Montecito's Moment In the Sun by Montecito Journal

MONTECITO’S MOMENT IN THE SUN

AS IT STEPS INTO THE REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT, MONTECITO IS READY FOR ITS CLOSE UP (PAGE 16)

(Cover Photo: 975 Lilac Drive, Montecito – “Villa Ravello” offered at $16,900,000, listed by Riskin Partners)

REAL ESTATE SUMMER ISSUE 2020

Suzanne Perkins is honored to be ranked #47 in volume amongst individuals in this year’s REAL TRENDS THE THOUSAND

The Perkins Group Real Estate Suzanne Perkins 805.265.0786 DRE 01106512

team@perkinsgroupre.com @perkinsgroupre

For more information on the REAL Trends The Thousand, please visit realtrends.com/rankings/rt1000 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

SELECTION OF PAST YEAR SALES June 2019 to June 2020 MONTECITO $6,495,000

MONTECITO $5,995,000

HOPE RANCH $5,748,000

MONTECITO $5,695,000

MONTECITO $5,300,000

HOPE RANCH $4,980,000

MK GROUP, A BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE TEAM SPECIALIZING IN FINE ESTATES, IMPRESSIVE LAND PARCELS, & CHARMING COTTAGES IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

Looking for results? Work with the best. MONTECITO $3,895,000

RIVIERA $4,000,000

. We are getting our sellers 5% more

Our listings sell on average at 98% of their list price, compared to the local market average of 93%.

. Extensive marketing platform

While other agents are cutting back on their advertising, we have increased ours to give our clients maximum exposure.

RIVIERA $3,295,000

CARPINTERIA $3,000,000

. Consistent track record year after year

35 properties sold in the past year, totaling over $106 million.

. Knack for finding those special off market properties We sold 8 off market properties last year.

RIVIERA $2,495,000

SUMMERLAND $2,250,000

THINKING OF SELLING OR BUYING IN TODAYS MARKET? CALL US 805.565.4014. All calls are confidential.

*All statistics above are from June 2019 to June 2020, based on the Santa Barbara MLS.

M K R EA L ESTATE GR OU P MARSHA KOTLYAR | PATRICE SERRANI | ALLIE BAXTER

MONT E C ITOF INE E STAT E S .COM 805.565.4014 | associates@marshakotlyar.com | Lic. # 01426886 ©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Picacho Lane MONTECITO / LISTED AT

$13,750,000

DANA ZERTUCHE & LORI BOWLES 805.565.8198 / INFO@MONTECITO.ASSOCIATES WWW.MONTECITO.ASSOCIATES C O L D W E L L B A N K E R RE ALT Y

CALRE#01465425 CALRE#01961570

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

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25 June – 2 July 2020

5 B E D R O O M S / 8 B AT H R O O M S / 2 . 1 9 A C R E S / P R I VAT E W E L L

DANA ZERTUCHE & LORI BOWLES 805.565.8198 / INFO@MONTECITO.ASSOCIATES WWW.MONTECITO.ASSOCIATES C O L D W E L L B A N K E R RE ALT Y

CALRE#01465425 CALRE#01961570

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

5295

Shoreline Drive CALL TO OFFERS JULY 17, 2020

Rare Pacific Coast Land Development Opportunity

32.27 Acres Vacant Land 600 Feet of Stunning Pacific Oceanfront Just north of City of Santa Barbara near the airport and US Highway 101

Breathtaking ±32 acre bluff-top property with over 600 feet of ocean frontage, ready for estate development or possible lot split into three parcels. Extremely rare to find such a large piece of land along the coast, especially with over 25 level acres. Just minutes to private terminals at Santa Barbara

ROLL VIDEO

Airport and inside the Zone of Influence which qualifies the property for helicopter landings. Expansive views of the Channel Islands, trail to the beach and proximity to UCSB make this a special opportunity for an investor with grand plans.

https://vimeo.com/412435053

Contact The Radius Team Today!

Steve G olis

Jo n O hl gr e n

Sh arif El s eif y

805.879.9606 sgolis@radiusgroup.com

805.689.7839 johlgren@radiusgroup.com

805.879.9650 selseify@radiusgroup.com

BRE 00772218

BRE 01464358

BRE 01984886

MONTECITO JOURNAL

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R A D I U S G R O U P. C O M

25 June – 2 July 2020

CONGRATULATIONS Sotheby’s International Realty would like to congratulate Dusty Baker on the sale of

1639 Fernald Point Lane $9,900,000

DUSTY BAKER 805.570.0102 | DustyBakerRealEstate.com

© Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. Dusty Baker DRE: 1908615

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

1221 DIANA LANE

LOWER RIVIERA CHARMER | 3 BD / 2 BA HOME | $1,895,000 Beautiful, original D’Alfonso Spanish-style home with horizon ocean/island views. Single level living in a very quiet/desirable enclave. Gorgeous gardens with new water feature, lush landscaping, fruit trees, patios and loggia with outdoor kitchen. An OASIS on the Lower Riviera with 2000 sq ft under roof + covered patio + Balinese Pavillion. This home was remodeled 5 yrs ago and has many upgrades which include, New wood carriage garage doors, AC, Elevator, Jacuzzi, Steam Shower & Heated Floors, New Sub Zero refrigerator, Sonos sound system throughout home, New Bonus room with attached laundry room. Offered Turnkey with many furnishings!

Mary Elliott

Luxury Property Specialist Mobile: (805) 450-9933 Office: (805) 682 - 3242 MaryE@coastalranch.com Cal BRE 01975165 www.coastalranch.com

TOP HALF OF THE 1% OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY AGENTS WORLD WIDE

©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

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25 June – 2 July 2020

Delivering concierge level service, always.

75 Olive Mill Road

2339 Edgewater Way

3872 Crescent Drive

1630 Mira Vista Avenue

1705 La Mirada Drive

627 Romero Canyon Road

2130 Adobe Canyon Road

931 Coyote Road

4 BD | 5 BA

Steve Epstein

CalDRE #0994429

4 BD | 2 BA

Kendrick Guehr CalDRE #01964065

4 BD | 5 BA

Jim Callahan

CalDRE #01997946

Jamie Faletti

CalDRE #01516716

4 BD | 3 BA

5 BD | 4 BA

Brooke Williams CalDRE #01971022

Nate Hagon

CalDRE #02011627

5 BD | 4 BA

4 BD | 3 BA

Stan Aslanian

CalDRE #01866069

Ajia Orozco Marketing

805.689.9339 | TheEpsteinPartners.com 1235 Coast Village Road, Montecito, CA 93108 | 1435 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Inside This Issue

MIRAMAR BEACH HOUSE Set on one of Santa Barbara’s loveliest beaches, this spacious 3 bedroom home with additional sleeping loft, enjoys 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Expansive beach frontage and the luxury of five parking spaces. Listed at $8,350,000

BETSY JONES-ZWICK

COLD WELL BANKER RE ALT Y

805.452.5501 www.BetsyZwick.com CalRE#01090662

12 Editor’s Letter Gwyn Lurie recalls how much has changed since she and her husband bought their Montecito home in 2004 14 Real Estate Mark Hunt highlights homes on the market in the $8 million and up category 16 Montecito Gets Its Mojo Back How Montecito real estate has bounced back from the double disasters of the Thomas Fire and 1/9 debris flow 20 Real Estate Snapshot Local realtors are trying to keep up with the current extremely high demand for homes as people look for properties with more privacy, space, and home offices 22 Rise of the Machines Les Firestein looks at all the “smart things” in our homes and wants his dumb stuff back 24 The Way It Was Chronicling the Montecito adobes built or restored in the 20th century 30 Real Estate Appraiser Greg Brashears Insights from a real estate appraiser on determining your home’s value during a pandemic 39 Mortgage Happenings Loan Consultant Jon McCuskey gives an update on the current state of mortgage rates 48 Droughts, Conflagration, Pandemic. What’s a Garden Lover to Do? Master Gardener Eileen White Read speaks to local residents on how they’ve adapted their gardens the past few years

HOME EVER H OM E IS I S WHERE W H ERE THE T H E HEART H EA RT IIS. S. NOW N O W MORE M ORE TTHAN H A N EVER M A Y YOUR YOU R HOME H OM E BE R SA N CT U A RY. MAY BE YOU YOUR SANCTUARY.

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25 June – 2 July 2020

Classic Renovated Ennisbrook | $5,750,000

5 Bedrooms, 2 Offices, 4.5 Baths, Formal Living & Dining Family Room & Chefs Kitchen, 3 Bay Garage, ~1.83 Acres www.Ennisbrook-Montecito.com

Luxury Montecito Contemporary Compound | $5,195,000 3 Bedrooms + Office, 3.5 Baths, Guest House, Studio, Pool, 2-Car Garage, .86 Ac, Renovated & Reimagined 2017-2018 www.735AshleyRd.com

Phototours at PropertyinSantaBarbara.com CRYSTA METZGER 805.453.8700 | CrysMetz@me.com PropertyinSantaBarbara.com CalRE#01340521

C O L D W E L L B A N K E R RE ALT Y

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Editor’s Letter by Gwyn Lurie CEO and Executive Editor of the Montecito Journal Media Group

What a Difference 10 Years Makes FOREVER VIEWS AND ROOM TO BREATHE | 23± ACRES 5055 E CAMINO CIELO | SANTA BARBARA

| OFFERED AT $1,695,000

JACQUELINE WALTERS jackie@villagesite.com 805.570.0558 | DRE 00835438

t was March 2004 and I was pregnant with our first child when my husband and I bought our home here. We’d married nine months earlier at the San Ysidro Ranch and we would drive up for weekends, rue L.A.’s show biz culture and roam around Montecito, fantasizing about raising our kids in one of the storybook homes on one of the bucolic roads that fan out from the Ranch; roads that felt more akin to the French Riviera than the traffic congested boulevards back home. And always on those fleeting getaways we’d find our way to Cava, or Tre Lune, or Lucky’s. We’d shop at Wendy Foster or Kate boutique on Coast Village Road. (Remember Kate McMahon’s beautiful boutique?) Soon life with a newborn took over and the fantasy of regular weekend getaways gave way to work deadlines, rigid toddler sleep schedules, visits with grandparents, and stressful attempts at a second pregnancy. In no time our imagined weekends away became just that, and we rented out our Montecito home – to Billy Baldwin, Chynna Phillips, and their three beautiful children. By the end of 2007, the Writers Guild declared a strike, followed in close succession by the economy crashing in 2008, and suddenly our not so simple life was thrown into disarray. By then we were shopping for a kindergarten for our first born and a preschool for our second. As we interviewed for coveted spots at L.A.’s premier schools, we longed for a simpler, different kind of life for our family. At one point we were out maneuvered (Lori Laughlin style) at our firstchoice school by a talent agent who paid-to-play for our child’s promised place. It was right about then that my husband looked at me and said: “Why don’t we move to Montecito?”

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

As for the natural beauty of our mountains and beaches, just a breathtaking walk away, well… those speak for themselves. And they have spoken louder and clearer during the pandemic while most of the rest of the world has been cooped up in their homes and apartments. How blessed we are.

Having grown up in L.A. and being so close with my L.A.-based family I was hesitant. But I agreed to check out Montecito Union School, as its stellar reputation was a selling point when we bought our home. The idea of moving here began to grow on me. After all, we’re writers. Where better to write than Montecito? For meetings in L.A. we could drive down after rush hour and still be back by supper. So we toured MUS. A subsequent hour-long meeting with then-principal Kris Bergstrom, who sat with me and my sister (then-President of the L.A. County Board of Education) to answer all our questions, sealed the deal. When we told Billy and Chynna we needed our house back, they were heart-broken but generous beyond belief. “I don’t know why anyone would not raise their kids in Montecito,” Billy said. “It’s paradise,” Chynna chimed in. When it came time to refund their security deposit, despite the minor wear-andtear a family of five will do to any home, I said to my husband: “We’re giving back every penny. There are eight restaurants in Montecito and we’re going to see them.” Sure enough, on our first night in town, there they were at the next table at Sakana. Billy and Chynna’s welcome was just an opening salvo to the warm hug we received from this community. It didn’t take long to realize this “sleepy little town” was a very engaged place that attracts people who understand that the party is where they are. It is here we have come to know some of the most interesting people we’ve ever met. This is a place where people believe in and support their causes. Where doing well means doing good. Montecito punches way above its weight in so many ways – cultural expression, community and

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Editor’s Letter page 534

25 June – 2 July 2020

RISKIN PARTNERS ESTATE GROUP 202 0 cl o s i n g s in ex ces s o f $ 9 6 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 DINA LANDI

JASMINE TENNIS

SARAH HANACEK

ROBERT RISKIN

Riskin Partners is an elite team comprised of Montecito’s top real estate agents. For years, we have consistently led the Montecito luxury market, and for ten out of the last eleven years, we have been recognized as Montecito’s number one team in sales. From small cottages to grand estates, together we have closed in excess of $2 billion in luxury real estate; more than any other agent or team in Santa Barbara. We invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation. 2020 closings, continued

P A R T

E P

R S

AT E

805.565.8600

$12,950,000 $0,000,000 $6,900,000 $6,295,000 $5,999,999 $5,895,000 $5,250,000 $5,250,000 $5,103,500 $4,995,000 $4,700,000

