3568 Toro Canyon Park Road, Carpinteria, CA

A Masterpiece of 21st Century Modern Architecture

The peaceful foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains above the exclusive Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club are the setting of one of this affluent area’s significant estates. The magnificent property is a commanding yet serene presence atop its 40+ acre knoll; offering a dazzling 360-degree panorama of ocean, islands, mountains and sky. A stunning 6,600± square-foot main residence -- an homage to 21st century Modern architecture -- a two-bedroom guest house, a multi-room cabaña, and luxury interior and exterior amenities comprise this singular domain. Privacy, security and tranquility are paramount here. While the estate seems a world away, it is mere minutes from all the wonderful amenities of nearby Montecito, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. The residence and ancillary accommodations were designed by award-winning architect Andy Neumann, and were constructed to exacting detail utilizing the talents of master builders and craftspeople.

The structures combine functional minimalism with expanses of retractable and frameless Vitrosca Invisible Wall glass in a superb example of 21st century Modern architecture. The result is a focusing of attention on the surrounding natural spectacle. Dramatic use of glass, natural-finished walnut floors and cabinetry, and freestanding walls of precisely cut native sandstone – some embracing embedded fireplaces -- communicate that these are, unmistakably, very special spaces.

Built and nestling within rather than upon their environment, the residential structures and exterior amenities are set amidst understated landscaping utilizing drought tolerant landscaping and majestic mature oaks. Their placement and construction showcase their breathtaking surroundings from horizon to horizon. Here on this perch, the genius of human design pays homage to matchless natural wonders.

GALLERY | LIVING ROOM | LIBRARY

The magical entry of the main residence is more than a mere foyer; it is very much a portal to abiding tranquility. Spacious, light-filled, showcasing the home’s expansive open floorplan, and displaying a dreamlike panorama beyond its far wall of glass, the space hints at wonders to come. Here, and throughout the home, lines, angles and glass juxtapose yet complement natural materials such as sandstone and warm wood. Visible from the entry gallery and elsewhere, a lovely reflection pond and its understated and gently cascading fountain add yet another touch of luxury.

There is an easy flow – living room to library to office. Traditionally, a living room is designed as a social milieu, as is this one. Here, however, thanks to 21st century Modern architecture, that camaraderie includes the beauty beyond. There’s a wall of stone, shared by the library, as is the fireplace embedded within it. The library is not just for books. It’s a venue for contemplation and relaxation.

CULINARY CENTER | DINING

To have a custom kitchen by Valcucine is to enjoy the crème de la crème, the cutting edge, the pièce de résistance of culinary design. A minimalist wonder of understated sophistication, this gastronomic venue is sure to please even the most exacting home chef and caterer. It joins the uber-comfortable dining room in hosting a panorama of Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains, and the Santa Barbara coastline through walls of vanishing slide-away glass, opening the spaces to the surrounding landscape, the coveted local Mediterranean climate, and making alfresco dining convenient on the terrace. Meal preparation here is a meditation, and dining is nothing short of spectacular.

MEDIA ROOM | STUDIO

The selection and location of spaces with consideration given guests as well as owners requires careful architectural planning. Here, the media room and studio share a wing with, but certainly do not intrude upon, the nearby guest suite. The media room’s pristine white walls and natural-finished wide-plank wood floor create a serene, intimate hideaway awaiting the finest audiovisual enhancements. A single wall of glass has been reserved, however, as a nod to this extraordinary home’s magical grounds. And then, there is that versatile space, present in virtually every superlative residence and awaiting use as a gym, art or yoga studio.

PRIMARY SUITE

The primary suite of this masterpiece of 21st century modern architecture rivals accommodations at the finest resort. Its bedroom’s walls of glass offer sweeping ocean and island panoramas, and are interrupted only by an imposing fireplace of floor-to-ceiling sandstone surround and raised sandstone hearth. This is a tranquil retreat and privileged theatre for viewing majestic sunrises and romantic sunsets. Its lavish bathroom is a place where luxury knows no bounds. There is beautiful creamy walnut cabinetry, dual sinks, a freestanding soaking tub, and a double spa shower with spacious seating. The primary closet is a sizeable room unto itself. One could call this a sanctuary within a sanctuary, a heavenly haven, or a rarified retreat, and one would not be guilty of hyperbole.

GUEST SUITE | OFFICE

Visitors are provided their own secluded sanctuary in the main residence. Convenient to the home’s entry, media room and library, the guest suite is tucked away privately at the end of an intimate gallery hallway. Through the library, a beautiful office and its private terrace await. There are dramatic mountain views through walls of glass that – as they do throughout the home -- offer unobstructed transition between interior comforts and exterior wonders.

GUEST HOUSE | POOL CABAÑA

The separate and very private guest house features dreamlike views rivaling those of the main residence, and, with its two bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and comfortable sitting area, stands ready to accommodate even the most discerning visitors or extended family. Guests enjoy a stroll down an inviting path to the sparkling infinity-edge pool and its in-pool spa. Stately oaks flank the pool and terraces, and the world-class view is of the coastal plain, the dazzling Pacific Ocean and beyond. Near the pool, a handsome and versatile multi-room cabaña with an outdoor kitchen and two bathrooms provides a relaxing, refreshing oasis.

The main residence, guest house, cabaña and pool area are all surrounded by fabulous drought-tolerant landscaping, and complemented by walking paths, view terraces, an alfresco dining terrace with built-in barbecues, and a discreetly placed, state-of-the-art solar array.

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Client Reviews

“It was an emotional experience selling our mother’s home in Montecito that we all loved so much but Cristal made the process easier on our whole family by guiding us through the transaction every step of the way. She knows the market so well and everything she recommended was on point including the asking price, painting, and staging the home, which looked beautiful and helped the buyer envision her new home. We sold it the first day it hit the market with an offer above asking! Cristal did an incredible job communicating with us and the buyer to ensure that the transaction would run smoothly. We highly recommend using Cristal, she was a pleasure to work with! ”

- J & A

“Cristal is a pleasure to work with! Her knowledge of the local real estate market coupled with her amazing listening skills resulted in her showing us an array of homes that were all excellent choices. Her low-pressure patient attitude made us feel extremely comfortable with the whole process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

- M.F.

“Cristal Clarke is #1 in her field - and you don't become #1 by luck. Cristal works harder, and longer, and with more charm and patience than any real estate agent I have ever worked with in the past; her calendar has no weekend, her days have no clocks, her only concern is selling your property as soon as possible and for the best price on the market. Am I a fan? You bet!”

- P.B.

“We have used Cristal now several times and cannot express how grateful we are for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the entire home-buying process. Cristal is knowledgeable, patient and attentive. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she consistently went above and beyond to provide us with all the information and resources we needed to make informed decisions. Cristal is a skillful negotiator and advocate. She can navigate complex negotiations with professionalism and grace and felt like a true partner to us in the home-buying process. Cristal has a genuine passion for real estate and a deep commitment to her clients' satisfaction. I cannot speak highly enough of Cristal and her exceptional service. She is a true expert in her field and her dedication to excellence, combined with unwavering support is the reason we choose to work with her for all our real estate buying needs.”

- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

- D.R.

“I could list lots of cool adjectives to describe Cristal. All good by the way. But, that is not why I or anyone should hire Cristal. My reason for hiring her, which proved to be correct, is very simple. She got the job done. And, she does it time and time again and with zero issues. And, that is why she is one of the top agents in the country. End of subject. ”

- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch