The Birnam Wood Estate of Legendary Interior Designer John Saladino

Tucked away in Birnam Wood Golf Club, the idyllic Montecito estate at 2072 China Flat Road lies in a coveted locale east of the 18th fairway, the Valley Club to the south and scenic vistas of the Santa Ynez Mountains. A onetime residence of John Saladino, the sprawling property reverberates with the legendary interior designer’s seminal style. From French doors that perfectly frame garden views to classical columns that punctuate the sparkling swimming pool, the meticulously planned layout remains true to Saladino’s philosophy of uniting interior and exterior spaces.

Impeccably designed and built in the 1960s by John W. Bancroft and architect Hugh M. O’Connell, Jr., the residence is hailed for its sightlines. Greeted by a pair of matching stone obelisks, guests are ushered into a stone paver courtyard shaded by a lush Parisian-inspired canopy of manicured trees.

The scent of citrus blossoms awakens the senses, guiding visitors across the threshold into a light-filled gallery with vaulted barrel ceiling. Brimming with character, the 4,919-square-foot residence coalesces a concerto of design details, merging soaring ceilings, spherical windows, and opulent tray ceiling embellished with hand-painted trompe l’oeil murals.

Connected by a central galleria, an assembly of rooms unfold to reveal a dynamic interior. Anchored by a show-stopping island, the gourmet kitchen beautifully blends high-end appliances with old world charm. Nearby, a wood-paneled library with built-in bookcases set the stage for cozy dinners and fireside gatherings. Warmed by a stately fireplace, the home’s capacious living room is decked in herringbone hardwoods.

Saladino’s Midas touch, equal parts thoughtful and functional, has graced every corner of the eclectic abode. Tucked away for privacy, a light-soaked primary suite offers a quiet reprieve, appointed with a study, sitting area, lavish bath and private garden. Similarly, an ensuite guest bedroom welcomes glimpses of greenery, framed by exterior foliage.

Ensconced in English boxwood and backdropped by the Santa Ynez mountains, the hedge-lined swimming pool reflects a sea of blue agave and Italian cypress that soar upward like paint strokes. Nearby, a sunny stone patio welcomes alfresco entertaining, affording a peaceful escape from the everyday.

As Saladino once famously said, “A house should be a sanctuary where you close the door on reality. Home is a place that you edit to perfection against the onslaught of the real world.” This tranquil Montecito retreat offers precisely that.

2072 China Flat Road is offered for $12,500,000. To arrange a visit, contact The Morehart Group of Compass at 805-689-7233 or [email protected].

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Sponsored by the Morehart Group (DRE# 00828316). Photographs by Helkey Media, LLC.