1569 East Valley Road Private transaction* 210 Miramar Avenue 667 Juan Crespi Lane 808 Riven Rock Road 6 Seaview Drive 645 El Bosque Road 722 Via Manana 582 Freehaven Drive 796 Park Lane West 396 Woodley Road

I R I S

2020 closings

G R

4050 Mariposa Drive 210 Miramar Avenue 256 Santa Rosa Lane* 1344 School House Road 1333 E Valley Road* 2442 Whiteney Avenue

2020 pendings

1583 South Jameson Lane 854 Park Lane 1845 East Mountain Drive

team@ RiskinPartners.com

$4,490,000 $4,200,000 $ 4,171,720 $3,695,000 $2,995,000 $1,399,000

$17,900,000 $6,995,000 $6,495,000

license #01954177

Prices noted above reflect list price. *Represented both buyer and seller. 25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Real Estate by Mark Ashton Hunt

8 and up… Million, That Is

o say it has been an active spring in the Montecito Real Estate market would be an understatement. Without even taking into considering the recent, national challenges, and even when comparing to most 45+/- day periods, regardless of market conditions in recent years, it has been a good six weeks in the Montecito Real Estate market. Up through June 19 of this year, 33+/- homes closed escrow since May 1 in Montecito and within the 93108 zip code (as reported in the Multiple Listing Service, the MLS). From a fixer home on a smaller lot to a condo on Coast Village Road (both under a million dollars), to an estate just a few doors down from Oprah that closed for just over $11,000,000 (it had been listed much higher), the market is moving. As with most months, we saw multiple sales in the under $2,000,000 market, but also this past month we had a strong showing in the $4,000,000 to $8,000,000 and above range as well. When most visitors, dreamers, and boomers think of Montecito, they often envision Butterfly Beach, Coast Village Road shops and restaurants, majestic Montecito Peak, and the San Ysidro Ranch. From those first thoughts, it’s straight to the dream of owning a significant estate here, preferably one with an ocean view, cherished privacy, a pool, yard, maybe a vineyard or a tennis court and guest house, a private drive and a big gate with extensive landscaping. Right now, there are about 33 estate homes on the market to help you fulfill that dream, priced from $7,995,000 and up for you to choose from (with two homes in that price range in escrow as of June 19). When you move up to the $8,000,000 and above range in our housing market, one can expect either a prime acre or multiple acres (less if beachfront). Usually these larger lots provide gated, private drives, easy access, and parking. Then assume one will get over 5,000 square feet, with the potential of up to and above 10,000 square feet of living space along with amenities such as guest houses, tennis courts maybe, mature landscaping and in most every case (except homes on the beach perhaps), privacy.

With recent conditions and health restrictions, there are no open houses on the weekends, but estates in the $8mil+ range are rarely open on a Sunday anyway. Letting 100 looky loos loose in a 10,000 square foot home with a dozen rooms and valuables just does not lend itself well to public open houses. That said, virtual tours are common now, and when a buyer is more serious, they may have private tours and be allowed time in the homes they are interested in, to consider the features and amenities of each. So, if you are in the market for a significant Montecito estate, do not be deterred by the conditions out there. Agents are taking precautions during showings and making listings available to qualified buyers and properties are selling, so don’t miss out on finding your dream home. Here are a few estates to consider in the $7,995,000 to $29,000,000 range in Montecito.

3090 Hidden Valley Lane - $7,995,000

Exceptional interior design for the heart of your home since 1984

Ask us about our Virtual Design Services!

SIMMONS & COMPANY Interior Hardscape + Design 805.898.0155 simmonsandcompany.com

14 MONTECITO JOURNAL

his Montecito retreat sits prominently on a 3.2-acre knoll overlooking Montecito. Tucked away, private, on your own, and yet just minutes to town. This Mediterranean estate was designed by renowned local architect Don Nulty and built by Rich Coffin in 2013 and with solid ocean, island, and mountain views, capped off with top of the road privacy. A private drive leads to the 6,500+ square foot, 3 bedroom, 5 & 1/2-bathroom home that features a great room, formal dining room and chef’s kitchen opening to casual outdoor dining. There is an additional family room and a private office all on the first level. Take the elevator downstairs to the movie theatre, wine cellar, and oversized 3-car garage with workshop. On the first level, covered terraces lead to paths down to the infinity edge pool and spa, seating area with fire pit and a 1-bedroom pool cabana with gym.

3007 Vista Linda Lane - $9,300,000

ust a short drive up Toro Canyon Road from East Valley Road, then left onto a private lane that serves a limited number of significant estates and you are nearly there. Through your private gate and down the long ocean view driveway that leads past an alley of mature trees, and arrive in the courtyard of this ocean view, Montecito compound. Situated on over 10+ acres, the ocean and mountain views provide the back-

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Real Estate page 324

25 June – 2 July 2020

Coming Soon Presented By

Maureen McDermut MaureenMcDermut.com

La Ladera Montecito Estate

1954EASTVALLEYROAD.COM Main House 4BD/4BA/2HBA | Guest House 2BD/2BA | $9,850,000

Montecito

Yankee Farm

703 PARK LANE

516 BRAEMAR RANCH LANE

Main House 5BD/5BA/1HBA | Guest Quarters 1BD/1BA | $6,385,000

Main House 6BD/4BA | Guest House 2BD/1BA | $4,200,000

Maureen McDermut

Maureen.McDermut@sothebyshomes.com 805.570.5545 MaureenMcDermut.com

Montecito - Coast Village Road Brokerage 1165 Coast Village Road, Suite A | Montecito, California | sothebysrealty.com

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Montecito Gets Its Mojo Back

Unlikely Oasis

by Peter Kiefer

Peter Kiefer is a Los Angeles-based writer and journalist. He most recently worked as the real estate & city editor for The Hollywood Reporter. During his career, he has worked as a staff writer for The New York Sun in Manhattan and as a reporter in the Rome Bureau of The New York Times. He lives in Venice Beach.

ne of the handful of go-to real estate agents for Montecito, Dan Encell has been studiously observing the ebb-and-flow of the crown jewel of Santa Barbara’s luxury housing market for more than three decades. He’s seen it all, but even Encell was surprised by the insistent ringing of his cell phone at a time when Californians were months into shelter-in-place orders and national unrest over police tactics were about to send thousands into the streets in protest. “This has been the strongest surge in demand for Montecito that I’ve seen in over thirty-three years,” said Encell, an agent for Berkshire Hathaway. “And whatever event was second – well it’s not even close.” Case in point is the 6,300 squarefoot newly renovated Mediterranean estate situated on nearly two acres at 501 Valley Club Road. Encell listed the estate a year ago and fielded just three offers over a span of more than six months. Without a buyer, he yanked the listing. But when Encell re-listed 501 Valley Club Road two weeks ago,

multiple offers came in after just two days of showings. All but one of those offers was over the asking price. One of the bidders was hoping to move from Los Angeles and – the one with the winning bid is relocating his family from San Francisco. “The market is insane,” says Michael Calcagno, a top agent with Calcagno & Hamilton, a team also associated with Berkshire Hathaway. Calcagno says he was recently racing around Montecito to show three high-net-worth individuals – a high number of wealthy buyers to have at one time – four different properties in a single day. Within 24 hours, all of his buyers had made offers and of the 12 properties that he’d shown, 11 were already pending. “Something has shifted,” says Calcagno, who has lived and worked in Santa Barbara for over 20 years. “I’ve literally had two clients call me from San Francisco and Los Angeles and say, ‘Get me the [heck] out of here. I have my car packed. I’m selling my house and I’m moving into a hotel down there for a few days. I don’t care

Dan Encell, one of the top four Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate agents in the world

if you put me in Isla Vista for a bit – just find me something.’” It’s understandable that when the world seems like it’s unraveling, people with means start looking for a safe harbor. What’s a bit surprising is how much they are eyeing Montecito, which finds itself back en vogue after recent setbacks that had put it in the national spotlight as a disaster area, not as an oasis. And while the rising real estate market is a sign that Montecito has regained its mojo, some wonder at what cost.

For an enclave famed for its bucolic charms and placidity, Montecito has been on an emotional rollercoaster these last few years. Two years ago, the community was a cautionary tale – a potential Santa Barbara addendum to Ecology of Fear, famed urbanist Mike Davis’ dystopian account of Los Angeles at the millennium. Following the Thomas Fire and the disastrous mudslides that killed 23 people and caused $207 million in property damage in its wake, Montecito was, for a week, a regular chyron on CNN and a national tragedy. Many predicted a mass exodus. Instead, galvanized residents – already a tight knit group – set about not only rebuilding but updating the area’s infrastructure, including bridges, water-mains and telephone poles. Some residents opted not to rebuild and left, but home prices stayed relatively steady considering the scale of the event. Then came the worst global pandemic in a century, followed quickly by civil unrest on a scale not seen since 1968. One of these events had the power to scramble the existing narrative that Montecito was in decline. In tandem, they blew it entirely up.

Mojo page 404

956 Mariposa Lane, Montecito – offered at $10,450,000, listed by Riskin Partners and Patricia Griffin

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25 June – 2 July 2020

LAURA DRAMMER SUCCESSFULLY representing Buyers and Sellers for over 26 YEARS 32 TRANSACTIONS closed in 2020 so far 9 TRANSACTIONS currently in escrow 46 TRANSACTIONS closed for 2019 (805) 448-7500 Laura@LauraDrammer.com www.LauraDrammer.com

285 EL SUENO ROAD | SANTA BARBARA | $1,695,000

Dramatic Hamptons-style Modern Farmhouse on a wooded 1/2 acre. Spacious, 3BD, 3BA home + additional unit with private entrance, ADU in process. All bedrooms ensuite. Beautifully remodeled with fresh white exterior/interior paint. New wood floors by California Classics. Spacious living room has new stone fireplace; 25’ vaulted ceiling. Pro chef’s kitchen with Sub-Zero, Viking Tuscany 6-burner range, two ovens, new cabinetry. Striking master bedroom, with vintage fireplace and California Closets + French doors that lead to deck. New master bath has tiled shower with premium fixtures and new tiled flooring. Rear yard features a KitchenAid barbecue island & deck with built in seating. 2-car garage with loft.

©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise sys © 2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

52 OLIVE MILL ROAD SANTA BARBARA, CA 3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | OFFERED AT $2,250,000 Virtual Tour and Virtual Appointments Available This

contemporary

property

has

been

extensively

renovated creating a sophisticated yet relaxed interior, surrounded by a beautifully lush, landscaped gated front entry and terrace. Seamlessly blended with the landscape is an outdoor stone shower, perfect for use after the beach. Located near Butterfly Beach, Four Seasons The Biltmore, Coral Casino, and Coast Village Road, the property is exemplary of the Montecito lifestyle.

TIM WALSH 805.259.8808 | tim@villagesite.com TimWalshMontecito.com | DRE 00914713

LYLA CLYNE 805.689.5590 | lylaclyne@villagesite.com Villagesite.com | DRE 01335689

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

GARY GOLDBERG

INTERESTED IN SELLING? * HIGH DEMAND * LOW INVENTORY FEATURED: E Valley Road | 5 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | $6,350,000 | PENDING COMING SOON

COMING SOON

Exquisite Craftsmen Idyllic Setting

Riven Rock Treasure

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Gary Goldberg GRI/CRS

REALTOR/BROKER #1 Selling Individual Realtor in the SBMLS for 2017 Over $750,000,000 sold since 2000

Knowledge and integrity are everthing. Let me help you make your real estate dreams a reality.

805-455-8910 gary@coastalrealty.com www.garygoldberg.net

18 MONTECITO JOURNAL

DRE 01172139

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

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25 June – 2 July 2020

NMLS ID#: 472185

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Real Estate Snapshot By Kelly Mahan Herrick

Montecito Market Update

Montecito’s first beachfront sale of 2020 closed last week: 1639 Fernald Point closed for $9M, Montecito’s second highest sale of the year (listed by Dusty Baker of Sotheby’s)

R Exceptional Architectural Finish (805) 450-2049 | JAMES@JJCSB.NET

eal estate transactions in Montecito have been steadily increasing over the last two months, reflecting an influx of out-of-town buyers flocking to purchase in the 93108 zip code since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown began mid-March. The last few weeks have been incredibly active, with 28 homes going into escrow in Montecito since June 1, including six that have been on the market for over 150 days. Let’s compare this figure to last year: just 11 homes went into escrow from June 1 through June 22 last year… that’s a 250% increase in activity! May’s numbers are just as strong: in May 2019, ten Montecito homes went under contract, compared to 27 in May 2020! Again, a good portion of these sales were listings that had been on the market for a while; eight of our May sales had been on the market from 150 days to 613 days, which represents both an influx of buyers who are new to our market, combined with a staggering lack of inventory County-wide.

Low Inventory Keeps Prices High

MONTECITO MONTEREY COLONIAL ESTATE 5 bd / 5 ba ~ pool ~ pavilion ~ studio guest house ~ prime 1 acre location listed at $5,650,000

CHARLIE PETERSEN

C OL DWE L L B A N KE R RE ALT Y

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20 MONTECITO JOURNAL

The number of active listings remains low, which was a factor earlier this year before the pandemic, and proceeded to tighten the first month of the shutdown as buyers *momentarily* stopped requesting to see property, and many sellers pulled their listings off the market. Not surprisingly, the low number of listings in both Santa Barbara and Montecito directly contribute to the stability of our property values, which we’ll discuss a little later. A month ago I reported 123 active listings in Montecito proper with 19 “coming soon” listings, which are not viewable by the public at large. We are in nearly the same situation a month later: there are 125 active listings in Montecito and 17 in the “coming soon” category. Interestingly, sellers’ and agents’ motivations in listing homes in the “coming soon” category has shifted. During the height of the pandemic, the reason for listing in the “coming soon” section was a way to test the market for nervous sellers, and to keep the property from accruing days on market in case buyers weren’t biting. Now, agents are listing in that section of the MLS as a way to let other agents know that a property is in the final stages of being ready for market, and will hit the “active” section soon, in order to capture buyers who are touring property from out of town. These numbers are still down about 40% from a normal “spring” selling season in Montecito, although the increase in escrows and closings tell us that our normally busy spring selling season has shifted into the summer months, and I still expect that as businesses continue to open up and leisure travel picks up, buyers will only become more active in our market. I predict sellers’ confidence will continue to increase, which will be reflected in higher inventory numbers as the summer continues.

Property Values Continue to Climb

Between May 1 and June 22, we’ve seen the closing of 35 properties in Montecito, with a median sales price of $3.66M. In the same time frame last

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

Snapshot page 384

25 June – 2 July 2020

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25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Rise of the Machines

with Les Firestein

Les Firestein is a writer who has written for some really good TV shows and some bad ones. Les has also built some great houses and no bad ones. Les writes about architecture and design for the Montecito Journal. Thirty years ago, at The National Lampoon, Les predicted that Donald Trump would conquer North America. You can look it up.

Give Me My “Dumb” Stuff Back; I’m tired of Getting Narked Out by my Printer

love tech and wireless convenience as much as the next guy. In fact I used to enjoy going to people’s houses – okay, even real estate open houses – finding the Alexa and saying, “Hey Alexa, buy Les Firestein a Rolex. Send overnight. Confirm purchase.” But sadly, now that this is yet another pastime on permanent hold due to COVID, I’ve had to find new wireless pleasures. Like you, I spend a lot of time online tithing for Jeff Bezos, and would be so proud if my 1-Click was the precise cresting point that got Jeff’s personal wealth to $1 trillion. I’m guessing there’d be a photo op with drone-delivered balloons and some 1-Clickerati. Maybe a Zoom with Jeff himself from his personal space station. Whereupon I could personally thank Mr. Bezos for getting the entire world’s labor force so in lock step that the plastic popsicle molds I ordered from remote China get to me ten times faster than my stimulus check. A big part of my 1-Click addiction (aClicktion?) i.e. my Quarantine Useless Stuff Budget goes to things I already owned that worked fine, but which I zombie-like replace with worse junk that’s Wi-Fi enabled. For example, with my old “analog” salter you had to manually invert the cylinder holding the salt, and physically shake it. The result was, yeah, you could salt food in a very brutal and primitive, ham fisted and not Bluetooth-enabled kind of way. But this archaic process brought with it a whole raft of problems, like carpal tunnel, potentially dropping the salt shaker, lawsuits and liability, etc. Not to mention the indignity that my old analog shaker had no way of informing Alexa when I was out of salt – I had to do that myself. WTF? Thankfully along came “Smalt,” and no, that’s not a typo or joke. Smalt is a “smart” Wi-Fi enabled salt shaker that, yes, communicates with Alexa and all my other things (yo, Nest, whassap?). It also has a Bluetooth loudspeaker and mood light (can the mood light be tied to my health app? What color is “my blood sugar is crashing”?) Oh, and did I mention that as a bonus Smalt will also grind the salt for me? In fact Smalt will grind my salt to any coarseness I desire from broken Prada storefront shards all the way down to lab grade cocaine manufactured by Merck.

22 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Oh, and I almost forgot. If I want a pre-measured “pinch,” all I have to do is download the Smalt app, find a place for its icon on my home screen, keep the phone at the table, which is fine, because everyone else is on their phones anyway. Then if I just navigate through a couple of user-friendly scroll-down menus, hit “dispense” and, assuming my app is updated, my credit card isn’t expired, my phone is charged, and I have signal – Voila! Out comes perfectly ground pink Himalayan non-iodized salt from Bhutan!! What could possibly be easier?! However, as much as I’ve been enjoying the much ballyhooed “Internet of Things,” I have to admit that, cruising around Amazon recently (not the river one but the actual one), I may have reached my personal tipping point when I came across a “smart” coffee table for $1,300. First of

all, how smart does a coffee table really need to be? It needs to hold a drink and a book I want people to think I’m reading. Some magazines. And maybe a laptop. It doesn’t really require that much “smarts.” A coffee table’s sole task is literally implied by its name: hold coffee, be a table. The Sobro (So, bro?) smart coffee table features all the usual Wi-Fi suspects: USB ports, the ever-present LED “mood” lights, a thing called a “dongle” that sounds obscene but is actually tedious. It has a pair of speakers, as does everything these days including my sunglasses and keys, but oddly no subwoofer which would have made actual sense because the Sobro sits on the floor. Guess we’ll just have to wait for the Sobro 2.0. Other than the subwoofer omission, the Sobro is a coffee table with almost the kitchen sink; it actually does contain one kitchen item: no, not a

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

warming pad for your coffee or hot toddy (Sobro 3.0) but a refrigerator drawer which is probably its most useful function other than supporting my stinky feet. Just make sure your stinky feet don’t hit the touchscreen on your Sobro or it may set off a cold war between your things and crash the whole Shangri-la. If the truth be known, my preference with things – and people for that matter – is that they NOT attempt to do too much. Just do a great job at one thing. If my gastroenterologist showed up at my house and said, “Hey, I was in the neighborhood and did you know I also clear clogs in the home?” He’d no longer be my gastroenterologist, nor would he be my plumber. As an analogy, think about the Swiss Army knife. It’s not a great knife. Nor is it a great screwdriver. Corkscrew, leather punch, tweezer, toothpick, thumb drive – they’re all meh. Have you ever asked yourself, if the ubiquitous Swiss Army multitasking tool is so darned good, why does the Swiss Army never engage in international conflict? It could be the knife. Or maybe it has something to do with that more recent debacle of military history, the Swiss Army Gun. It’s also a cigarette lighter! And it’s a vape! It’s a digital no-contact forehead thermometer! It’s Wi-Fi-enabled!

25 June – 2 July 2020

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TYLER KALLENBACH 25 June – 2 July 2020

LUKE EBBIN • SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

GEOFF COCKRELL MONTECITO JOURNAL

The Way It Was

Cox often provided the silver cups for the matches of the Santa Barbara Polo Club. This cup from 1925 carries the name of Elmer J. Boeseke, Jr., who became a world famous polo player. (Courtesy of Eleanor Park Beronius)

by Hattie Beresford

Montecito’s Latter Day Adobes

solated from most of my historical resources, I am turning to the work of those who have come before me, most especially, my friend and mentor, the late Maria Herold, longtime volunteer curator of the Montecito Association History Committee. Maria’s passion for the history of Montecito led her to walk every street, knock on every door, photograph every barn, adobe, garden and historic house in her hometown. She, like Maria Churchill and Kit McMahon before her, together with teams of volunteers, created an impressive collection of historic memorabilia, photographs and memories from Montecito’s pioneer residents. David Myrick, in the acknowledgements to his two-volume Santa Barbara The late Maria Herold taught me all things and Montecito, expresses his gratitude Montecito and was a role model for leading a to the hardworking volunteers of the kind life (Photo thanks to Alex Grzywacki) Committee for their excellent collection and their assistance. Though both Kit and Maria Churchill had passed before I came on the scene in 2004, I was privileged to know David Myrick in his later years, and I was embraced and mentored in all things Montecito by Maria Herold, who had an impressive recall of all she had learned. Equally impressive was the warmth of Maria’s greeting and genuine delight in sharing her knowledge, a job that has been heartfully assumed in these later years by Trish Davis and her team of

Leslie Power and Debbie Hughey. Maria passed on All Saint’s Day 2009, and I’m sure each and every saint was present to welcome her. I am blessed to have known her. One of the Committee’s many projects was to chronicle the Montecito adobes that were built or restored in the 20th century. The old adobes were disappearing at an alarming rate by the turn of the 20th century. Luckily, in both Santa Barbara and Montecito, long-time residents and an influx of part-time residents from the east, who were enamored with the area’s romantic Spanish past, began promoting the idea of saving them. In town, the Carrillo, Ramirez and De la Guerra Adobes (to name a few) were restored thanks to this movement, yet only the De la Guerra was restored to its original state.

Rancho San Leandro’s Dominguez Adobe

In Montecito, the dilapidated Dominguez Adobe on San Leandro Ranch (today’s Ennisbrook) was either restored and renovated in 1918 or replicated, but its current condition little resembles the original 1830s structure or even the 1918 version. Like so many of the adobes in Santa Barbara, it was first romanticized into an imaginative Spanish hacienda and then it was modernized.

The Swift family farmhouse in the 1880s

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• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

BUYERS AGENT

SPECIALIZING IN RELOCATION JUST SOLD! 2698 SYCAMORE CANYON ROAD MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA $2,640,000 It was such a pleasure to help my outof-area clients purchase their dream Santa Barbara home. Despite all the “new normal” ways of doing things, the transaction went smoothly and closed on time.

The east-west wing of the Cox/Boeseke Adobe in 1996 (Courtesy of the Montecito Association History Committee)

Nevertheless, its central core is testament to a succession of owners’ desires to lovingly preserve a piece of the past. In 1845, Neomecio Dominguez had been granted the 356 acres which he had improved, as was required by the rules for Mexican land grants, by building an adobe house and a small horse racetrack as well a subsistence farm. He sold the ranch in 1868 to Edward Doty who made a quick profit when he sold to the Swift family. They built a two-story wooden frame house and set out to create a working farm. They fitted up the old adobe ranch house as a dairy house with all modern conveniences. In 1916, Herbert C. Cox purchased 239 acres of the dwindling Swift Ranch in Montecito and planned to develop a summer estate. Cox was a wealthy insur-

Way It Was page 344

Contact me if you are looking for a Dream Home in Santa Barbara!

MICHELLE KING TopAgentSB@gmail.com 805-455-8818 | DRE 02030289 All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

E UC

R CE

“Our family was looking to make a long distance move and Michelle made the process painless and straight forward, without a hint of pressure...”

BIRNAM WOOD GOLF CLUB, MONTECITO

vailable for viewing at your convenience. Experience the security and services offered at Birnam Wood Golf Club. Enjoy an exclusive tour of Couer Jolie, an architecturally elegant estate residence situated on an unusually private, park-like setting within the club, with only one directly adjacent neighbor. Enter onto a dramatic diamond hatched dual entry motor court. Majestic doors open to a high ceiling gallery. Within is a visually stunning, spacious living room with fireplace, gorgeous garden view formal dining room with its own fireplace, large room with a full bath--a retreat well-suited as a family, media or guest room. Awaken to restful views of the rose garden and Santa Ynez Mountains through tall windows and doors of an enchanting master bedroom with fireplace and beautifully appointed en suite bath. Off the entry gallery is a welcoming kitchen with sleek cabinets, granite countertops, a separate casual dining area. Also featured: a secluded suite with private entrance, ideal as office, guest room or media/library hideaway; a versatile bonus room which could serve as home gym, tv room, art studio/office. This inviting estate is only a minute from the gated entrance and clubhouse with golf center and tennis facility. Offered at $4,980,000

Steve Slavin

Coldwell Banker Realty 805.886.3428 | steve@steveslavin.com | SantaBarbaraLuxuryHomes.com DRE# 00493760

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal veriﬁcation. Real estate agents afﬁliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

For those seeking exceptional re s u lt s Congratulations to The Brady Group and Patty Murphy for the successful closing of Travelers’ Farm in Santa Ynez. Last Asking Price: $8,900,000

The Brady Group santaynezland.com | 805.391.0587 Patty Murphy pattymurphy.com | 805.680.8571 Sotheby’s International Realty — Santa Ynez Valley Brokerage | sothebysrealty.com © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity. The Brady Group DRE: 825140, Patty Murphy DRE: 766586

26 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

For your piece of paradise 1954EASTVALLEYRD.COM

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MONTECITO | 5BD/6BA/1HBA | $5,900,000

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V. Leebosh, C. Santandrea 805.452.0212

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Modern Single-Level Home

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MONTECITO | 3BD/2BA/1HBA | $4,995,000

MONTECITO | $4,500,000

MONTECITO | 3BD/3BA/1HBA | $4,395,000

MONTECITO | $3,400,000

Joe McCorkell 805.455.7019

Sandy Stahl 805.689.1602

Jason Siemens 805.455.1165

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MONTECITO | 2BD/2BA | $2,650,000

