Entrance to arrival court
Location: Montecito, Santa Barbara Area, Central Coast, California, USA (Walk to Miramar Beach & Lower Village) View Map
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 3.5+ Baths (Sleeps 7)
Keywords: 2-1/2 blocks to Beach, Large Estate, French Villa, Magnificent Gardens, Very Private Formal Rose Garden, Fruit Orchard. great location
Everyone says my home reminds them of a Villa in the south of France!
"Absolutely magnificent!", is the best way to describe this 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 4 fireplace Mediterranean Villa!
Just 2-1/2 blocks from fabulous Miramar Beach and a short walk to The Lower Village with its great dining and shopping.
A few blocks further is The famous Biltmore Hotel. and fabulous downtown Santa Barbara. is just a 15 minute drive.
My property is surrounded by tall hedges and and a small road, making iti an inland island with no neighbors..
Designed by the famous Mary Craig, in 1927,. to recreate the Mediterranean Villas she admired, you will feel comp[ety transported the moment you pass through the wrought iron gates into the enormous arrival court. Entering the tall Oak double doors you will find yourself in a sun filled glass lined foyer/gallery overlooking a large stone terrace, a gorgeous garden and vast lawn beneath towering 100 year old Oak trees.
To the left of the Foyer is the enchanting oak walled Library. The smell of its leather bound books and custom made leather sofa are enhanced by beautiful oil paintings and memorablia of the owners world travels..There is also a beautiful hand carved stone fireplace. I think you'll agree The Library is the perfect place to read, watch T.V. or just reflect.
Further to your left and through the double doors is the beautiful Living Room.. It has a Baby Grand piano, two beautiful down filled custom made sofas and chairs gorgeous paintings and hand carved marble fireplace. To add to its allure there are four sets of French doors that lead to two different large stone terraces, one overlooks the rose garden and the other overlooks the huge lawn and Oak trees.
Returning to the Foyer on your right is the elegant sun filled formal dining room. It has 2 sets of French doors that open onto a small stone terrace and the vast lawn. It's dominated by President Teddy Roosevelt's dining room table.
From the dining room you will walk through the Butler's Pantry and into the Gourmet kitchen. You will love the kitchen with its warm honey colored walls and high beamed ceiling and state of the art stainless steel appliances .It is.dominated by a window that goes from sink to ceiling and overlooks a fountain and the huge lawn. There is also a very inviting Breakfast Banquette that comfortably seats eight..The kitchen's spacious warmth makes it the perfect place to just hang out!
Beyond the Kitchen is the Breakfast Terrace, a sweet place to have a cup of coffee with your morning croissant and watch the rabbits and squirrels run across the lawn and in and out of the woods.
The curved stairway in the fayer leads you up to the 4 bedrooms. To the right, is your own private wing,The romantic Master Bedroom.. Just imagine yourself and the one you love watching a 39 inch T.V. with a wonderful fire in the gas lite fire place. Or star gazing as you lie in bed looking through the huge skylight. tucked between the beams of the high beam ceiling. Beautifully appointed with lovely oil paintings,a chaise and arm chair and ottoman its a perfect honeymoon retreat. To add to its romantic feel there are 2 balconies one overlook the vast lawn and gardens and the other the mountains.
The Master Bathroom has a double sized tub that sits beneath a huge skylight in the vaulted ceiling. Imagine yourself slipping away one afternoon,to experience reading a great book,getting a suntan and luxurating in a tub full of warm fragrant water.,
The wing to the left of the stairway has the three other bedrooms and 2 bath one bedroom has has a T.V. Two have balconies.all have beautiful views. All of the bedrooms have down pillows and percale sheets..
The Gardens are magical!
