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

IMMACULATE FIRE ISLAND GEM SEAVIEW, FIRE ISLAND, NEW YORK

Nestled in a fabulous location between Seaview and Ocean Bay Park on Fire Island, this charming beach home is just three houses from the Ocean and meticulously cared for. Offering three bedrooms and two full baths, with an open concept layout, fully equipped kitchen, high ceilings, plenty of natural light and ductless air conditioning units make it the perfect Summer getaway.

Fire Island Bayview Oasis

ATLANTIQUE, FIRE ISLAND, NEW YORK

Truly an oasis, this stunning Atlantique home features views of the Bay with spectacular sunsets and a panoramic view of Fire Island. It offers four bedrooms, two full baths, spacious open concept living room, dining room and kitchen, which leads to a large wrap around deck. During your stay you can enjoy the many amenities of the home including bicycles, beach chairs with umbrella and a paddle board for the more adventurous. Everything you need for the perfect Island getaway is offered right here!

EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT COMMUNITY MANTOLOKING, NEW JERSEY

Welcome to this luxurious 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath waterfront home located in the exclusive Curtis Point community! Enjoy all the perks of living by the water without sacrificing any of your desired luxuries. This beautiful property boasts a slate floor porch with mahogany doors that open into an inviting foyer open to the second floor. Its grand living room hosts a cozy fireplace and opens up to a formal dining room while its gourmet kitchen has been outfitted with Viking appliances and stone countertops. Adjacent is a family room with its own fireplace overlooking the backyard oasis complete with pool and dock equipped with boat lift. Upstairs you will find three suites bedrooms, including one Jack & Jill bath and another private suite bathroom, plus an incredible primary suite featuring balcony access, en-suite bathroom complete with jacuzzi tub and shower, as well as his & her walk in closets, plus cozy den for viewing late movies. Perfect for any couple looking for their dream home! To top it off, Curtis Point offers guarded beach access along with 2 tennis courts - making this truly an unbeatable lifestyle opportunity! Offered at $3,595,000.

MAGNIFICENT BAY FRONT ORLEY BEACH, NEW JERSEY

Enjoy stunning views from every level of this magnificent Bay Front property in Ortley Beach, complete with a private dock. This beautifully maintained two-story Seashore colonial features an elevator from the lower garage to the first floor, where you’ll find a primary bedroom. The garage can fit up to two cars, and there is an outside lower patio, a sundeck off the living room, and a large balcony off the two bedrooms on the second floor for maximum outdoor enjoyment. With four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, this home is perfect for those seeking main level living or boaters who want close proximity to the water and downtown shops. This is a rare opportunity to own a Bay Front property with incredible amenities, including a first-floor primary bedroom and a prime location in the highly sought after section of Ortley Beach. Offered at $1,465,000.

By Vicki Gaily

By Vicki Gaily