrafted workmanship throughout. On all sides there are ocean and island views and a wraparound porch for easy access to the gardens and the seaside infinity pool. For guests or entertaining, the outdoor barbeque and nearby luxurious two bedroom fully equipped guest house with stone patio and fireplace creates an idyllic setting for enjoying a sublime moment by the waves while surrounded by palm trees and bamboo. There is no other Edgecliff Lane, and there is no equal to this magnificent beachfront property.

Spas by the Sea

With all of the turmoil in the world, what better way to soothe the soul than with time at a spa? Make that an oceanfront spa if you truly want to relax. Continue reading Spas by the Sea

Hotel del Coronado Beach Village

hotel_del_coronadoCoronado, California
The legendary Hotel del Coronado, built in 1889 and a National Historic Landmark, is offering a new way to vacation at “The Del” with an exclusive real estate offering of 35 whole-ownership, limited-term-use cottages and villas, known as Beach Village. Phase I is underway with the release of the first eight villas. Ranging from $2,415,000 to $3,430,000, the one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans feature a great room with an inviting kitchen, dining and living spaces with a cozy fireplace, and magnificent oceanview balconies and patios. Beach Village owners may enjoy use of their property for up to 90 days a year, with up to 25 days of use in a 50-day period.

Phone: 619.522.8093
Website: www.hoteldelrealty.com

The Strand at Headlands

the_strandDana Point, California
Situated on 121 acres of pristine beachfront terrain, The Strand at Headlands is the last undeveloped oceanfront property in Orange County, Calif. Nestled between Laguna Beach and San Clemente, Dana Point maintains its small-town atmosphere and is characterized by nearly seven miles of prominent coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean. Virtually all of the homesites at this gated community have unobstructed ocean views, with the front row sitting a mere 25 feet above Strand Beach, with private staircases planned that will lead to the surfing haven below. Phase I lots are sold out; a second phase of 10 homesites was expected at presstime to be released in early February, with prices ranging from $4 million to $8 million. The Strand homeowners will have private use of a 9,000-square-foot Beach Club. Sanford Edward’s two firms, Master Plan Developments and White Sand Realty, are currently the managing partner and broker of record that oversee the development activities at the Strand.

Phone: 949.487.2500
Website: www.strandoc.com

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