You will feel inspired by the beauty of the Rose Garden as you walk through it and let it' fragrances envelope you. The Orchard with its 30 Fruit trees is a sheer delight. Imagine picking your oranges or grapefruits for breakfast or making Lemonade for lunch or just discovering which fruit is in season and eating it right off the tree.The vast lawn area of the garden is perfect for a game of Bacci, Croquet or Catch or having Brunch on the huge Teak table beneath the glorious Oak tree
Come and stay for a weekend or months and you understand why families ask to return year after year!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : comes with detergents
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : all linens are provided includingn Beach towels
- Off Street Parking : Large arrival court
- Gas Fireplace (4)
- Wood Fireplace (3)
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed (3)
- Crib : playpen/crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) (4) : kitchen, Library, Master Bedroom and Gust Bedroom
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library (3) : some to select from
- CD Player
- Music Library : a varied selection of C.D's
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Gourmet Kitchen with wonderful view of garden and fountain and Breakfast Banquette seats eight
- Cooking Utensils Provided : all utensils plus some spices provide...also Foil,, Wax paper, and Plastic for food storage.
- Refrigerator : Double doors with Freezer Drawer
- Dishwasher : 3 shelves comes with Detergent and Vinegar for sparklng dishes and glasses
- Microwave : hidden in cabinet comes with paper p[lates for cooking
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : Can easily be provided
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio (5) : 5 terraces for dining
- Balcony (4) : with mountain and garden views
- Gazebo : At end of Rose garden
- View/Location
- Mountain View : wonderful mountain views
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone : you will be charged for long distance calls
- Computer : Hook up to Internet
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Roter available
- Other Amenities
- just like living in a Villa in the south of France!. Towering 199 year old Oaks, Fruit Orchard, Formal Rose Gardedn
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Sorry but... no pets allowed
- Kid Friendly : Huge lawn great to play in also wooded area with lots of Birds, Rabbits and Squirrels to feed and watch. We supply Croquette and Bacci.and bird seed
- Smoking Not Allowed : Sorry no smoking allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Guest privileges are available at The Polo and Raquet Club for swimming, Tennis and watching International Polo Games. .There are .Wine Tours all year long.as well as Summer Outdoor Theater in the near by Santa Ynez Valley. The Music Academy in Montecito has wonderful concerts all summer. The first week of August Santa Barbara celebrates Fiesta. Its great fu87n wandering through the streets munching on Mexican food, watching 2 different parades and then at night laying on a blanket and watching a free concert. dressed in Mexican attire.as you wander through town...Sit on the lawn of the Court-thouse Sunken Gardens for a delightful night's under the stars and watch professional Spanish singing and dancing...Visit our Museums or Zoo.or wander through downtown for great shopping or.just hang out at beautiful Miramar Beach.. Everything you could want is here and best of all our temperature is always perfect !
Rate Details (In U.S Dollars)
Winter rates apply Oct 1 through April 30, excluding Holidays
Summer rates apply May 1 through September 30
2 Night minimum stay required. Extended monthly rentals available
10% Santa Barbara County Room tax for all stays under 31 days
Winter: 2 nights $1500 / 3 nights - $2175 / Week $ 3995 / Month $14,990
Summer: 2 nights $1600 / 3 nights - $2240 / Week $ 4220 / Month $15,990
Guest membership at SB Tennis & Polo club available. YMCA nearby for children
YMCA is within walking distance
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1974
Why the Owner Chose Montecito
This is where I raised my children and once they were grown and out on their own I realized it was time to see the world.
Over the years friends from the east coast would ask if they could pay to stay here and experience its elegance and beauty while I was traveling.
As time went on they told their friends who told their friend and thus it evolved into a Vacation Rental..
Now families come from Europe, ,Canada and even as far away as South America.
Happily for me.while I am off finding new places to explore.my home is thrilled to embrace all the new people who have entered my life.
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The Unique Benefits at this House
Every time I return home from some far off exotic corner of the world my heart is filled by the magnificent beauty of my home and Montecito..This little village has everything. Just 21/2 blocks away is the ocean with its healing breezes and beaches where I can walk all the way to downtown Sant Barbara or Summerland.
