On Location: On The Riviera in Santa Barbara, California

By Roger Grody

In Santa Barbara, the idyllic community that anchors the portion of the California coast known as the “American Riviera,” is Estancia, a development of 72 distinctive residences  that celebrated its grand opening in July. Prominent local builder Franciscan Developments collaborated with Cearnal Collective, a premier Santa Barbara-based architectural and interior design firm, on the project, to present a modern interpretation of the coastal community’s quintessential Spanish Colonial architecture.

John Schuck, president of Franciscan Developments, reports, “The vision for Estancia was born out of a desire to take what is most loved and cherished about Santa Barbara and create a residential experience that takes full advantage of the city’s healthful and active lifestyle.” Emphasizing Estancia’s Old World charm, communal outdoor spaces and semi-custom interiors that showcase views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the developer adds, “I’m very proud of this project.”

Inside Estancia’s residences, traditional aesthetics fade into clean-lined modern living environments. Ten-foot ceilings, solid 8-foot doors and open floor plans are designed for contemporary lifestyles, and expansive terraces create a true indoor-outdoor experience that capitalizes on Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate. High-end finishes are standard, and a Carrara marble option transforms bathrooms into luxury spas. Generous breezeways with mountain views give common areas a resort feel and private garages are provided. Two story townhomes feature two bedrooms and two full baths in floor plans of 1,495 to 1,539 square feet, with gourmet kitchens, fireplace-warmed living rooms, and an additional powder room in select residences.

Three-story townhomes (1,923 to 2,063 square feet) provide those exceptional amenities with a second floor primarily dedicated to family life or entertaining. Representing a third option are convenient single-story residences, the first luxury flats to be constructed in Santa Barbara in 30 years. Ranging from 1,459 to 1,696 square feet — their high ceilings, abundant natural light and generous patio space make them live much larger — these units are popular with downsizing couples.

A lush landscaping concept provides a park-like setting for Estancia, with palm-lined European-inspired inlaid stone drives, flowering vines and open spaces that preserve views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The excitement of Los Angeles is just 90 miles away yet a world apart.

Approximately 28 units of the two-phase project were completed at the end of June and complete buildout will occur in spring 2019. Prices start at $1.125 million for the single-story residences, $965,000 for the two-story townhomes and $1.125 million for the three-story townhomes. Estancia is represented by The Agency Development Group, headquartered in Beverly Hills

Santa Barbara, or “The American Riviera,” as some call it, is known for its clear blue beaches, stunning mountainous scenery and Mediterranean-style buildings. In this edition of Unique Homes, we researched the 25 most expensive listings in the coastal California city. These luxurious Santa Barbara offerings range from a $108 million ranch spanning 2 miles of oceanfront, to a 4-bedroom beachfront estate featuring extensive landscaping for $22.5 million.

$27,000,000
121 Hollister Ranch Road, Goleta
Five-bedroom home on 115-plus acres with ocean views.
• Hollister Ranch Coastal Properties

$26,750,000
771 Garden Lane, Montecito
In Montecito’s coveted Riven Rock, a commanding 5.5-acre country estate offers a stellar 7-bedroom residence, extensively remodeled in 2007.
• Village Properties, Realtors

$26,500,000
2709 Vista Oceano Lane, Summerland
A majestic estate of nearly 20 acres inspired by the Italian countryside, Tuscany Oaks Farm combines magnificent vision with seductive beauty in a setting with sublime coastal and mountain views.
• Joyce Rey, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
• Emily Kellenberger, Village Properties, Realtors

$25,500,000
3055 Padaro Lane, Carpinteria
This estate on 2 parcels has 4.37 acres; 350 feet of ocean frontage.
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

$24,900,000
3271 Padaro Lane, Carpinteria
On Padaro Beach, this 7,287-square-foot, 6-bedroom Hamptons-style estate is built on a knolltop with 105 feet of beachfront.
• Sotheby’s International Realty

$24,000,000
Santa Ynez Mountains, Carpinteria (undisclosed)
This 40±-acre estate includes an over 6,000-square-foot main residence, a 2-bedroom guesthouse and multi-room cabana.
• Sotheby’s International Realty

$22,900,000
765 Rockbridge Road, Montecito
On more than 7 acres, Rockbridge has a sprawling main residence, sweeping lawns, magnificent landscaping and a guesthouse.
• The Icon Realty, Inc.

$22,500,000
3365 Padaro Lane, Carpinteria
Gated beachfront estate with a 4-bedroom contemporary main residence, 2-bedroom guesthouse and extensive landscaping.
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

$20,000,000
851 Buena Vista Drive, Santa Barbara
Offering a 12,000-plus-square-foot main house, guesthouse, poolhouse and 2 garages is this estate with 7 bedrooms and 13 baths.
• Compass California Inc.

This article originally appeared in our Fall 2017 issue. Click here for the full digital issue.

By: Kelly Potts

Las Varas Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, spans 1,800 acres of various terrains, including mountains, pastures and white sand beaches, and is what listing agent Anthony Punnett of Douglas Elliman Real Estate calls, “a direct link to the ancient past.”
Punnett states that the next owner of the property, which features a World War II-era observation post and a ranch manager’s house from the 1920s, should have a sense of the history and heritage of the area. “It’s so unspoiled, it’s as it was for hundreds of years,” says Punnett, “You can almost imagine the Spanish Galleon pulling up there.”

The ranch has two active creeks, meadows, canyons and foothills offering panoramic views of the coast and Santa Ynez Mountain range, and oak forests leading up to an 18-acre lake at the foot of the mountains. There are 520 acres of pasturelands with lemon and avocado orchards, eucalyptus, live oak and juniper, as well as manmade improvements (such as the Hacienda-style main home) that enhance the natural feel of the property. There’s also a reservoir at the top of the canyon, where one could fish and hunt. Punnett says, “It has everything you’d want to see in California, wrapped into one.”

Las Varas Ranch has two private access points onto a two-mile stretch of private beach — a rare feature that Punnett considers his favorite aspect of the property, noting that he’s never seen this before in California.
Just 15 minutes away from Montecito, 100 miles from Los Angeles and in close proximity to a regional airport, the $108 million ranch provides an ease of access that is extraordinary and unique. “There’s total privacy and seclusion, which is an interesting thing about the property, since it is so vast you could consider it your own state,” says Punnett.

“You’re living amongst nature; you can build whatever home and comforts you’d require, but at the same time, you’re in unspoiled wilderness.”

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate