Noteworthy new listings….
When 4558 Via Esperanza ($15.75 million) sold at auction for $6.82 million in September 2020, the property was 5.7 acres, including a 2.35-acre parcel (now 000 Via Esperanza) that’s not part of the current 3.35-acre listing. The smaller lot is on the hillside below the house, and not a huge loss for the next owner of 4558, unless of course someone decides to build there (which would be an annoyance more than a view impediment). The 1979 house has some signature Barry Berkus touches—steps down to the living and family rooms, a loft of questionable use above the kitchen, a roofline that looks like a hat pulled down low—but it does showcase the views in every direction, and where the ceilings are high, the interiors feel airy. And the sports court has one of the most dramatic settings around. P.S. I don’t see rain gutters.
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I got to check out the Kitty Litter Manor at 4400 Via Abrigada that came on the market for $88 million two weeks ago. (“The price is a placeholder,” said the listing agent.) The house was worse than I thought it would be, and I don’t see it surviving the next owner. The land, on the other hand, is better—a large, flat pad with amazing views. The property is at the end of the street, on a little circle with two other houses, both of which are a bit too close to 4400’s entrance. It could sell for around $20 million, but not much more.
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There’s not one interior shot of the 1953 three-bedroom at 1463 Hosmer Lane ($4.315 million), so its condition is anyone’s guess. The floor plan shows an intricate journey from the garage to the primary bedroom. And the location cuts both ways: walkable to Montecito’s Upper Village, but up against a townhouse development—and to get to the house, you pass alongside the back of a strip mall.
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330 Piedmont Road ($3.699 million) has a massive outdoor living room, to go along with the indoor one, the family room, and the rather large backyard. And the house was remodeled in 2018. But the bedrooms are less spacious, and the two guest rooms are right off the living room, separated only by barn doors.
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The main quirk at 345 Canon Drive ($3.295 million) in San Roque is that it has side-by-side en-suite primary bedrooms on the upper level. The 1946 house has nice curb appeal, but it backs up against the hill, leaving not a lot of outdoor space. At least you get the pretty stone walls and steps to look at.
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“Come fulfill your house project dreams,” says the listing for 111 Crestview Lane ($3.495 million), behind Eucalyptus Hill, unless you’re into the rustic look. (The renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms in the past two years stuck to the theme.) The, um, landscaping certainly could use attention, particularly to open up the views. And I don’t know what to make of the funky outbuilding that resembles an angular mushroom. Bear in mind that the four-acre vacant lot next door at 4 Sunrise Hill Lane sold at the end of 2020, and someone presumably plans to build there.
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847 Deerpath Road ($2.795 million) is a small-but-sweet 1959 three-bedroom where you’d want to look for ways to bring in light—pop the ceilings, add skylights, etc. The front deck is more appealing than the back, and robust hedging could make it private. Up the slope behind the house, off Eucalyptus Hill Road, is a traileresque permitted workshop. I wouldn’t be surprised if the property comes back as a spec reno.
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And a few others worth checking out:
••• 740 Hot Springs Road ($10 million): Two parcels totaling 1.69 acres with a framed new house and an uninspired old one. Not sure how that adds up to $10 million.
••• 454 Vaquero Lane ($2.195 million): 1959 house off N. Turnpike with a modern addition in front.
••• 1060 Monte Drive ($3.495 million): 1950 teardown on an acre in Hope Ranch with permitted plans for a contemporary five-bedroom.
••• 39 Sunshine Lane ($299,000): Two-bedroom cabin off Paradise Road; why is the fridge on a pedestal?
••• 610-612 Bradbury Avenue ($2.195 million): Gotta love a bungalow court!
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The via Esperanza listing baffles ones mind how could take such a beautiful plot of land and build the most sterile and uninspired modern McMansion feasible to man.
It looks like a Florida golf course clubhouse. A public course.
Obviously you are entitled to your opinion-people have different tastes in a home-obviously you don’t like ours. But I have to tell you, it is AMAZING to live here! I wake up and look to the right-beautiful mountain views, I look to the left and beautiful ocean views! The light that comes into the house just feels good and gives energy. The ocean views are different daily which is interesting. The sunset views are awe-inspiring!
Playing pickleball on our court where you have an ocean view while serving on one side and a mountain view from the other is unique-not to mention that the marine layer engulfs us while we are playing on some days! We enjoy the privacy that the mountaintop gives us along with the views over the MoreMesa. We can walk to the private Hope Ranch beach in 20 minutes also.
By the way, this house has 2 offices with perfect ocean views- one above the kitchen and the other in the back room off of the primary. This is definitely a home for our family and believe me-not sterile at all-quite the contrary-a home filled with love. I will truly miss living here but know that the next family will enjoy it as much as we do.
(I will not get into a conversation about this-it will be my only post-just wanted to give you an idea of why we love the home so much.) I appreciate your opinion and that you took time to comment.
I have been to this beautiful Esperanza home to play pickleball on that amazing court – its hard to play initially due to the views- Take a look! also the house is very cool inside and absolutely takes advantage of the views – there are windows galore and its modern yet very warm. someone would be very lucky to live in this house.
“KItty Litter Manor” – if those walls and gardens could talk. I got to get up close and almost personal with Bill Clinton, Barbara Boxer and others there. Fabulous Democratic fun raisers over the years thanks to Betty Stephens! Maybe the “placeholder price” is based on past provenance?
The $88M Via Abrigada property seems to be marketed as a destination wedding site – the Zillow listing says it is “boasting bridal trails that meander through the lush landscape.” !
Obviously, they mean BRIDLE trails, but I do like imagining brides in their gowns meandering down the trails — maybe looking for a last minute exit.