Behind the Listing with California Properties

Provenance and pedigree meet comfort and contemporary conveniences on this breathtaking and very private 4.5-acre grand Montecito estate, currently being showcased in the Wall Street Journal “Behind the Listing” section. The Mediterranean home, lovely guesthouse and vintage pool house rest on the grounds of historic El Mirador. There is a special, rarefied quality here, yet the ambiance evokes a sort of joie de vivre. Impeccably landscaped gardens, expansive manicured lawns and hedges, a pond, pergolas, terraces, and a large pool provide space and amenities for extensive entertaining and celebrations.

The Main Residence

The primary residence, though substantial, offers an air of intimacy, warmth, and calm abiding, thanks to liberal use of warm woods in floors, masterfully crafted cabinetry and paneling. Those accoutrements are complemented by vast open-beam and truss, barrel- and groin-vaulted ceilings and an abundance of French doors and windows. The result is a singular home imbued with a profusion of spaciousness and light.

Entry Level

Rooms are large yet somehow intimate. The formal living room, for example, at over 1,000 square feet, feels friendly and comfortable thanks to its substantial fireplace, large cove windows, and its French doors opening to one of several terraces, and beyond to impeccably maintained grounds. The family room, library, office, loggia and grand foyer grace the home’s entrance level as well. The formal dining room — comfortably seating a dozen or more in style — as well as the large chef’s kitchen and adjacent informal dining area, create a culinary center perfect for entertaining friends or large and extended family.

Upper Level

The home’s four bedrooms all host baths en suite. The nearly 600 square-foot master suite could uphold the title “regal” with its impressive fireplace, arched French doors to its private balcony, pair of large walk-in closets, and two luxurious bathrooms. A second primary bedroom suite also has a fireplace, as well as a pair of intimate balconies.

The Guest House and Adobe

Even the most discerning guests at this grand Montecito estate will feel at home in the substantial 3-bedroom, 2-bath guest house. Its upper level hosts a large living room, bedroom and bath, while the entry level features a den, kitchen and dining area, two bedrooms and an additional bath.

The Adobe, a structure well-preserved from the original El Mirador estate, has been expertly restored to maintain the ambiance of yesteryear while incorporating today’s comforts and amenities. It provides 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen, and a wonderful over 40-foot-long living room. On one side it opens to an expansive vine-covered veranda, running the entire length of the adobe and overlooking the lighted tennis court. On the other side, the living room opens to the estate’s glistening swimming pool.

The Grounds

It is to be expected of any grand Montecito estate of this stature that its grounds would be as magnificent as its structures. Palmyra is no exception. Elegant entry gates open to a serpentine driveway lined with tall hedges and mature trees. There are rolling lawns, impeccably-trimmed privets, tropical and native flora, citrus trees, flower gardens, a lagoon, pergolas and fountains.

Adjacent to acclaimed Lotusland, this magical Montecito estate represents the epitome of class, prestige, and the comfortable luxury and sophistication for which Montecito is world-renowned.