Alegre

by Jaclyn Ritter

Just ten minutes from Santa Barbara is Rancho Monte Alegre. This expansive property is one of the last pristine, expansive pieces of land remaining on the California central coast. Minutes from the city, Rancho Monte Alegre offers a country feel while never being far from the happenings of the city. This nestled and natural piece of land brings a new meaning to the word picturesque. The Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean create the perfect backdrop from any window of the house. With miles of private hiking and horse trails, you can explore the 2,800 acres of permanent nature preserve, refreshing creeks and waterfalls, and conclude the day picking fresh produce for dinner from your very own orchards.

The proximity to Santa Barbara is one of Rancho Monte Alegre’s best attributes. Originally under Spanish rule, agriculture and ranching was the primary focus during the mid 1800’s. After the Civil War, Santa Barbara witnessed a dramatic change. This little city that relied so much on the land and their crops, became vibrant community. As people flooded the area, the city’s charm intensified.

The mild temperatures and never-ending sunshine lend itself to grow the best fruit and vegetables the land has to offer. With fresh avocados, eggplants, squash, figs, pears, melons and much more, it is no wonder Santa Barbara is any food and wine critics’ playground. Some of the best chefs can be found in Santa Barbara, showcasing what they know best – great food! California’s great pinots and chardonnays are not the only pairings for these mouth-watering dishes. These award-winning restaurants are known for their fresh fruit sangrias and herb-infused cocktails. Locals and tourists alike look forward to the month of October when culinary greatness is on display. This 31-day festival honors and showcases the best of the best when it comes to Santa Barbara food and wine.

Enjoy the outdoors at one of Santa Barbara’s 50 public parks and picnic areas. Scuba dive, paddleboard or kayak along its miles of sparkling beaches. Not a beach-goer? Take a hike to the hot springs of Gabiota Peak or rock climb “The Y” at San Ysidro Canyon. For the National Geographic lovers, Channel Islands National Park is a string of 5 uninhabited islands that is home to unique plants and animals that cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth. Interested in a game of polo? Visit the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stopped to play a round during their 2011 visit. Santa Barbara also offers many world-class golf courses with the most pristine fairways that would inspire any avid golfer.

Rancho Monte Alegre is located in one of the nation’s most beautiful hideaways. With Santa Barbara just minutes away, the high end shopping, 5 star cuisine, meticulous beaches and thrill seeking adventures are never far. But at Rancho Monte Alegre, burrowed between the mountains and the sea, you are truly home.

For information contact Bob Hodgdon, Real Property Luxury Group, at 713302-0561 or bhodgdon@realpropertymg.com

4310 SMOKEY ROAD NEWNAN, GEORGIA

A TRUE ESTATE! Magnificent Greek Revival Style Home on 34.57+/- acres with lake & pond frontage on prestigious Smokey Rd! 14,000+/- square feet with up to 10 BR, 10 FBA, 3 HBA. Beautiful 3-story foyer with grand double staircase & marble tile floor. Family room with hardwood floor & masonry fireplace. Living room with hardwood floor. Formal Dining room seats 12+. Fabulous kitchen with masonry gas log fireplace & breakfast area. In-law suite. Executive office with Brazilian cherry floor, wood paneled walls & masonry fireplace. 2nd Office/Bedroom upstairs. Poker room with wet bar. Billiard room. Theater. Happy room. Chapel with stained glass windows upstairs. Man cave with full bar with beer tap system. Workshop in basement. In-ground pool with cabana. 2 Storage bldgs. Triple garage with 2 laundry rooms. Home comes completely furnished! Property is zoned Conditional Commercial making it perfect for use as a venue or bed & breakfast. $5,175,000. Chip Barron 770-301-6843 and Tom Barron 404-936-7422

685 NORTH MCDONOUGH ROAD GRIFFIN, GEORGIA

MAGNIFICENT EQUESTRIAN ESTATE ON 48 +/- ACS. This outstanding home has 6 BR, 6½ BA, Grand Greatrm/Family Rm w/30' vaulted ceiling & floor to ceiling stone fplc, Dining Rm, Office & full finished bsmt. Heart pine floors on main. Granite & stainless Chef’s Kitchen has 9' center island, custom cabinetry, 3 basin copper sink & walk-in pantry. Two Owners’ Suites–one w/stone fplc. Triple Garage w/apartment above. Basement w/bar imported from Ireland, theater rm, wine cellar, fitness center, bedrm & craft rm. Gated entrance for privacy & security. A horse lover’s paradise w/7 paddocks, gorgeous pasture & winding driveway. Ideal for commercial horse farm, Special Events Center, B & B, Wedding venue or estate home. Easy I-75 access. Salt-Water Gunite Pool w/pool spa & waterfall. Veranda lounge w/outdoor kitchen & fplc. Pool house. Potting cottage. Huge wooden barn w/11 stalls, kitchen, 4 roll-up doors. 2nd barn is metal w/12 stalls & 2 roll-up doors. Riding ring. Hunter’s cabin. 3rd Barn for hay & equipment. $2,650,000. Chip Barron 770-301-6843 or Tom Barron 404-936-7422