Santa Barbara has long been synonymous with gracious living, its hillsides, and beaches strewn with some of the grandest estates in the country. Having been a Santa Barbara Realtor for more than 20 years, I have become more than familiar with our area’s most distinctive properties and in this post, I would like to highlight what many would consider the top 10 best estates in Santa Barbara.
- Bellosguardo, the Clark Estate. Perched on a cliff and with panoramic views of the ocean, this more than 23.5-acre property is crowned by a magnificent, over 21,500-square-foot stone mansion. Owned by the late Huguette Clark, this property has been much in the news lately, primarily because Ms. Clark’s will is being contested.
- Rancho Dos Pueblos. Sprawling across 2,190 acres along the spectacularly beautiful Gaviota Coast, there is no other property like this anywhere in the region. Steeped in history, this working ranch has its own private beach, a 5BR/7BA Spanish-style mansion that serves as the main house (there are over a dozen other residences), and a wealth of other features.
- Famous as much for its beautiful gardens as for the elegant Italianate mansion that is its centerpiece, the Val Verde estate is one of Santa Barbara’s historical, architectural and horticultural gems. The estate encompasses over 17 acres and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Solana, the Peabody Estate, is one of the most distinctive homes not just in Montecito, but in all of California. This 11-acre property, built in the early 1900s and recently renovated, sits on a lush knoll and has unbeatable views. The over 22,000-square feet Mediterranean-style mansion at its heart features centuries-old oak paneling, hand-carved mahogany, and more.
- A true original, the Glass Pavilion is a triumph of modernism and definitely deserves its spot in the top 10 best estates in
Santa Barbara. Designed by Steve Hermann, the house blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space and is over 14,000 sq. ft. in size. The property encompasses more than 3.5 acres and its grounds feature lush oak groves. - Villa Sevillano may be new, but its Spanish Colonial-style architecture gives it an Old World feel and its mountain and ocean views are simply magnificent. This Carpinteria estate sits on over 22 acres and the main house is over 10,300 sq. ft. in size. There are gardens, orchards, and equestrian facilities as well.
- An exceptional estate property, Deer Lodge is around 180 acres in size and offers the ultimate in privacy. At its heart is an adobe hacienda, which has been thoroughly upgraded without sacrificing its original charm. The estate includes guest houses, a small vineyard, a game room, a pool house, a wine cellar, and more.
- Montjoie is located in Santa Barbara’s Riviera area and has long been one of the region’s properties of distinction. Recently renovated, the 1928 Beaux Arts mansion was designed by Edwin Hill Clark and is located on almost 2 acres of land. The detailing is exquisite throughout and the ocean views are nothing short of splendid.
- Willard Francis-designed estate. Located in Carpinteria, the property stretches across more than 6 acres and is a modernist’s dream come true. Originally built in 1937, the home is wonderfully airy and light-filled throughout and has been beautifully restored and added to.
- Villa Giardino – Situated in the hills above the famed San Ysidro Ranch with views to the North and down the cost to the South the Estate offers an unparalleled vista of Montecito and beyond. The main house is situated on 3 manicured acres of specimen gardens featuring numerous cacti and succulents, a bocce court for intimate social gatherings and terraced gardens with lap pool and infinity spa.
This list of the top 10 best estates in Santa Barbara is only a sampling of the superb properties that the area has to offer. Interested in other area properties? Thinking of investing in a residence here? If you would like more information about real estate in Santa Barbara, please don’t hesitate to connect with me, Cristal Clarke, anytime.