MONTECITO | 3BD/2BA/1HBA | $2,550,000

MONTECITO | 3BD/2BA/1HBA | $2,295,000

MONTECITO | $529,000

Julie Greener 805.895.4616

Frank Abatemarco 805.450.7477

Linda Borkowski 805.252.7305

Kristi Curtis 805.886.6135

Serene 3+ acres in Montecito

MONTECITO & SANTA BARBARA BROKERAGES | SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: Maureen McDermut: 1175027 | Vivienne Leebosh: 01229350 | Caroline Santandrea: 01349311 | Harry Kolb: 00714226 | Elias Benson: 2019815 | Joe McCorkell: 2051326 | Sandy Stahl: 1040095 | Jason Siemens: 1886104 | Wes St. Clair: 1173714 | Julie Greener: 1250774 | Frank Abatemarco: 1320375 | Linda Borkowski: 1970135 | Kristi Curtis: 2012866

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

#1 INDIVIDUAL AGENT A SELECTION OF SALES, 2020 YEAR-TO-DATE. . . EAST VALLEY ROAD

COLD SPRINGS ROAD

$ 12 , 9 5 0 , 0 0 0

$ 10 ,9 0 0 , 0 0 0

REPRESENTED BUYER

BROOKTREE ROAD

LADERA LANE

REPRESENTED BUYER & SELLER

REPRESENTED BUYER

$ 10 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0

$ 7, 9 0 0 , 0 0 0

FREEHAVEN DRIVE

SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD

PLAZA PACIFICA

REPRESENTED SELLER

REPRESENTED BUYER

CAMINO DEL ROSARIO

CIMA LINDA LANE

SYCAMORE CANYON ROAD

REPRESENTED SELLER

REPRESENTED BUYER

REPRESENTED SELLER

$ 5 ,1 0 3 , 5 0 0

$2,995,000

$4,395,000

$3,600,000

$ 1, 795 , 0 0 0

$ 1, 5 75 , 0 0 0

For a full list of current & com

w w w. M o n t e c i

* 2019

YTD by sales volume. Based on sta

28 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

A TOUCH OF TUSCANY IN SANTA BARBARA MLS* A SELECTION OF CURRENT OFFERINGS... LILAC DRIVE

LAMBERT ROAD

$ 16 , 9 9 5 , 0 0 0

ASEGRA ROAD

$ 11 , 7 5 0 , 0 0 0

$ 9, 9 8 8 , 0 0 0

UNDER CONTRACT

MIRAMAR BEACH $ 7, 9 5 0 , 0 0 0

BOUNDARY DRIVE $5,950,000

HIDDEN VALLEY L ANE $ 4 , 75 0 , 0 0 0

LADERA LANE

EAST VALLEY ROAD

UNDER CONTRACT

COMING SOON

$ 7, 5 0 0 , 0 0 0

$ 7, 4 9 5 , 0 0 0

EAST MOUNTAIN DRIVE

LILAC DRIVE

MISSION RIDGE ROAD

UNDER CONTRACT

VIRTUALLY ENHANCED

BOUNDARY DRIVE

SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD

$5,800,000

HOT SPRINGS ROAD $4,250,000

$5,595,000

$4,950,000

$ 4 ,17 5 , 0 0 0

$3,950,000

UNDER CONTRACT

WINDING CREEK ROAD $3,495,000

CIMA LINDA LANE $ 3 , 295 , 0 0 0

SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD $ 2 , 3 9 9, 0 0 0

OLIVE STREET $ 1 ,19 5 , 0 0 0

UNDER CONTRACT

ming soon listings please visit:

to-Estate.com

tistics compiled by the Santa Barbara MLS

805 .8 8 6 .9 3 7 8

Crist a l@ M ont e cito-E state.com www. M ont e ci to-E state.com

rantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS.

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

D RE #00968247 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Real Estate Appraiser Greg Brashears: Appraising Your Home’s Value During a Pandemic

by Claudia Schou

s we wrestle with the evolving ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Barbara’s commercial real estate world is learning how to conduct business at a distance, leaving previously on-site activities on the sidelines. MJ recently caught up with Santa Barbara native and real estate appraiser Greg Brashears to discuss navigating through a pandemic and all things home value.

comparing 2020 to 2019, the number of pending sales and median selling price have maintained signs of stability. Given the past market downturns in 1990 and 2008, there is reason to believe the local real estate market will reflect the resiliency shown in the past. I witnessed the aftermath of the Painted Cave Fire, which destroyed the home I grew up in, as well as lived thru the Thomas Fire/debris flow, so survival and endurance are an integral part of living on the South Coast. Do you expect to see a value impact from the financial setbacks of COVID-19 lockdown, unemployment, and the social unrest? It is difficult to project the long-term impact of the COVID-19, loss of employment, and social awakening that is taking place. No doubt there will be lifetime changes experienced by many. Locally I have seen many real estate sales and refinances put on pause, despite the historically low interest rates. Some agents are reporting a surge of buyers’ interest to relocate here, seeking a different environment away from Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

Q. As an appraiser, how has COVID-19 impacted how you do business? A. The majority of clients (both lender and private) have allowed discretion regarding whether an interior or exterior inspection is required, mindful of safe practices for both the appraiser and other parties involved, such as the property owner. During the preceding three months, only vacant properties Greg Brashears (with daughter Belén) visiting a have been inspected on the interior, pisco vineyard in Ica Valley, south of Lima, Peru wearing a mask and gloves. For occupied apartments and single-family residences or condominiums, the inspection part of the appraisal has been limited to the exterior of the improvements only, with physical distancing protocols in place. Have you ever seen the market fluctuate in value as you have in recent months? What lessons were learned then that we can apply now? While the year-to-date number of transactions in Montecito have declined

PRESTIGIOUS CASA FLORES A LA TORRE

What are some challenges home buyers and sellers should be aware of and what is your recommendation for advanced planning? While the vast majority of buyers will insist on interior inspections of a property, everyone involved will need to be sensitive to safe practices to make sure to result in healthy transaction for all. How much more value does an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) add to the home value? The answer depends on the location of the property, the site size, and physical characteristics of the improvements. In some situations, where there is congested street parking, an existing garage is converted to an ADU, the result is less than optimum. Other situations, where an ADU would allow extra income, or space for an extended family member(s) the added value to an owner or buyer would depend on how market participants would perceive the benefit contributed by the ADU. What are some examples of home improvements that will increase the value of your home? This is a tricky question that depends on whether it is posed to the solar contractor, the roofing contractor, or the concrete paver contractor. The answer from an appraiser’s point of view, is that it depends on the state of the existing improvements, its location and trends in the neighborhood. A general rule is that a dated residence would be better received in the market if it is updated or remodeled to conform to other properties in its own or competing neighborhoods, without going overboard with high quality finishes and upgrades that are superior to other properties found in the neighborhood. If an owner is able to provide a list of upgrades and remodeling completed to the improvements, as well as the time frame, the appraiser is in a better position to support his/ her value conclusion. Is it prudent to get more than one opinion? What are the benefits in doing so? Employee relocation companies have traditionally required two appraisals when offering their services to an employee transferring out of the area. Lenders have typically asked for two appraisals for properties that either have complex appraisal issues or involve high-end loan amounts, with values or loan amounts above $5,000,000. The benefits to obtaining more than one opinion of market value, which can be accomplished also by seeking the services of an experienced realtor, include peace of mind that due diligence has been taken prior to making a major financial decision.

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Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection

1170 Coast Village Road Montecito, California 93108 Cell: 805.896.7767 Direct Office 805.563.4061 JanetCaminite@BHHSCAL.com www.SantaBarbaraLuxuryRealty.com www.BeachesofVentura.com DRE #01273668

30 MONTECITO JOURNAL

Montecito | Hope Ranch | Santa Barbara | Goleta

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

DRE 02024147

25 June – 2 July 2020

Conner Rehage brings Harbor Hills office to Upper Village of Montecito Conner specializes in portfolio management, individual stock selection, fiduciary analysis, investment risk analysis and behavioral coaching for investors. At Harbor Hills Financial Advisors, we offer a variety of ways to help meet your unique wealth management needs. Whether you are looking to build and preserve wealth, save for retirement, or leave a legacy behind, we have a variety of accounts and asset management options available. Our professional services are designed to keep you on track to achieve your financial goals.

As an independent fiduciary firm, we aren’t limited to a finite set of investment choices. In other words, we don't work for a bank, we work for you—and banks work for us! Furthermore, as a true fiduciary, we are legally mandated to only recommend what is in your best interest, not ours, and not anyone else’s.

AS PART OF THE MONTECITO COMMUNITY, WE ARE PROUD TO BE A 100% LOCAL, FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS.

1485 East Valley Road | Suite 2 | Montecito, California 93108 | 805-465-7365 | www.Harbor-Hills.com Investment Advisory Services provided through Partnervest Advisory Services, LLC a SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance Services provided through Harbor Hills Insurance Services.

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Real Estate (Continued from page 14)

drop for living life surrounded by an abundance of nature. Taking center stage in the home is an extraordinary kitchen with adjoining family and living rooms with both formal and informal dining rooms, all inviting you to experience the outdoors as well. A stone lined ocean view courtyard offers fireside dining, and the patios, pool and pool area offer additional room and opportunities for outdoor entertaining. With over 7,200 square feet of living space, enjoy 5 bedroom suites and a private 2nd floor master bedroom in the main house. Additionally, tucked into the hillside, find and enjoy the 1-bedroom guest house.

1398 Oak Creek Canyon Road - $9,950,000

32 MONTECITO JOURNAL

xpansive ocean and mountain views are yours from most rooms when you move into this Mediterranean villa that was recently built in 2014. Set on a substantial 53+/- acres of land on private and prestigious, Oak Creek Canyon Road, this estate offers 5 bedroom suites in over 7,100 square feet of living space. Set above East Mountain Drive and in the Montecito Union School District, this estate includes open and light interior spaces that flow to outdoor entertaining terraces. There is a pool, spa, lavish pool house, grassy areas, • SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

and access to hiking trails. In this Oak Creek Canyon Road area, the homes are generally on lots of 6 acres or more I believe, so in most cases, there is significant separation from your neighbor’s home. This property sits above the road and is just a 2-minute drive down your shared, private road, then just a few blocks to the upper village in Montecito.

578 Toro Canyon Park Road - $14,500,000

Big and small, we sell it all.

his incredible vineyard estate set on over 55 acres in the hills just above Montecito, Summerland and the beaches at Padaro Lane. Enjoy owning and working in your own vineyard while taking in the commanding ocean views. This private hilltop location is one of the only vineyards facing the coast with a 93108 address. According to the listing information, this home is only a 6-minute drive to

25 June – 2 July 2020

The Langhorne Group Sofie and Charles Langhorne 805.689.5759 sofie@compass.com thelanghornegroup.com DRE 01851983 | 01009410

Real Estate page 524

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Way It Was (Continued from page 25)

Both Herbert and Louise Cox had passed by 1949 when the contents of their Ennisclare estate were sold

The Swift farmhouse stood on a hill and faced west to overlook the valley of Montecito, the ocean (seen here in the background) and the mountains. The barn and other farm buildings lie below the hill and the old Dominguez adobe-turned-dairy house lies there as well. (Courtesy Montecito Association History Committee)

DAVID HEKHOUSE REALTOR® Find Your Home on the American Riviera

RealMontecito.com 805.455.2113 | davidh@villagesite.com DRE 01882964

34 MONTECITO JOURNAL

(Right) Elmer J. Boeseke on “Red Ace”; both have been inducted into the Museum of Polo’s Hall of Fame (Courtesy of Museum of Polo)

ance executive of Toronto, Canada, whose father was considered the top financier in the country. To indulge an extravagant lifestyle, Herbert built Ennisclare, a horse training and breeding farm in Oakdale, Ontario in Canada. The estate possessed substantial stables, a polo field, and an arena for the thoroughbreds he raised and trained. In Montecito, Cox hired a man named Frederick Cooper as caretaker and estate manager and moved him and his family into the old farmhouse. In a 1991 interview, Cooper’s daughter Dulcie remembered, “We first lived in this house, but it was very uncomfortable as there was no electricity and the house was not well kept up.” Shortly after the purchase, Cox had a small, one-story frame gatehouse constructed, and the Coopers moved into the gatehouse when he demolished the old farmhouse. (Over the years the gatehouse would see many additions and alterations, and in 1991, its address was 1710 San Leandro Lane.)

The Cox/Boeseke Adobe

In 1917 Cox began building the east-west wing of an adobe, possibly with the old Dominguez adobe at its core. (According to Dulcie, the north-south wing was not part of this original plan.) Dulcie remembered watching the ongoing construction of the adobe, and her family celebrated their last Christmas on the estate in the unfinished house. They brought their presents to the adobe and hung their stockings above a cheerful fire in the fireplace. The Coopers moved back to town in 1918 where Frederick became a machinist at Ott’s Hardware. Cox had quickly become involved with the local polo club and played his first match on the team of Elmer J. Boeseke, Jr., Charles Dabney, Arthur Ogilvy and Frederick Leadbetter at Bartlett field in Montecito. Cox provided the silver cups for the match. For the next several years, his name appears on the roster of the Santa Barbara Polo Club even though he and his wife spent only part of the year in Santa Barbara. The rest of their time was split between Ennisclare in Ontario and with the fox hunting set in Gloucestershire, England, where they were neighbors to the Prince of Wales. In keeping with the water theme of his house overlooking Lake Ontario, Cox named his Montecito estate Ennisbrook, which is an Irish word meaning land by a river or water. After the adobe was completed, he and his wife Louise hosted an operalogue of the Belasco-Puccini opera, The Girl of the Golden West. The Morning Press of October 1922 said, “In opening her lovely home, Mrs. Cox is lending a peculiarly fitting scene for the program… The house is an ancient adobe, which Mr. and Mrs. Cox preserved and restored when they purchased the property on which it stands several years ago.” The presentation was to be illuminated by fire and candlelight and many of their neighbors purchased tickets for the opportunity to see the performance in the “pristine charm” of the renovated adobe. In 1923, Cox developed two polo fields on his property and two years later sold the estate to Elmer J. Boeseke, Jr. Elmer’s father had been instrumental in establishing the Santa Barbara Polo Club in 1899, and Elmer Junior became known nationally for his polo prowess. He participated on the 1924

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Way It Was page 364

25 June – 2 July 2020

Sandy Stahl

MONTECITO, CA VIEW TOUR & BID ONLINE JULY 14–16

AUCTION Previously Offered for $8.9M. SELLING TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, Virtual open houses every day & private showings by appointment. More details online.

In cooperation with:

Listed by Kris Johnston of Engel & Völkers

ConciergeAuctions.com | +1 646.760.7823 This property is listed for sale by Kris Johnston (#01860722) of Engel & Völkers Santa Ynez (#01527308) – 1090 Edison Street, Suite 102, PO Box 420, Santa Ynez, CA 93460; 805-691-9435. Concierge Auctions, LLC is a marketing service provider for auctions, is not a licensed Real Estate broker, and possesses California Auctioneer’s Bond #62662376 — 800 Brazos Street, Suite 220, Austin, TX 78701; +1 (212) 202-2940. Licensed Auctioneer Frank Trunzo (CA Bond #511522). All measurements, property corners, etc. to be verified by buyer to buyer’s full satisfaction. The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its agents and affiliates, broker partners, auctioneer, and sellers do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are protected and encouraged to participate. Equal Housing Opportunity. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details.

25 June – 2 July 2020

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MONTECITO JOURNAL

Way It Was (Continued from page 34)

View of the original east-west wing of the Cox/Boeseke Adobe in 1996 (Courtesy Montecito Association History Committee)

The east-west wing in 2020 (Courtesy Kevin Brooks)

silver-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Polo Team and on the 1933 team that won the National Open Championship. Both he and his horse, Red Ace, have been inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame. Boeseke added stables at Ennisbrook and later sold the fields to a private syndicate, which leased the fields to the Santa Barbara Polo Club. In 1988, new owners subdivided the property, and the Ennisbrook residential tract with its 44-acre wooded preserve was developed. Today, the adobe, which served as a model for the clubhouse for Ennisbrook

Santa Barbara Real Estate by design

Additions and modifications to the adobe complex in 2020 (Courtesy Kevin Brooks)

Estates, is in private hands. Over the years, the adobe was modified and modernized, and in 2010, a completely separate one and two story L-shaped structure was added. The humble adobe summer cottage that Cox built, which cost 1.8 million dollars in 1998, sold for 7.37 million in 2016. (Sources: contemporary news articles; “Reminiscences of Dulcie Cooper Montgomery,” 1991; ancestry.com; city directories; ownership maps; History 101 by Michael Redmon; “The Adobes of Montecito” by Willard Thompson, Noticias, Vol. LIII, No. 2; “Early Polo in Santa Barbara,” by Hattie Beresford, Montecito Journal, summer/fall 2013; interview with Harry Kolb; Inventory Report: 40 Cox Drive, Ennisclare, by Laurie Smith Heritage Consulting.)

From the shore to the valley, let’s find your Sanctuary

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25 June – 2 July 2020

LOCALLY OWNED | GLOBALLY CONNECTED S A N TA B A RB A R A | MON T E C I T O | S A N TA Y N E Z

COMMUNITY IS THE SPIRIT OF GIVING BACK | As a homegrown Santa Barbara business, committed to community, we believe in making a difference. We love to support our community and feel so grateful that our friends in local businesses are slowly re-opening. We continue to give back through our support of Teacher’s Fund and many other local non-profits. Now more than ever, our non-profits need our full support. United we can make a difference.

EXPLORE OUR VIRITUAL TOURS AT VILLAGESITE.COM All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Snapshot (Continued from page 20)

year, the median sales price was nearly $2.5M, with a total of 29 sales. Looking deeper into the stats, we know that this year, we’ve seen the closing of nine sales over the $5M mark, which is higher than an average year in Montecito, effectively pushing up our median sales price. Last year in the same time frame only four homes in Montecito sold for over $5M. This is great news for the high-end market, which has seen a stall the last few years as buyers’ needs and desires shifted to smaller, more manageable properties that are in close proximity to the beach, restaurants, and shops. The remarkable news about the burgeoning high-end market (over $5M), is that all but one of the higher end homes sold since May 1 were on the market for less than two months, which tells me the pandemic and associated quarantine has had a notable influence on buyers’ needs and tastes, more specifically, many buyers are now looking for more square footage, larger yards, dedicated office space, and privacy. A more accurate representation of median sales price is assessing the values of the homes that have closed year-to-date. That number is currently $3.2M, with 81 sales since the beginning of the year in Montecito. In 2019 our YTD median sales price was $2.85M, with 73 sales between January 1 and June 22, 2019.

Luxury Condo Market Rebounds

new building on the corner of Olive Mill Road and Coast Village, and in Olive Mill Plaza (behind the Honor Bar), and one in the upper village. Three of the five Bonnymede or Montecito Shores condos were on the market between 266 days and 610 days, which again, represents an influx of new-to-our-market buyers, likely out-of-towners looking for a second (or third) home as a reliable place to land. To put it in perspective, only three Bonnymede or Montecito Shores condos sold in the first TWO quarters of 2019, with no other luxury condo sales to note during the same time frame.

The Rest of South Santa Barbara County

When looking at South Santa Barbara County in general – this includes Goleta to Carpinteria, including Montecito and Hope Ranch – the market is extremely hot, but the numbers aren’t as bold as in Montecito. Year-to-Date sales of homes and PUDs from January to end of May are down from 433 last year to 344 in 2020. The sales price is slightly down as well, from a historically high $1.3M to $1.295M. Active listings are down 27% over last year, and new listings are down 19%. Properties that went into escrow are down 26%, although that number is starting to shrink as transactions picked up significantly in June. As we head into the summer, I believe many areas in Santa Barbara proper –including the Riviera, Upper East, Mesa, Samarkand, and Hope Ranch – will continue to see an influx of activity from pent up buyers. We are seeing homes sell with multiple offers on the first and second day on the market, provided they are priced well and have the amenities that buyers are looking for. Some neighborhoods, including the Upper East, Samarkand, and Hidden Valley, have had so few listings this year, that homes are selling immediately and for a premium. A recent example: a 2/2 in Samarkand went on the market last week and received 17 offers in the first four days, including seven all-cash offers. About a third of the offers were from outof-town buyers. I expect the final sales price to be at least $150K over the original asking price.

Condo Sales Down but Prices Up

A three-bedroom top floor penthouse at El Montecito Verde is in escrow, one of ten luxury condos to go pending or sell in the last two months (listed by Calcagno & Hamilton of Berkshire Hathaway)

Since May 1, we’ve seen five Bonnymede or Montecito Shores condos go into escrow or close, as well as two condos in El Montecito Verde (Fairway Road near the Music Academy of the West), three on Coast Village Road in both the 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 MTD 2020

Avg Price $2,122,573 $2,986,617 $2,921,686 $3,092,422 $3,345,281 $3,386,326 $2,814,635 $3,077,094 $2,428,436 $2,975,297 $2,810,283 $2,886,388 $3,615,674 $3,237,899 $3,566,905 $3,946,770 $3,854,656 $3,162,541

Med Price $1,606,542 $2,099,271 $2,223,271 $2,336,667 $2,560,417 $2,609,667 $2,186,104 $2,231,694 $1,915,887 $1,835,000 $2,050,000 $2,425,000 $2,550,000 $2,500,000 $2,925,000 $2,700,000 $2,851,000 $2,595,000

The number of condo sales in the South County as a whole is down 35%, with 112 units sold this year compared to 172 in 2019. As expected, active listings, as well as the number of condos that have gone into escrow this year, are down 25% and 34%, respectively. The positive news is that sales prices are up, with the median sales price of condos at $700K, compared to $653K in both 2019 and 2018. Average sales price is also up, even when you omit Montecito sales from the statistics. The average sold price without Montecito is $805K, and $941K if you factor in the Montecito sales. This is great news for condo owners across the board.

Snapshot page 464

$4,500,000

$4,000,000

$3,500,000

17-Year Price Trends Montecito

$3,000,000

$2,500,000

$2,000,000

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Med Price

2014

2013

2012

2011

Avg Price

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

$1,000,000

2003

$1,500,000

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

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25 June – 2 July 2020

Mortgage Happenings

Unrivaled Ocean, Harbor and City Views ENJOY THE SANTA BARBAR A RIVIER A LIFEST YLE

by Jon McCuskey

e as consumers have plenty to talk about in our current environment. The world overall has shifted into a new existence with many changes affecting our personal, business, and political lives. The mortgage world is no exception. Since March, lenders have seen their pipelines swell with refinance business due to absurdly low interest rates, while the purchase market took a short hiatus. Now that the gradual re-opening of our economies has begun, the purchase market is moving forward at full steam. There are two main ways to categorize the changes that have occurred since COVID-19 began in the mortgage world: Conventional financing and Jumbo financing. Conventional financing would be loan amounts under $625,500 here in Santa Barbara County for single family homes. These interest rates are in the low 3% range and even dipping into the high 2% range. Buoyed by the government’s purchasing of mortgage-backed securities we have seen rates stabilize and the dramatic price swings we saw in March and April are gone. With no planned ending for the government’s securities purchases, we will likely see rates stay at or below current levels for the rest of the year. If you have not explored a refinance yet, it’s a great time. Furthermore, if you are looking to purchase, your buying power is higher than ever.

1308 DOVER HILL RD. $300,000 Price Improvement | New Price: $3,195,000 4,200 Sq.Ft. • 3 Bdrms + Office • 3 Full Baths, 2 Powder Rooms • Fully Equipped Media Room Whole House Sonos Sound System • Fully Finished 2-Car Garage • An Abundance of Storage and On-Site Parking

The largest changes that occurred in lending due to COVID-19 were in the Jumbo markets. Retail banks tightened guidelines severely.

MONICA LENCHES, SRES Coast and Valley Properties Tele#: 805.689.1300 Email: monica@monicalenches.net BRE: 01081461

HOLLY McKENNA Coldwell Banker Realty Tele#: 805.886.8848 Email: hmckennasb@gmail.com BRE: 00984593

To learn more about this property, visit: www.1308DoverHill.com To learn more about the Santa Barbara Riviera lifestyle, visit: www.sbrivieralifestyle.com

The largest changes that occurred in lending due to COVID-19 were in the Jumbo markets. Retail banks tightened guidelines severely. Some simply are not allowing cash-out refinances, some require large deposits on hand to even do a regular refinance. With the fear of mortgage losses in the future due to forbearance and banks’ capital requirements, lending became less and less appealing to them. We also saw non-bank lenders drastically reduce their lending ability, and some simply disappeared. So where does that put us now? We’re in a healthy mortgage world with plenty of options. The fringe products are the ones that went away, not the core products that most borrowers seek. News reports generally paint the negative picture about tougher lending or mortgage availability, but in all honesty, there is still plenty of credit available. If 2020 is the year you decide to purchase a home or refinance, you are truly in a great position to benefit from low interest rates and save money. Your situation is different than the person next to you, and that is why getting a personalized review or pre-approval is the most important thing a borrower can do. With so many new changes to our lives, I’m happy to say that the mortgage world did see dramatic changes recently, but for the bulk of borrowers out there, you likely won’t notice them. Loan Consultant NMLS# 357850 (805) 456-9120 Jon.McCuskey@nafinc.com

VINTAGE DOWNTOWN LUXURY CIRCA 1890

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25 June – 2 July 2020

Single Level with High Ceilings, Spacious Master Suite & Spa Style Bath. Gracious Formal Dining. Lovely European Gardens. Detached Guest Apartment

and tell us what page it's on

in this edition of the Montecito Journal - Visit SBLIFE.COM with the correct beachball page number and enter to win Dinner for 2 and a romantic cruise on the Condor Express! Brought to you by:

C. Scott McCosker Offering Extraordinary Properties, In-depth Market Knowledge and Successful Negotiating Skills for Over 30 Years

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Listed at $1,569,000

Thinking of Selling?

