luxury architect house for sale Montecito, United States

An architectural masterpiece by Manuel Cervantes on a quiet cul-de-sac in Montecito's Golden Quadrangle, walking distance to the upper village. Interiors by Corinne Mathern. Project by Plus Development. Completed in 2026.

Designed by celebrated architect Gordon Kaufmann, Villa Calafia is a rare nearly 16-acre legacy estate set within the coveted foothills between Montecito, California and Carpinteria, California. Originally conceived in 1930 and constructed between 1932 and 1934, this historic compound is recognized as one of Kaufmann’s notable residential works, showcasing timeless architecture inspired by the grand villas of Italy. Privately gated and surrounded by magnificent, protected oak trees and mature pines, the estate offers views of the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, and the distant Channel Islands, creating a spectacular natural setting that balances privacy, scale, and proximity to the best of the Santa Barbara coast. The property unfolds as a true multi-residence compound featuring the historic main residence, three guest house total, including Japanese-inspired Serenity House, a two-story guest house and a private guest house above the garage, offering exceptional flexibility for multigenerational living, hosting guests, or creating a private retreat environment. Thoughtfully arranged across the expansive grounds are a motor court, eight garage spaces, and multiple outdoor terraces and patios designed for entertaining and enjoying the estate’s remarkable setting. Original architectural elements have been preserved throughout the residence, reflecting Kaufmann’s signature attention to craftsmanship, proportion, and Old-World design. Villa Calafia’s grounds are equally compelling. Formal gardens, historic fountains, and statuary are set among mature landscaping, while trails wind throughout the property’s gently rolling acreage. An approximately one-acre orchard of avocado trees is complemented by Meyer lemon trees, enhancing the estate’s agricultural character. For recreation and lifestyle, the estate offers a barn with horse stables, riding arena, and multiple turnouts, making it well suited for equestrian use. An oversized tennis court, also suitable for pickleball, provides additional opportunities for sport and leisure. Despite its extraordinary privacy and acreage, Villa Calafia is only minutes from the coast and Montecito’s celebrated lifestyle destinations, including Butterfly Beach, Rosewood Miramar Beach, and the boutiques and dining of Montecito’s Upper and Lower Village. The estate also benefits from two private wells and a Montecito water meter. Villa Calafia represents a rare opportunity to own a historic coastal California estate of architectural significance, an exceptional compound where history, nature, and timeless design converge.

Perched above the coastline on 2.3 ocean-view acres in Hope Ranch, 4160 La Ladera Road is an architectural sanctuary where stone, light, and ocean views shape every moment. Thoughtfully composed, the estate blends contemporary Mediterranean lines with resort-style amenities to create a home that feels both sculptural and deeply livable.The entry is dramatic and processional. A double-height canyon of hand-laid limestone, framed by bold agaves and lush plantings, draws you in and guides you toward a glass-framed doorway with the first glimpse of the water beyond. Warm wood accents and carefully placed lighting amplify the sense of arrival and set the tone for what unfolds inside.Within, nature and architecture work in concert. Oversized pivoting iron-and-glass doors open the great room and main living areas to terraces, gardens, and the pool, turning the core of the home into a seamless indoor-outdoor pavilion. Long sightlines carry your eye to the horizon, while stone floors, high ceilings, and smooth plaster walls create a quiet, refined backdrop.The residence lives as three interrelated volumes. The lower level, wrapped in buff-colored Santa Barbara limestone, contains the primary gathering spaces and gives the structure a grounded, sculptural presence. Above, the upper floor is finished in light stucco and capped with a tile roofa contemporary nod to Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage. A wide central corridor unites these spaces and makes the home feel expansive yet effortless to move through.At the heart of the plan, the kitchen and adjacent dining areas open directly to an ocean-facing terrace and the 75-foot swimming pool, so daily life and entertaining naturally spill outdoors. Sleek surfaces and professional-grade appliances are balanced by warm materials and ever-present views, creating a space that works as well for a quiet morning coffee as it does for a large gathering.Two primary suites offer distinct expressions of luxury: a main-floor suite with pivoting doors to the gardens and a spa-like bath with soaking tub and separate shower, and an upstairs suite with sweeping ocean vistas, custom designer closet and a sense of retreat. Additional en-suite bedrooms, an office, media room, and flexible spaces round out a floor plan that supports both privacy and connection.Outside, the estate lives like a private resort. The long pool and spa stretch along the horizon, bordered by generous terraces for lounging and dining. A modern open-air pavilion with a fireplace becomes the natural gathering spot at dusk. Bocce ball, courtyards, an orchard, and layered botanical and cactus gardens create a series of outdoor rooms to enjoy from morning to evening.A detached structurecurrently used as an ocean-view gymopens to its own terrace and captures the golden Santa Barbara light. A separate spa building with a sauna, a temperature controlled wine cellar, car lifts, and thoughtfully curated landscape elements complete a property designed for both daily comfort and unforgettable stays.Set within the coveted enclave of Hope Ranchwith exclusive access to the residents-only beach and more than 20 miles of riding trails4160 La Ladera Road offers the privacy of a retreat with the ease of world-class coastal living.

