PALACIO DEL RIO
3280 VIA RANCHEROS I SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
PALACIO DEL RIO 3280 VIA RANCHEROS, SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
PRESENTED by CAREY KENDALL
PROPERTY OVERVIEW Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase one of the most historic homes in the Santa Ynez Valley. Rancho Juan Y Lolita, also known as Palacio del Rio, is a fabulous Edwards & Plunkett designed hacienda with sweeping views of the whole of the Santa Ynez Valley offering incredible location, serenity, and privacy. In coveted seclusion - Palacio del Rio is an iconic estate situated in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains overlooking the breathtaking Santa Ynez River Valley. Formerly the hacienda for the renowned Juan y Lolita Ranch, encompasses approximately 36.54 acres, surrounded by oaks and redwoods, and abounding with quail, deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and other wildlife. This is a place of amazing tranquility.
“Palacio”, known as ‘The Jewel of the Valley’ with its views, rich history, all its privacy and sense of seclusion, is located only three miles from the town of Santa Ynez, four miles from the Santa Ynez Airport, six miles from Solvang, 35 miles from Santa Barbara, and only 2 hours from Los Angeles. The late John S. Mitchell, founder of United Airlines, and his wife Lolita Armour of the Armour & Company meat packing company, had the house built as a wedding gift from Lolita’s parents. Palacio del Rio was designed and constructed in 1928 by the famous Edwards & Plunket firm of Santa Barbara, whose oeuvre also includes the Santa Barbara Airport and Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara. A guest wing, guest house, and garages were later added around1938. Mr. Mitchell founded the legendary Los Rancheros Visitadores at the ranch, which still continues today. Other previous owners include Jimmy Stewart and Dean Martin, who separately, used this as a retreat from Hollywood. There is an air of warmth and hospitality immediately experienced upon entering the protected courtyard with its flagstone walkways, flowers and sycamore trees. The property is truly magnificent and irreplaceable.
MAIN RESIDENCE The interior of the main residence is warm and sophisticated consisting of a spacious living room and adjoining dining room, both of which have stunning fireplaces and command spectacular views of the Santa Ynez Valley. The Kitchen opens to a comfortable family room and features state of the art appliances, a huge center island with sink, views out to the Valley, and a grand fireplace. P.J. Milligan designed and built the cabinets and entertainment area and also the adjoining butler’s pantry cabinetry. Additionally there is a storage pantry room and a mud room entry room off the main courtyard leading into the kitchen.
The Primary Suite is comprised of a Den / TV Room with fireplace, bedroom with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, and an enclosed porch room (used as an office) adjoining the outside pool area. There are two large, custom walk-in closets, master bath, and a gym. Four additional en-suite bedrooms, two with fireplaces, complete the accommodations in the main residence. Each bedroom also has private entrances from the outside of the house.
POOL Off the Living room is a 26 x 50 foot pool, and convenient to this area is a bathroom, showers, sauna, and dressing rooms. Just below this area is a fully-lighted tennis court.
GUEST HOUSE Across the courtyard is a guest house with fourbedroom suites, two of which are master suites with fireplaces, a large living room, and a prohibition-era bar with kitchen. Built as the party-room, there is an oak dance floor in the living room. The guesthouse features a private covered patio overlooking the main courtyard and out back, a private walled yard with outdoor fireplace. A private driveway serves this guest house.
6 CAR GARAGE WINE CELLAR STAFF QUARTERS + SHOP Below the guest house is the 6-car garage with beamed ceilings. The entire porte-cochere is covered in an original wall mural landscape painted in 1938 by the renowned Plein Air artist, Douglas Parshall. This area is heated and well lighted, and can be used as a formal ballroom, as it has in the past during some wild Hollywood parties. The wine cellar, one bedroom, one bath staff’s quarters with fireplace, and shop are located adjacent to this.
GROUNDS + CARETAKER’S HOUSE Apart from the main house, tucked away in the redwoods, is a two-bedroom caretaker’s cottage with private yard. The property consists of approximately 36.54 acres. After passing through the gated entrance you travel up approximately one-half mile of paved road winding through mature oak trees. Upon reaching the main house you enter an outside parking area capable of accommodating over 20 cars. From this point the road turns into a beautiful base rock material that compliments the style of the home. The road then separates and passes through the garage one way, and also above the guesthouse to meet again on the backside of the property by the Cottage, completing a loop of the upper portion of the property. The road also loops to the back of the property behind the guesthouse to the main road, which can be used as a back exit or staff entrance. Across the bottom of the property, fronts the Santa Ynez River and the property water well is located in this area and draws from a significant aquifer.
BARN On the lower portion of the property are fenced pastures and horse shelters, and a riding ring. There is also a large barn with a tack room, ample storage space, and four stalls.
CAREY KENDALL 805.689.6262 | carey@clkre.com careykendall.com | DRE 00753349
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