C. Scott McCosker

805.687.2436 | Scott@ScottMcCosker.com www.ScottMcCosker.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Mojo (Continued from page 16)

Michael Calcagno of Calcagno & Hamilton Real Estate Partners

Courtesy bikes provided for guests of the Rosewood Miramar Beach can be seen all throughout the upper and lower villages (photo by Edward Clynes)

Montecito’s real estate market is now hotter than ever. According to a recent market report provided by Montecito’s Riskin Partners Estate Group, Montecito recorded 47 home sales in the first quarter of 2020, up a dramatic 62 percent over the same period last year. Sales of homes in the $5-10 million range and $3-5 million range more than doubled (sales of homes over $10 million were down slightly). But that data doesn’t tell the real

story, as the burst in activity has come since the pandemic took hold in midMarch. (Riskin Partners said it was nearly impossible to put together a more recent report because the data was changing in a meaningful way almost every day.) “We are seeing a lot of multiple offers right now which is something that’s been pretty rare here,” says Jasmine Tennis, a partner at Riskin. Part of this may have to do with Santa Barbara County’s more lais-

sez-faire approach to quarantine policies. Unlike L.A., beaches in Santa Barbara County remained open as did the hiking trails. Santa Barbara was one of the first counties to re-open for shopping and in-restaurant dining as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s “phase two” plan for reopening the state economy. That’s due to Santa Barbara’s remarkably low infection and death rate. As of last week, there were a total of 2,421 COVID-19 cases in the county and 25 deaths caused by the virus (inmates and employees at the Lompoc Federal Prison Complex account for most of the county’s

COVID-19 cases and deaths). Those low infection rates certainly didn’t hurt matters, but larger forces beyond Santa Barbara and Montecito are more likely at play here. It’s a fool’s errand to try and predict what the world will look like post coronavirus pandemic. It is, however, a safe bet that whatever emerges is going to look dramatically different, especially when it comes to housing patterns. Many demographers are expecting a sizeable exodus out of high-density areas like New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago to smaller, less dense enclaves in the coming months and years. Meanwhile, shelter-in-place and social distancing orders have spurred a far more robust – and widely accepted – work-from-home culture that seems unlikely to change in the short term. Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon have all signaled, to varying degrees, their willingness to let their employees work from home. Twitter went so far as to tell employees that they can work from home permanently if they want to. Couple that with uncertainty over when schools may reopen and you have a generation of wary urbanites with ample reasons to take a serious look at smaller satellite towns.

Mojo page 424

1130 Garden Lane is currently in escrow. It was listed for $7,495,000 by Dan Encell.

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25 June – 2 July 2020

1060 Cieneguitas Road Offered at $3,995,000 This custom new-construction estate at San Marcos Preserve is situated in one of Santa Barbara’s most spectacular natural habitats. The 4,432-sq.-ft. modern ranch, which features views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Pacific Ocean and distant Channel Islands, was designed by renowned California architect Mark Scheurer, crafted to showcase the tones and textures of nature. Set on 5 acres, 2 of which are open natural preserve, the 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath estate also includes 2 – two car garages; a loft/bonus room, 953 sq. ft. of covered outdoor space and a flex room. With ridgeline trails in walking distance, plus wineries, boutiques and restaurants nearby, 1060 Cieneguitas Road is more than just a home. It’s a lifestyle. • New construction • 5 Acres in a natural habitat • Mountain & ocean views

• 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms • Close to restaurants and shops • Renowned architect

Private Showings & Virtual Tours SantaBarbaraHomes.com 805-563-4054

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Mojo (Continued from page 40)

Enter Montecito, with its expansive lots, low population density, excellent schools, access to beaches and mountain trails and a floor-area ratio designed to preserve the area’s semi-rural nature. It’s made for this moment – if you can afford it, that is. In 2010, the median home-sale price in Montecito was $2.23 million dollars, according to data provided by Fidelity National Title Group. In 2020, the median price was $2.44 million. Compare that to the rest of South Santa Barbara County, which saw a 2010 median-sale price of $739 thousand climb to $1.1 million in 2020. “The tether to your work life just got a lot longer and the L.A. to Montecito shift makes perfect sense,” said Jonathan Miller of Miller Samuel Inc., a real estate appraisal and consulting firm that tracks these trends. Miller said a similar displacement is already underway in Manhattan. In recent weeks there has been a burst of inquiries about listings in the Hudson River Valley, the Hamptons and parts of Connecticut like Greenwich mainly from residents of Manhattan. “In many ways this trend would’ve likely occurred five or ten years from now. It’s not that remote working is just now

Jasmine Tennis, a partner at Riskin Partners Estate Group

being discovered and these undervalued markets are going to have their day in sun. It likely would have happened eventually,” said Miller.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Nicknamed the “American Riviera,” there are around 3,100 homes in Montecito, a town known for its Spanish Revival Architecture. Visitors don’t have to look too hard to find architectural gems from the likes of Lutah Maria Riggs and George Washington Smith, who moved to

Montecito’s upper village (photo by Edward Clynes)

Montecito and founded the California Movement in Spanish Colonial Revival. The town is organized around an upper village and a lower village. The upper village is the heart of what’s known as the Golden Quadrangle and that’s where most of Montecito’s large estates are concentrated. Once past East Valley Road, homes are above the fog line and thus the views – both

ocean and mountain depending on a lot’s orientation – can be spectacular. The lower village, which runs along Coast Village Road, offers enhanced walkability to restaurants and retail shops and there are easily accessible pathways that can take residents to the beach. In some cases, lots on the eastern and western edges of Montecito can offer the most privacy. For long-time boosters of Montecito

A future restaurant development space on Coast Village Road

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25 June – 2 July 2020

– of which there is no shortage – the fact that it’s taken as long as it has for the area’s charms to catch the attention of a wider audience has been baffling. “I think we’re incredibly undervalued for what we offer, especially by the L.A. community,” said Encell. Like most coastal California communities, the last four decades in Montecito have been, generally speaking, a story of a few booms and incommensurate busts. It was Proposition 13, the state’s seminal, voter-approved amendment that caps taxes at 1 percent of a property’s assessed value at purchase, that drew a cadre of East Coasters to Montecito in the 1980s. That era saw housing price spikes in 1987 and again in 1990 and then slow, steady growth in the 1990s when Montecito and other pockets of Santa Barbara County actually outpaced L.A.’s housing market. That dynamic shifted around the turn of the millennium, when L.A.’s housing prices started their meteoric rise and never looked back. Westside L.A. enclaves like Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Venice started seeing annual 20-percent price jumps and by 2015 L.A. was considered one of the hottest real estate markets in the world. Montecito’s market meanwhile was slowing. According to Encell, median home prices in Montecito are approximately where

they were in 2006 and 2007. This slow growth is partly by design. As an unincorporated area of Santa Barbara, Montecito has its own planning commission, its own board of architectural review, its own water district, school district, a homeowners’ association and a community plan that dates back to 1992. Collectively, these governing bodies have made Montecito one of the most fiercely protected neighborhoods on the Central Coast and the mien of the place is low-key, if not hostile, when it comes to excessive flashiness and coarse behavior. Just ask Megan Orloff, the president of the Montecito Association. Orloff didn’t mince words when asked what advice she would give to prospective buyers who were eyeing a move to Montecito from out of town. “Aside from suggesting they don’t move here, my primary message would be, if you move here don’t try to recreate what you left,” she said in an email. “It’s very concerning. I was shocked when I recently looked at Zillow and saw the volume of homes for sale. Montecito is not a ‘playground’; it is not the Hamptons, it is not Malibu, it is not Palm Springs, it is not Orange County. The more people who move here, the more that

Mojo page 444

501 Valley Club recently sold. It was listed for $6,950,000 by Dan Encell.

109 OLIVE MILL ROAD SANTA BARBARA, CA 3 BEDS | 5 BATHS | OFFERED AT $4,495,000 2-STORY PENTHOUSE at THE VILLAS AT OLIVE MILL. Occupying a prominent corner in Montecito, The Villas offer refined living and style. Gated entry points ensure the ultimate in secure discretionary living. Impeccable construction, fine amenities, spaciousness, and smarthome features assure each home is curated to perfection.

TIM WALSH 805.259.8808 | tim@villagesite.com TimWalshMontecito.com | DRE 00914713

JOHN SENER 805.331.7402 | johnsener88@gmail.com Villagesite.com | DRE 00978392

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Mojo (Continued from page 43)

quiet and simple life is threatened. We’re already seeing it. Increases in noisy parties on the weekend, parking on the streets, violations of lighting, traffic queues, speeding on streets, mail theft, crowding of trails, trash on the trails, use of public spaces as public bathrooms – a complete lack of respect for our community.”

A Question of Balance

Ask long-time residents how Montecito has been able to stay (relatively) under the radar these past few decades and you’ll get a range of theories: lack of local industry; too sleepy; not enough dining options. At least two of those theories no longer hold. Over the past two years, Santa Barbara has been adding to an already robust technology scene. In February, Amazon announced it would be expanding its workforce in Santa Barbara and opening a new 48,000 square foot office downtown. Honey Science, a Los Angeles-based software company, recently announced it would be subleasing two adjoining building in downtown Santa Barbara, adding 18,792 square feet to its local footprint. Santa Barbara-based Sonos has similarly expanded its reach in the city. Meanwhile, Coast Village Road has added 10 new eateries in the last

2709 Vista del Oceano, Summerland – offered at $19,800,000, listed by Riskin Partners and Eric Haskell

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44 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

Stunning Birnam Wood EStatE

A once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire one of Montecito’s finest properties! Single-level 4 bed, 3 full + 3 half baths, 2+ acres, amazingly private with serene gardens and exceptional mountain vistas in Montecito’s premier gated neighborhood. Dramatic and inviting with windows and French doors giving abundant light along with access to terraces, gardens, fountains, and long swimmers pool. Remodeled by Don Nulty, AIA and Giffen and Crane construction. www.457Eastgate.com // Offered at $7,995,000

Coast Village Road is the heart of Montecito’s lower village (photo by Edward Clynes)

two years alone. Furthermore, the 161room Rosewood Miramar Beach by L.A. developer Rick Caruso, which opened last year, is drawing even more young, well-heeled people to the area. Agents are regularly fielding calls from Rosewood guests who are eager to take a few hours on the weekend to peruse active listings. Despite its best attempts to stay understated, Montecito has not been immune from drawing the national spotlight. In September of 2007, Oprah Winfrey hosted a star-studded fundraiser at her Montecito estate for a relatively unknown Senator from Illinois. Since then, Oprah and to a slightly lesser degree Ellen DeGeneres have become synonymous with Montecito. (For locals, Jeff Bridges and his wife, Susan, remain the quintessential celebrity residents.) The entertainment industry’s connection to Montecito dates back to the late 1800s with John Drew, Ethel Barrymore, John Barrymore, Flying A Movie Studios, and others. In recent years, a younger generation of film and television celebrities have been scooping up local properties. Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ashton Kutcher all own Montecito homes. Last week, it was reported that singer Ariana Grande purchased The Porter House – two English Tudor-style barns that sit on a little more than an acre of land. The main house has two bedrooms and three 25 June – 2 July 2020

bathrooms with brick floors and a massive fireplace in the great room. Grande paid $6.75 million for the home. The fact that Montecito finds itself a real estate hotspot is something of a small miracle. The debris flow on January 9, 2018 – or 1/9 as it’s known by those who experienced it – was an existential event for the community. The number of sales in Montecito fell 37 percent in the first five months of 2018, compared with 2017 and the median price fell by double digits. Nearby Hope Ranch was billed as the obvious successor and many agents thought it would be absorbing the spillover. But the situation in Montecito quickly rebounded. For the time being it would seem the central tension will be how Montecito, and more broadly Santa Barbara County, handles this renewed interest and potential influx of outsiders. Transforming a community that has traditionally been largely second homes to one that is largely primary residences can be tricky. And the popularity and soaring home prices in the far westside of Los Angeles hasn’t been without its problems. Acute gentrification and spec mansions stuffed onto undersized lots are but two examples. But L.A. has never served as a model for Santa Barbara. As Riskin Partners’ Jasmine Tennis put it, “Montecito isn’t looking to be an extension of Los Angeles.”

montEcito ShorES at itS FinESt! Light, open and ocean views! Stunning remodel, one of the largest floorplans: 2 bedrooms, plus den (or 3rd bedroom), 2.5 baths. Near Butterfly Beach, Biltmore and Coral Casino, at guard-gated Montecito Shores with beautiful landscaping, pool, tennis, and direct paths to the beach. Ideal full time living or incomparable as second home. www.27Seaview.com | Offered at $3,250,000

MAURIE McGUIRE | SCOTT WESTLOTORN

805-403-8816 | 805-403-4313 CalRE# 01061042 | CalRE# 01875690

C OL D W E L L B A N K E R RE ALT Y

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Snapshot (Continued from page 38)

Despite a lack of inventory in Montecito and beyond, there are quite a few gems that are still available and ready for their new owners. Here are a handful of picks in multiple price points.

steam shower, and there are three more spacious guest bedrooms. The property also features a year-round loggia, offering a cozy seating area by the fire for cooler evenings, as well as an outdoor TV and built-in heaters. The backyard is surrounded by majestic oaks, offering tranquil privacy behind the gates of Ennisbrook. The property is offered by the Schlobohm Hodson Real Estate Team of Compass.