Perched above the coastline on 2.3 ocean-view acres in Hope Ranch, 4160 La Ladera Road is an architectural sanctuary where stone, light, and ocean views shape every moment. Thoughtfully composed, the estate blends contemporary Mediterranean lines with resort-style amenities to create a home that feels both sculptural and deeply livable. The entry is dramatic and processional. A double-height canyon of hand-laid limestone, framed by bold agaves and lush plantings, draws you in and guides you toward a glass-framed doorway with the first glimpse of the water beyond. Warm wood accents and carefully placed lighting amplify the sense of arrival and set the tone for what unfolds inside. Within, nature and architecture work in concert. Oversized pivoting iron-and-glass doors open the great room and main living areas to terraces, gardens, and the pool, turning the core of the home into a seamless indoor-outdoor pavilion. Long sightlines carry your eye to the horizon, while stone floors, high ceilings, and smooth plaster walls create a quiet, refined backdrop. The residence lives as three interrelated volumes. The lower level, wrapped in buff-colored Santa Barbara limestone, contains the primary gathering spaces and gives the structure a grounded, sculptural presence. Above, the upper floor is finished in light stucco and capped with a tile roof- a contemporary nod to Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage. A wide central corridor unites these spaces and makes the home feel expansive yet effortless to move through. At the heart of the plan, the kitchen and adjacent dining areas open directly to an ocean-facing terrace and the 75-foot swimming pool, so daily life and entertaining naturally spill outdoors. Sleek surfaces and professional-grade appliances are balanced by warm materials and ever-present views, creating a space that works as well for a quiet morning coffee as it does for a large gathering. Two primary suites offer distinct expressions of luxury: a main-floor suite with pivoting doors to the gardens and a spa-like bath with soaking tub and separate shower, and an upstairs suite with sweeping ocean vistas, custom designer closet and a sense of retreat. Additional en-suite bedrooms, an office, media room, and flexible spaces round out a floor plan that supports both privacy and connection. Outside, the estate lives like a private resort. The long pool and spa stretch along the horizon, bordered by generous terraces for lounging and dining. A modern open-air pavilion with a fireplace becomes the natural gathering spot at dusk. Bocce ball, courtyards, an orchard, and layered botanical and cactus gardens create a series of outdoor rooms to enjoy from morning to evening. A detached structure-currently used as an ocean-view gym-opens to its own terrace and captures the golden Santa Barbara light. A separate spa building with a sauna, a temperature controlled wine cellar, and thoughtfully curated landscape elements complete a property designed for both daily comfort and unforgettable stays. Set within the coveted enclave of Hope Ranch, with exclusive access to the residents-only beach and more than 20 miles of riding trails, 4160 La Ladera Road offers the privacy of a retreat with the ease of world-class coastal living.