. The ocean on one side and the mountains on the other makes my location the perfect inspiration for an artist.. Nowhere I have traveled has captured the beauty of where I live!My location is perfection for me, !Having the Lower Village with all of its shops and restaurants and The Biltmore Hotel just a few minutes away and just a 15 minute driver to downtown Santa Barbara makes this the perfect location for me.
Our Art Museum has a wonderful collection, we have a Symphony an, Opera Company, and quite a few Playhouses with wonderful theater productions.Our Universities supply me with wonderful lectures and in the Summer we have our Music Academy of The West with a Summer Festival of Classical Music.and our summer International polo Games.
I love going to out Zoo and our Natural History Museum, to say nothing of The Adult Education Classes I am continually enrolled in. And the just 11/2 hours away is Los Angeles with even more to entice me.
I could never live anywhere else ...Santa Barbara for me is perfection!
Owner's Map of Montecito
I am an artist and Architectural Designer and my home and garden are my favorite palettes. I've lived here for over 30 years and have poured love into every nook and cranny of my home and gardens.,
My garden is an extension of my passion for romance and beauty and the views from every window are designed to lift your spirit and brightens your heart.
Living here is having the best of all worlds...an authentic Mediterean home in sunny California.
Come and experience its romance and elegance while I am away discovering the world!
Property Photos
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- Entrance to arrival court - Kid Friendly Montecito House with Balcony and Garden - walk to Beach
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- Sunlit entry way overlooking the gardens - Kid Friendly Montecito House with Balcony and Garden - walk to Beach
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- Sun filled living room - Kid Friendly Montecito House with Balcony and Garden - walk to Beach
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- Living room with piano and view over the gardens
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- Wood Paneled Library
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- Dining room - seats 12 comfortably
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- Elegant, renovated kitchen . Look out onto the garden while you prepare meals!!
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- Kitchen dining area and banquette. Seats 6 for breakfast & snacks
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- Sunlit master bedroom overlooking gardens and mountain views.
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- Guest bedroom with 2 twin beds
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- Comfortable guest bedroom with a queen size bed.
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- View from the gardens
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- Picnic area under the ancient oaks. Enjoy outdoor dining seats 12.
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- Serene garden fountain overlooking the rose garden
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- The great lawn
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- Miramar Beach located only 2.5 blocks away. A short walk to heaven by the sea !
Traveler Reviews (13)
A FABULOUS vacation home in Santa Barbara
Guest: KM
(Bay Area)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11
Review Submitted: 09/10/11
This beautiful estate is fabulous. The best description is really is to decribe it as an estate with magificently groomed grounds. You really do feel like you're on your own little island. I rented this home to share with several families to celebrate my nephews graduations from UCSB. We cooked a wonderful Italian dinner for a large crowd and every guest were absolutely at ahhhh with the home and the grounds. The home had everything we needed to cook a meal for a large group of people. The home is large enough for several families to stay and there's no worry about being crammed...there's plenty of rooms in the home and a fantasyland to experience outside. It really makes you feel like royalty staying here and we have such wonderful memories of our stay.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Best Weekend Ever!!!
Guest: Jimmy
(LA)
Date of Stay: 05/11/11
Review Submitted: 07/05/11
My family and I had one of the best weekends ever at this beautiful home!!! The location was incredible - 5 minute walk to the beach!!! So close to Montecito village and downtown. The bedrooms were spacious, the back yard superb. We got there just in time to see the rose garden blooming!! Definitely a must for any family! James C.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.
Queen for A Day!
Guest: Karen71
(New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11
Review Submitted: 05/14/11
WOW! My family recently visited Montecito for my daughter's graduation from Westmont and stayed at Britt's lovely estate for a long weekend. When I arrived, a note was securely perched on the outside door that exclaimed, "Welcome Home!" Right then and there I told my husband I didn't have to "own" a home in Montecito ( I've been searching for years but the prices didn't fit our budget) but that borrowing Britt's would suit me to a tee! Luckily, it was Mother's day too and since I had my own rose garden and fresh garden flowers Britt had arranged in each room, I told my hubby and daughter,"I don't need any more roses for Mother's Day, so you can take me to Montecito Inn! That is a lovely restaurant that we have always enjoyed. The estate was so beautiful that we had graduation luncheon catered from Whole Foods so we could enjoy the beautiful grounds. It was a weekend to be remembered, especially Britt's incredible art work that adorns most every room in the home. When I inquired about the paintings, Britt took the time to give our family a personal tour! I hope to have another opportunity to head to the Santa Barbara area soon. I know where I'll be staying! Thanks again Brett for allowing me to be QUEEN FOR THE DAY.....or three that is!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway.