485 Monarch Lane

2020 Creekside Road

A rarely available Ennisbrook Casita is listed for $3,895,000 by the Schlobohm Hodson Real Estate Team of Compass

Another behind-gated offering: 2020 Creekside Road, located in Montecito Valley Ranch (listed by Aaron Gilles of Village Properties)

In Ennisbrook, a rarely available and impeccable Casita is available for $3,895,000 on Monarch Lane. With four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, the home was recently updated with top quality design and finishes. The floor plan feels open but has well-defined spaces, including a well-equipped chef’s kitchen, a dining area with an elegant wood-detailed ceiling, and a living area with limestone fireplace. The master suite features a fireplace and spacious bathroom with a

Behind the gates of another prestigious enclave, Montecito Valley Ranch, a custom built Mediterranean home is for sale for $4,295,000. The three-bedroom, 3.5-bath main house offers generously sized rooms including a voluminous living room, cozy sitting room and a 1,500-sq.-ft. great Room with vaulted wood beamed ceilings. The chef’s kitchen comes equipped with two oversized Viking refrigerators, a six-burner Wolf stove, copper sinks, two walk-in pantries, and

Notable Listings

2020 Montecito Q1 Real Estate Report Median Price Trends Year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

July

A ug

Sep t

Oct

Nov

Dec

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

$3,995,250 $3,167,500 $2,250,000 $3,000,000 $2,400,000 $2,370,000

$2,410,000 $4,000,000 $2,536,000 $2,357,500 $3,325,000 $2,447,500

$2,275,000 $2,612,500 $2,312,500 $3,400,000 $2,851,000 $2,479,500

$1,872,500 $1,979,000 $2,405,000 $1,725,000 $3,013,750 $2,050,000

$4,300,000 $2,377,500 $3,200,000 $2,737,500 $2,992,500 $3,225,000

$2,720,000 $2,545,000 $2,800,000 $2,850,000 $2,125,000

$2,325,000 $2,500,000 $3,219,000 $2,655,000 $2,832,750

$1,950,000 $2,167,500 $3,374,500 $2,582,500 $4,200,000

$2,840,000 $2,037,500 $3,140,250 $2,535,000 $2,900,000

$2,165,000 $2,575,000 $2,415,000 $2,212,500 $3,202,000

$2,734,500 $1,831,000 $1,700,000 $2,395,000 $2,990,000

$1,825,000 $2,778,500 $2,280,000 $2,819,000 $3,290,000

YTD Montecito Median Price 5,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0

Jan

Feb

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(Graph courtesy of Fidelity National Title Group-Santa Barbara)

46 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

a butler’s pantry. The main level also features a master suite with an oversized bathroom. Outside is a perfectly-positioned tiled pool and jacuzzi which sits between the main house and the oversized one-bedroom, 1.5-bath pool house. This home is located in the Montecito Union School District. Listed by Aaron Gilles of Village Properties.

Let’s discuss your real estate needs.

677 El Bosque Road

This Monterey Colonial style estate has been recently reimagined and restored (listed by Charlie Petersen and Susan Conger of Coldwell Banker)

Recently restored and enhanced, this Monterey Colonial sits on a beautifully landscaped acre on El Bosque, a highly desirable location in Montecito. The property features a gracious five-bedroom, five-bathroom main residence, a charming guest studio, a 45-foot pool, and outdoor dining pavilion or pool cabana. Renovated with exceptional quality, finishes and taste, the south facing residence offers four bedroom suites, with a gracious master suite and elegant marble bath on the main floor.

The Morehart Group Mitch Morehart Beverly Palmer Susan Pate

805.452.7985 themorehartgroup.com themorehartgroup@compass.com DRE 01130349 | 01319565 | 00828316

Snapshot page 514

SANTA BARBARA LUXURY HOMES R E C E N T LY S O L D b y S U S A N J O R DA N O a n d B R I A N K I N G We offer our clients a wealth of knowledge regarding all aspects of purchasing or selling a home in the Santa Barbara area. We would love the opportunity to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

SUSAN JORDANO susanjordano@cox.net | 805.680.9060 susanjordano.com | DRE 01775462

BRIAN KING briansking@aol.com | 805.452.0471 briankingrealtor.com | DRE 01868186

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Droughts, Conflagration, Pandemic. What’s a Garden Lover to Do? by Eileen White Read

Master Gardener and environmental advocate Eileen White Read, a former Wall Street Journal reporter and retired nonprofit CEO, has spent 27 years in Santa Barbara County, the past decade at the beach at Montecito’s Bonnymede with her husband, Charles, an energy lawyer. She co-chairs its Landscaping Committee, which is spearheading a renaissance of the condo community’s environmentally fragile eleven acres.

he answer this season in Montecito clearly is, “Don’t give up, dig in.” With winter’s rains nurturing a robust planting season, home gardeners, garden designers, and professionals have been eagerly cultivating throughout spring and into summer. Sheltering-in-place during COVID has only accelerated this trend. Drive around any corner, you’ll see raised beds or garden walls being built of local stone, fire-resistant shrubs lined up as hedges, water-filtering gravel driveways replacing blacktop, boulders becoming garden accents, and “instant” home orchards of mature citrus, avocado, and apple trees. “The themes are drought, fire, and food,” says landscape architect Kris Kimpel. In the hedgerows just east of Olive Mill Road, where just about every family was affected by the January 2018 debris flow, dozens of households are sporting new rustic stone-bordered gardens filled with climate-appropriate plants like lavender, sage, bottlebrush, and bougainvillea. High in the hillsides, large properties are being relieved of their acres of old-fashioned turf lawns; in their places, designers are envisioning a variety of sustainable “outdoor rooms,” a design concept employed brilliantly by earlier generations of landscape designers at estates throughout Montecito – and visible today at Lotusland and Casa del Herrero. The 2020 versions, though, often include sport courts, outdoor kitchens, and structures to hide private wells, along with the more traditional rose gardens, potagers, and cutting gardens. So much mud was left behind in some areas affected

by the debris flow that designers were compelled to incorporate Mother Nature-created changes in terrain into their garden renaissances. Landscape architect Margie Grace “moved a lot of mud to the south and west, creating hills” at the two-acre garden of Adam and Penny Bianchi on the 1700 block of East Valley Road, a street that was devastated by the debris flow. She also found places of honor for large stone jardinières pulled out of the mud – brought down from somewhere uphill. At another mudded-out property Ms Grace turned a variety of stone tiles that emerged from the mud into a new mosaic patio of “old, new, and leftover.” She recalls, “I like how this patio tells the story of the site.” Longtime Montecito landscape designer Alida Aldrich observed from afar two years ago as three of her favorite landscaping projects, all in Riven Rock, were wiped out by the debris flow. Ms Aldrich asserts nonetheless that homeowners aren’t interested in recreating their former gardens, as post-drought thinking has moved toward conservation and environmental responsibility. “Everybody is in the mind of drought tolerant. A few people start out afraid it will look like a desert, but when they see the huge plant palette of Mediterranean plants and gardens, that’s the end of that story.” Ms Aldrich observes how well Mediterranean plants look with the architecture prevalent in this area. “One of the key things I try to impress upon my clients is to marry the plant palette with the

805-966-9662

Garden Lover page 504

(photo courtesy of Grace Design Associates)

WWW.HOLEHOUSE.COM

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS SINCE 1983 John and Shane Holehouse are a father-son team that specialize in building custom homes in Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch, and Montecito

GENERAL

48 MONTECITO JOURNAL

CONTRACTOR

LICENSE

#645496

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

M O N T E C I T O E S TAT E S. C O M

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

M O N T E C I T O E S TAT E S. C O M

The Premiere Estates of Montecito & Santa Barbara CAL BRE 00622258

805 565/2208 25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Garden Lover (Continued from page 48)

architecture of their home,” she says. At a home on upper East Mountain Drive, landscape architect Steve Gierke reduced three and a half acres of mostly lawn to an area measuring 30 ft by 70 ft, “just big enough for the kids to kick a football around.” The old lawn, as is typical in California, was difficult to keep green, and “was mostly dirt and weeds,” he says. Today, this property’s garden rooms have “floors” of gravel, decomposed granite, and stone slabs that allow water to seep through into the water table. These are accented with vegetation that thrives on Montecito’s rocky hillsides and complements its native oak trees: creeping fig as a ground cover and large sculptural plants like “blue glow” agave. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, lawns are the most resource-wasteful and polluting elements of the American landscape, annually consuming nearly three trillion gallons of water, along with 200 million gallons of gas for mowers and blowers, and 70 million pounds of pesticides. That doesn’t include the sounds made by those machines. Dan Siebert, a private gardener at various Montecito estates and former head of the landscaping team at El Encanto, is exasperated after spending nearly three decades listening to mowers and blowers. At one home where he works, “I have to listen to three solid hours of noise from next door every Wednesday,” he says. “Multiply that by every property in Montecito. It’s better to get rid of the lawn and save all this pollution.” California water agencies are well on their way toward a goal of encouraging homes and businesses to replace 50 million square feet of old turf throughout the state. Many towns in Santa Barbara County have in place rebate programs to reward homeowners with up to $2,000 for replacing turf grass with more appropriate plants and groundcovers, and with water efficient, less expensive drip irrigation. Unfortunately, the Montecito Water District doesn’t have a water conservation rebate program, although environmentalists say it’s needed, since Montecito has one of the highest water usage rates in the state, 200 gallons per capital per day (with 85% of it used outdoors). The MWD’s website states that 800 households in Montecito and Summerland have requested a home visit and consultation on water conservation by MWD employees. As this community turns increasingly toward environmentally friendly gardens, one benefit will be cutting outdoor water bills in the face of another sizable proposed increase, as the MWD’s new “water security” board contemplates how to fairly pass on to households in Montecito and Summerland the estimated $4 million-plus-per-year cost of a proposed 50-year desalinated water contract with Santa Barbara. The rate increase could be quite substantial, according to an analysis of the proposed contract conducted by retired MWD General Manager Bob Roebuck. “Base rates were already up 64% since the drought surcharge was imposed,” he notes. Within five years, the average customer bill, he says, is likely to be nearly twice what it was in 2013. “Our clientele are far more savvy on water use than they used to be,” says Ms Grace, whose drought-tolerant garden designs are so popular that she’s been “working flat out” with a staff of 15. “There are more people who are hip to the reality that we’re one notch above a desert, and we have to use the plants appropriate to the climate we live in. There were no lawns in Victorian-era Santa Barbara, they had no irrigation systems, so they planted what would grow here.” Only in later decades, Ms Grace notes, did nostalgic Easterners and Midwesterners plant turf (helped by

50 MONTECITO JOURNAL

QUINTESSENTIAL MONTECITO PLANTS

e spoke to a wide variety of homeowners, landscape architects and gardeners, and nursery owners and asked them to consider, what constitutes the rather splendid “rural yet cultivated” atmosphere of Montecito gardens? Here’s their list of quintessential Montecito plants, grasses, and trees – and other landscape features.

PLANTS:

Matilija Poppies

Pride of Madeira

Roses of all types

Santa Barbara Daisies

Lavenders (above is Spanish lavender)

Agave (above is Blue Glow Agave)

sprinkler systems invented in 1932 by a California farmer). You can’t say that folks weren’t warned about what does and doesn’t belong in Montecito’s fragile ecosystem. In 1924, landscape architect Lockwood de Forest circulated an essay arguing against turf lawns, “Do Lawns Belong in Southern California?” This has become a seminal document of the sustainable horticulture school of landscaping, as well a recent spin-off known as the right-plant-rightplace movement, which posits that choosing plants well suited to any local environment results in less care, water, and chemicals. Noted Mr. de Forest’s granddaughter Ann de Forest in a book about his work, “Today, his advocacy for drought-resistant indigenous plants and water conservation seems uncannily prescient.” Homeowners are far from the only ones transforming their gardens to benefit Montecito. Grassy areas are being reduced in size or substituted – as drip irrigation supplants “spray” sprinkler systems – at local country clubs, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. The Montecito Inn, following the debris flow, covered its former turf lawn with sod made of kurapia, an evergreen groundcover that uses 60% less water than turf. This groundcover, which has been championed by the University of California at Davis, also was installed last year at Santa Barbara’s • SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

Oak, Olive and Jacaranda trees (above is Jacaranda)

Trinity Episcopal Church, where it now requires little to no water. As beachside home prices have skyrocketed in recent decades, condominium communities are becoming aware of the connection between replacing tired 1960s landscaping and improving property values. At Montecito Shores on Hammond’s Beach, Ms Kimpel is replacing half the old turf and English ivy – an invasive weed with aggressive water-stealing roots – with colorful Santa Barbara-grown perennials and dwarf native myrtle, a low-water groundcover that’s become a lush emerald carpet. Around the property, three empty grass hillsides that overlook the ocean have acquired what she calls “garden pauses,” where residents gather at newly installed stone platforms or wood benches to view the Pacific, surrounded by roses and gazanias, a South African native daisy that thrives in this climate. Next to come in this horticultural facelift are raised-bed community gardens. Small wonder that a first-floor condo at Montecito Shores, surrounded by a sustainable landscape, set a new beach record last month when it sold for $5.5 million. About the only garden-related item that isn’t part of Montecito’s garden transformation trend – many would say thankfully – is artificial turf. “They love it in Palm Desert,” says Mr. Siebert, “but I just can’t see anybody putting it in here.”

