Siteline | A Montecito Mediterranean That Doesn’t Seem Overpriced

Noteworthy new listings….

In a perfect world, 2030 Creekside Road ($7.395 million) wouldn’t be up against the Ortega Ridge hillside—the kitchen window might as well not even exist—and of course there’s the matter of the freeway being within earshot. (Not to mention the likely development of the lot across the street.) But in our decidedly non-perfect world, the 2002 house checks a lot of boxes: it has an appealing sprawl; the surfaces are mainly fine (you might want to redo the bathrooms, but you don’t have to); there are several lovely outdoor spaces; and a pool and/or guest house could be built to the north.

················

I would’ve liked to see 1705 Lasuen Road ($6.495 million) in person, to get a better handle on the floor plan (the listing mentions five bedrooms, but only one is pictured) and the mix of styles—i.e., the living room pairs a coffered ceiling with a rustic fireplace.

················

One hesitates to contradict a listing agent whose bio includes “professional intuitive who has earned the title Psychic to the Stars,” but I don’t envision 520 Barker Pass Road ($4.869 million) selling at that price. All the stairs and sharp angles don’t feel as fresh when the house was built in 1979, and surfaces want to be redone throughout. (The three-bedroom house is flanked by one-bedroom apartments, one of which has a creepy little closet and a bedroom that barely fits a bed.) The roofline does cut an intriguing figure from the street, and the backyard pool has charm, with bonus points for the way the two ground-floor baths have doors to the outside. [Update 8/13: Photos removed at the listing agent’s request.]

················

From the outside, 1102 Luneta Plaza ($2.685 million) is a funky 1950s beach cottage; the contemporary interiors aren’t quite at peace with the architecture. Location cuts both ways: the house isn’t far from the pedestrian path that leads to Shoreline Drive and Park, but it’s also directly across from a big condo complex on Barranca Avenue.

················

424 E. Arrellaga Street ($1.35 million), meanwhile, is a funky cottage from the 1920s, with two bedrooms and one bath, and the interiors are even more contemporary—with black in the kitchen and bath—than at 1102 Luneta Plaza. At .069 acre, the lot is barely bigger than the house.

················

Here’s a property for all you budding winemakers: 2370 N. Refugio Road ($28 million), site of Vincent Vineyards, includes not just a six-bedroom house and two guest houses, but also 14 acres of vineyards and a winery and tasting room just off Highway 154. The listing says it’s “a short stroll” from Los Olivos, but Google Maps puts the walk at 43 minutes, and that’s only if you take the highway—a confusing look for the owner of a $28 million home.

················