George Washington Smith’s French Normandy House in the Hedgerow

The week’s noteworthy new listings….

The 1925 French Normandy house that George Washington Smith designed at 1598 Ramona Lane ($7.95 million) has beaucoup de charme, and a sprawling yard. Despite the head-to-toe renovation in 2012, the house still feels like it’s been around for a century. Not long ago, the $8 million price would’ve seemed hubristic—the current owner paid $5 million in 2016—but this crazy market has gone on long enough that perhaps it’s time we recalibrate. P.S. More photos are in the works so keep an eye on the listing.

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That said, 1962 East Valley Road ($9.5 million) puts the meh in Mediterranean, and if it sells for anywhere near the asking price every homeowner in Montecito should think about cashing out and moving.

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You’d never know by looking at  680 San Ysidro Road ($4.995 million), but it has an architectural pedigree. (Lutah Maria Riggs designed it in 1951.) Something—maybe the fresh sod—makes me wonder if it got a quick freshening-up to capitalize on the hot market.

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608 Stone Meadow Lane ($4.85 million) has curb appeal, and many of the rooms are winners. The good energy wanes in the backyard, but that won’t matter.

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The mountain views at 1121 Cima Linda Lane ($3.295 million) make up for the fact that the back calls to mind an apartment complex.

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On the 18th fairway of Birnam Wood, 462 Crocker Sperry Drive ($4.295 million) is rather fusty inside, but maybe that’s not inappropriate for a country-club setting. The exterior is fabulous in a preppy-lockjaw kind of way. Break out that Lily Pulitzer caftan.

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And a few others worth a look:
••• 1057 Monte Drive ($2.7 million): Hope Ranch starter home; already in escrow.
••• 2117 Summerland Heights Lane ($2.495 million): Ocean views, but the master is upstairs.
••• 520 Chiquita Road ($1.875 million): 1927 Alex D’Alfonso that needs work.
••• 366 Mira Monte Avenue ($1.895 million): 857-square-foot fixer in the Montecito Union schoolshed.
••• 1084 Cheltenham Road ($1.795 million): Mission Canyon three-bedroom where less aggressive paint choices might make a huge difference.
••• 1647 Posilipo Lane #B ($2.545 million): If you’ve ever wondered what those apartments just past the Miramar resort are like.

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