25 June – 2 July 2020

Snapshot (Continued from page 47)

The formal living room, with original fireplace, offers access to the terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. The sun lit kitchen and family room is perfect for family living and dining, featuring a gourmet kitchen and seamless indoor/outdoor living, with French doors leading to the pool, dining pavilion and grounds. On the upper level are three bedroom suites that enjoy views of the mountains. The fifth, smaller bedroom is off the kitchen on the main floor, has a detached full bathroom, and may also serve as an office or playroom. The newly reimagined estate is offered for $5,650,000 by Charlie Petersen and Susan Conger of Coldwell Banker.

789 Rockbridge Road

380 Woodley Road

A trophy estate in Riven Rock is newly on the market. The newly-built, Neoclassical home plus guest house and pool cabana is offered for $7,800,000. (Listed by Jason Streatfeild of Douglas Elliman.)

The “Four Leaf Clover” Estate in Riven Rock is for sale; a Neoclassical, ultra-luxurious, single level home with guest house and pool cabana. Newly designed by renowned architect Peter Becker, the approximately 4,680-sq.ft., three-bedroom, 4.5-bath home features incredible historical provenance coupled with extraordinary modern interiors and amenities. Located on 1.73± acres of what was formerly known as the Four Leaf Clover Garden of Stanley McCormick’s 87+\- acre Riven Rock estate, this coveted neighborhood is surrounded by historic stone walls, privacy hedges, and is in close proximity to Montecito’s best hiking trails, shops, eateries, and beaches. The U-shape design allows every room to flow seamlessly to the central courtyard, which was carefully designed on an axis so that the original staircase, the front entry, the Four Leaf Clover design, and pool all maximize the A newly-restored estate on Pepper Hill is for sale for $6,495,000. The large compound-type property inherent symmetry of all the design elements. The original garden paths of the offers plentiful space while still being close to both the upper and lower villages. (Listed by Calcagno & McCormick Estate have been replicated by Landscape Architect Byron DeBray Hamilton of Berkshire Hathaway). and much of the original sandstone stairs and four-leaf clover design have been Another recently remodeled estate for sale in Montecito is 380 Woodley Road, restored with stone from the property. The two pool cabanas or guest suites located in the coveted neighborhood of Pepper Hill in Montecito. The estate is boast lovely en suite baths, and both enjoy dramatic mountain views. surrounded by gardens and natural pathways, and offers panoramic mountain The remodeled modern interiors boast grand living spaces, with rich wood views. The home includes a new gourmet kitchen with large walk-in pantry, a floors, fine tile and marble work, and elegant chandeliers and wall sconces cozy family room opening to an outdoor dining terrace, an elegant dining and throughout. The modern gourmet kitchen features gourmet appliances, a masliving room with soaring ceilings, and a beautiful master suite with private sive center island and an open floor plan that flows seamlessly with the dining The terrace. YThere seven ear are seven bedrooms, Jan Febbathrooms, Mar guest Apquarters r Mawith y a fullJun area and Jubutler’s ly Apantry. ug SeptmasterObedroom ct Nohas v a custom Dec fireplace, Total a master kitchen, two office areas, a game room, an artist studio, and garage spaces for loggia with an infrared sauna, and two master bathrooms, each with spacious 2015 16 15 22 22 23 26 14 21 13 14 9 24 219 walk-in closets. The two guest suites, one with built-in cabinetry that functions five cars. 2 0 1 6 28 17 20 15 26 16 20 14 18 15 13 17 have en suite The 1.28-acre property is beautifully landscaped with drought tolerant as an executive office, and the other that features a home theater,219 2017 15 terracing, 16 and mature 17 25 Located21 baths. 16 26 14 16 21 19 219 plants, lighted pathways, 13 a gazebo, rock oaks. 018 9 The home 10 is listed13for $6,495,000 6 16 18 is located 18 10 Spring 26 School District. 6 15 in Cold Listed for164 $7,800,000 by in Cold 2Spring School District. by Calcagno &17 The home 201of 9 Berkshire Hathaway. 11 10 12 22 22 22 Jason Streatfeild 20 15 21 Elliman. 28 13 25 221 of Douglas Hamilton 2020 20 18 15 15 18 86

Fidelity National Title Group-Santa Barbara

YTD Montecito Real Estate Report

YTD Montecito Total Sales Volume 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Jan

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25 June – 2 July 2020

YTD Sales Total

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• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Real Estate (Continued from page 33)

as it did when it was conceived and originally built back in the 1930s. From the vantage point of this estate home, the ocean and island views and the mountain and ridgeline views stand stoically and expansive. The usable grounds offer room to roam and of course… privacy.

East Valley Road, or 10 minutes to the beaches at Padaro Lane, and just an 11-minute drive to Montecito’s Upper Village… A significant vineyard estate on 55 acres, 10 minutes to town. The 6,600+/- square foot home sits 1,200 feet above sea level on a ridge and the vineyard is planted with 3 acres of grapes, producing the award-winning wine, bottled as, ‘’Paredon’’. The Italian Villa-style home includes, 4 bedrooms, 5 & 1/2 bathrooms, 7 fireplaces, an office, multiple terraces, a 3-car garage, and more.

848 Hot Springs Road - $29,000,000

900 Knollwood Drive - $16,250,000

sense of grandeur hits you as you roll up the long, private drive that brings you to this multi parcel, 9-acre estate, surrounded by other significant estates, Knollwood Drive in the Montecito Union School District. Ocean views and ultimate privacy. Bask in the history and vastness of this legacy estate. A long, oak-lined drive leads to the 7,500+/- square foot main residence. Gracious spaces open to multiple view terraces and lush rolling lawns. A guest house, detached office, pool, cabana, and tennis court round out this compound and offer wonderful destinations to explore. Originally designed by Edwards & Plunkett and renovated by Lutah Maria Riggs, the current estate spans 4 parcels and maintains much of the same spirit

nspired by the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, the recently-built ‘’Villa Tragara’’ blends Moorish, Spanish and Italianate architecture to create a harmonious balance between history, and the comforts of modern living at every turn. Spanning 12,000+/- square feet, the home features grand living spaces filled with abundant light, as well as impressive scale, proportion and volume. Seamlessly merging Old World design and architecture with New World conveniences and technology, the home was built incorporating time-honored materials.

Ocean and island views, a pool, spa, tennis court, a lush 2.4-acre lot with manicured grounds, a close in location in the heart Montecito, and being one of the largest homes on the market featuring new (2014) construction, are all top selling features of this bold architectural estate compound.

52 MONTECITO JOURNAL

For more information on any of these listings or to have me arrange a showing with the listing agents, please contact me directly, Mark@Villagesite.com or call/text 805698-2174. Please view my website, www.MontecitoBestBuys.com, from which this article is based. • SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

Editor’s Letter (Continued from page 12)

philanthropic engagement, intellectual and spiritual life. The education our kids received at MUS was superior to anything we expected from any private school in L.A. And the authentic kindness we found from the people here could only exist in a place where people felt truly blessed to be. Ten years later, I’m proud to call Montecito my home; but I don’t know that I’d still call it sleepy. Despite some painful hardships our community has endured, eight restaurants have ballooned to 24. The Miramar attracts a younger crowd and has added more colors to the community’s palette. Montecito’s other hotels are world-class, including the San Ysidro Ranch which has long ranked as the world’s number one small hotel. The Funk Zone has breathed new life into downtown Santa Barbara. UCSB and SBCC serve as centers for robust intellectual life. Arts and Lectures and other cultural institutions bring to town the world’s most renowned writers, thinkers, and speakers. The Lobero, Granada, Arlington, Music Academy and SB Bowl are must stops on the tours of the world’s greatest musical stars. We have one of the nation’s leading International Film Festivals and more nonprofits per capita than any county in the country. As for the natural beauty of our mountains and beaches, just a breathtaking walk away, well… those speak for themselves. And they have spoken louder and clearer during the pandemic while most of the rest of the world has been cooped up in their homes and apartments. How blessed we are. As pandemic stay-at-home orders have surreally bumped up against widespread civil unrest and the COVID-unfriendly protests that mark this politically tumultuous moment, people are clamoring to find a place that can offer some semblance of peace and space and proximity to nature while still having access to a vital life. All this when corporations are warming to the idea and benefits of a remote work force and it seems that Montecito’s moment has arrived. Every June the Montecito Journal devotes an issue to evaluating the status of Montecito’s real estate market at the mid-year mark as we go into the primary selling season. Ironically, after many years of flying under the radar and staying strong in the face of economic downturns and natural disasters, it was an international pandemic that has finally given Montecito its much-deserved moment in the sun as one of the world’s premier places to live. And any of us who live here, can understand why. As Chynna said, “it’s paradise.” Montecito is not so much a sleepy town as it is a place that wears a sleepy mask… Shhhh, don’t tell anyone.

HELPING YOU FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD.

MICHELLE@MICHELLECOOK.COM

805.570.3183 - DRE 01451543 - MICHELLECOOK.COM

SHEELA HUNT sheela@villagesite.com | 805.698.3767 www.SheelaHunt.com | DRE 01103376

All information provided is deemed reliable, but has not been verified and we do not guarantee it. We recommend that buyers make their own inquiries.

SHEEL A HUNT IN MONTECITO Representing Buyers and Sellers in Montecito and Santa Barbara with over $200,000,000 in closed transactions in all price ranges HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF MY PAST SALES IN THE MONTECITO AREA* • • •

Edgecliff Lane $18,950,000 Padaro Lane $7,950,000 East Mountain Drive $8,995,000

• • •

San Ysidro Road $5,250,000 High Road $4,795,000 Eucalyptus Hill Road $2,295,000

• • •

Chelham Way $1,950,000 Oak Grove Road $2,100,000 Plaza Pacifica $4,750,000

• • •

Middle Road $3,295,000 School House Road $5,395,000 Glenview Road $3,495,000

CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS:

"I have used Sheela Hunt as my real estate broker for 6 transactions in Santa Barbara over the past several years. I am very pleased with her knowledge of the market." ~ "Your professionalism went above and beyond simply knowing the market and being capable and responsive. This also included putting us in touch with a network of other first rate professionals and service providers from the community which made the buying process stress free and efficient." ~ " We have used Sheela Hunt for multiple transactions.We have found her advice invaluable and will definitely ask for her help again in the future."

From beachfront estates, 2nd homes, condos, investment properties and more, I’ve got you covered!! Proudly supporting local schools and nonprofits including the following organizations: Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Teachers Fund, Montecito Union School, SBHS MAD Academy, Town & Gown of USC

*Indicates final list price at time of sale 25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

(805) 565-4000 Homesinsantabarbara.com 1255 Coast Village Rd, Suite 102B DRE 01499736/01129919

It goes without saying that the last few months have been a tumultuous time for everyone, and the global pandemic and associated social distancing and quarantines have had far reaching consequences for nearly every type of trade or commerce. The local real estate market in Santa Barbara and Montecito is no exception, and we as agents are keeping tabs on the rapidly changing situation. While several listings have been withdrawn from the market, there are still buyers seeking to find their new home, thanks in part to record low interest rates. Working within the new mandates from the California Association of Realtors, we are still actively working for our clients, helping them reach their real estate goals.

Please contact us for the very latest on market conditions; we’re here to help. Pepper Hill Perfection - $6,495,000

Views from Summerland Heights - $2,699,000

Incredible Views from the Riviera - $3,950,000

European Farmhouse in Montecito - $2,795,000

Condo in Montecito Shores - $2,250,000

Beach Living in Carpinteria - $1,915,000

54 MONTECITO JOURNAL

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

25 June – 2 July 2020

NEW LISTING!

2121

Summerland Heights Lane Montecito 2,709 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms + Loft/Office

Offered at $2,699,000

Available to See by Appointment with Appropriate Precautions Breathtaking up-close ocean and island views abound from this exquisite Contemporary Craftsman home, which is within close proximity to the beach, restaurants, shops, and trails. The 2700-sq-ft home has been recently remodeled with European oak floors and a designer chef's kitchen complete with custom Italian cabinetry, quality quartz countertops, top-of-theline German Gaggenau appliances, and ''NanaWall'' doors and windows, expanding the living space outdoors. The property is the perfect place to enjoy Montecito's Mediterranean climate and indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with ample space to entertain family and friends. The home enjoys an ideal floor plan with formal and relaxed living areas on the ground level and bedrooms upstairs. The large master boasts multiple closets, a sitting area, and a deck to enjoy the unobstructed coastal views. There are two other bedrooms and a second full bathroom, as well as a lovely lofted den/office/4th bedroom, complete with quality custom built-ins.

Kelly Mahan Herrick (805) 208-1451 |

Kelly@HomesInSantaBarbara.com

DRE 01499736/01129919/01974836 ©2020 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

25 June – 2 July 2020

• SUMMER REAL ESTATE SPECIAL ISSUE •

MONTECITO JOURNAL

Together We Grow

“American Riviera was helpful all through the process of buying our first home. They were patient and had an answer for every question. They were so great, we came back to purchase our next home!” — Kelly and Elizabeth Hahn, Homeowners

What does True Community Banking mean? It means we invest in helping you and our community grow. Your success is our success.

Let’s grow together. HOM E EQU I T Y L I N E S | CON FOR M I NG & J U M BO MORTG AG E S | BR I D G E LOA NS

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