We loved our stay
Guest: Ed and Karen
(Del Mar CA and Kansas City MO)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10
Review Submitted: 01/07/11
We loved our stay and your beautiful home. I wished the stay had been longer so I could have explored your library more, but your nice piano kept distracting me. Thanks for the prompt refund of the deposit. We are looking forward to another stay. - Ed and Karen.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
A Touch of Europe
Guest: Ron
(Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10
Review Submitted: 10/25/10
I spent a delightful month in this lovely home with my family. In addition to it's European charm and beauty, this home has all the comfort and modern conveniences one could wish for. The vast garden captures you; a spotless household and a superb location -- close proximity to the beach, to all sorts of shopping and to the numerous activities in the village including dining for all tastes. In sum, highly recommended for all. Don't miss it!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
An escape to the south of France!!!
Guest: Frances
(Los Angeles, Calif)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10
Review Submitted: 10/23/10
My husband and I fell in love all over again and fell in love with this wonderful Estate!! We felt like we had escaped to the south of France for a week!! Everything about the Estate is luxuriosly appointed. For less than the price of a night at the Biltmore Hotel we had an entire Estate!! It was a wonderful getaway from our busy lives. We walked to the quaint Miramar Beach every day!! The Montecito cafes and shops were just a few blocks away!! The Master suite was very romantic with high dramatic ceilings, a fireplace and a large flat screen T.V. to watch cozy movies by firelight. The outstanding gourmet kitchen with granite countertops,professional stainless 6 burner stove was a dream to bake cookies and croissants in!! We loved walking every morning through the enormous formal rose gardens and orange grove. We made fresh orange juice from the trees everyday It reminded us of the Luxemborg gardens in Paris. Breakfast on the huge teak table in the garden overlooking the huge lawn was such a treat each day. We love coming here!! We already have our return trip to this Estate booked. We felt so renewed and nurtured in this beautiful serene home!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Didn't want to leave!
Guest: Peggy
(Carlsbad, ca)
Date of Stay: 09/17/10
Review Submitted: 09/29/10
Arriving at this beautiful estate made the long drive well worth it. Our two young boys had a wonderful time playing baseball on the back lawn and exploring the grounds. There was so much to see and so much room to run around that they didn't want to leave! My favorite thing to do on vacation is make a big breakfast and sip coffee, and this was the perfect place to do it. The kitchen is amazing and the view from the window actually makes doing dishes a pleasure. The morning we left we all wished we could stay longer...can't wait to come for another visit!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children.
Guest: David Caplan
(NY, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/21/09
Review Submitted: 10/21/09
This is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen and is perfect a short or long stay. My family and I were here for over a month and we didn't want to leave. The beach is a 5 minute walk and the rooms bigger than they look in the pictures. My kids loved the lawn - perfect for home run derby!!!
Recommended for:
Guest: Gretchen & Max
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/12/09
Review Submitted: 10/12/09
We have stayed at Britt's for 2 years in a row for two months to get away from our cold weather in the winter. We always enjoyed the European grace and charm of the beautiful home. The location is ideal , very close to restaurants and shopping. It is also very close to Miramar Beach where we enjoyed taking long walks. The gardens were always glorious even in the winter and we cherish the memories of our wondeful times.
Recommended for:
Guest: Mimi & Howard
(-)
Date of Stay: 10/12/09
Review Submitted: 10/12/09
The pictures of Britt's home don't begin to do justice to this amazing home. No matter where you look either inside or outside, there is beauty and elegance !
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #231276
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