“El Fureidis” est. 1906
631 Parra Grande Lane
Top of Driveway, Circa 1906
The Axial Staircase, Circa 1906
Construction of Large Reflection Pools, Circa 1906
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El Fureidis, translated as ‘tropical paradise’ or ‘land of happiness,’ is one of the founding estates of Montecito, steeped in rich and colorful history. The estate was founded in 1906 by James Waldron Gillespie, a visionary hailing from New York who came to the West Coast looking for a location with a landscape and a climate that rivaled that of the Mediterranean. Originally known as a botanic garden, the estate boasts 10 acres of exceptional grounds offering the utmost in privacy and a variety of trees, many of which are over 100 years old. The estate was inspired by Gilespie’s world travels, and designed by Bertram Goodhue, a renowned architect known for his churches, museums, and monumental buildings. Gillespie and Goodhue embarked on a yearlong trip to gather inspiration for the estate, and a significant portion of their journey included over 500 miles on horseback from the Caspian Sea to the Gulf of Persia. It was this trip that birthed the concept of a grand Roman villa with Persian gardens, a very progressive architectural style for the time.
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The concrete and steel reinforced neoclassical estate has been relatively unaltered, allowing the integrity of the original building form to be upheld. The entrance features original tile work said to depict Gillespie, Bertram Goodhue and friends at one of the many famous parties held at El Fureidis. Timeless original features such as the copper doors, light fixtures, brass hardware, and tiles hand selected by Gillespie and Goodhue continue to adorn the estate. Today the estate offers unsurpassed quality and the utmost in privacy with four en suite bedrooms, five half bathrooms, a state of the art kitchen designed for modern-day use, and numerous spaces and patios that lend themselves to indoor-outdoor living and entertaining, all of which are bathed in natural light and offer views of the exquisite grounds.
“Beautiful architecture is just as much in my mind a matter of inspiration as poetry, painting, or sculpture.� - Bertram Goodhue, El Fureidis architect
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The conversation room has remained the piĂŠce de rĂŠsistance of the house. It features hand painted, elaborate bronze, gold and blue designs that cover the walls using 24k gold leaf. The Byzantine-style alcove is crowned with an 18-foothigh central dome that is decorated with a floral gold-leaf design, modeled after the church of St. John Lateran in Rome.
The Conversation Room, Circa 1906
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The estate was known for its unique architecture and one of a kind details when it was built, and it continues to be known for those same details today. Roman inspired pillars in the gallery were built into the original design of the home in 1906, creating a timeless architectural style.
The Living Hall, Circa 1906
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An exquisite rooftop provides 360 degree views of the lavish ten acre property, Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands. The desirable Montecito climate allows the rooftop to be enjoyed year round, while expansive space for rooftop lounging and sunset views provide the perfect setting for events.
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The estate’s welcoming allure appealed to many throughout the years, such as Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill. When Goodhue and Gillespie designed the home, they wanted to assure that visitors would be enthralled by the accomodations El Fureidis provided. Three of the guestrooms are recently remodeled and are located on the top floor, each with its own private bath and access to an outdoor area that overlooks the expansive property.
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Lee Lawrie and architect Bertram Goodhue collaborated on many projects, which brought Lawrie to the forefront of the architectural industry. Lee Lawrie is now one of the United States’ most influential architectural sculptors and likely best known for the sculpture of Atlas at Rockefeller Center. El Fureidis features numerous pieces created by Lawrie including nine bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Arthurian legends, which form a band between the tops of columns on the south side of the estate and which feature Lawrie’s signature etched into the stone.
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Persian gardens were observed by Gillespie and Goodhue during their travels. The prevalent rectangular shape of the pools, terraces and walks in the gardens provide a tranquil atmosphere while water transports from one place to the next via narrow, shallow channels that are terraced to create cooling water. Immensely inspired by their trip, the two men returned to Montecito to create water gardens that are frequently credited with being the finest example of Persian gardens outside of Persia. The estate includes numerous original brick pathways offering opportunities to take in the lovely trees, and to reflect on the peaceful atmosphere across the grounds.
ww w. m o ntecito pa ra dise.co m EMILY KELLENBERGER 805.252.2773 EMILY@VILLAGESITE.COM
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