2794 Bella Vista Drive, Montecito, CA
ABOUT THE RESIDENCE
A showcase of timeless Spanish Colonial architecture, reborn through a painstaking and total renovation by peerless craftspersons incorporating only the finest materials, this ocean and mountain view residence is an absolutely stunning exemplar of the Montecito lifestyle. Nearly four acres of remarkable grounds hosting numerous amenities, the spectacular main house, and a charming, detached guest apartment comprise the world-class Montecito foothills estate. Seemingly far from the madding crowds, the property offers privacy, security and seclusion, yet is mere minutes from all that Montecito offers its fortunate residents.
Architect and fine artist Tom Meaney, whose studies in Italy infuse his sensibilities, designed the home, which was rebirthed by Montecito Construction. The estate’s landscaping was created by highly respected landscape architect Carol Puck Erickson, ASLA, and her team at Arcadia Studio. In the words of the current owner: “We took an exceptional property, made several new family fun areas on the outside and did a renovation sparing no expense, to create what we feel is an exceptionally beautiful home using the best materials and a very meticulous builder.”
Both aesthetic and practical elements of the home are notable: from the exquisite marble, French oak floors and custom cabinetry to the state-of-the-art plumbing, electrical, sound and HVAc systems.
Here on Montecito’s picturesque Bella Vista Drive, with the Los Padres National Forest as its backdrop, this outstanding estate combines enduring design, superlative features, and superb indoor-outdoor comfort in a singular sanctuary of privileged living.
LIVING SPACES
Architect, interior designer and owners achieved the monumental goal of creating living spaces at once welcoming, comfortable, luxurious and sophisticated. Great expanses of windows and glass doors frame breathtaking vistas, both near and far. High and often open-beamed and vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and an abundance of white walls are complemented by warm wood floors and an interplay of archways and architectural niches. The result is spaces defined, yet bright and airy; rooms embracing and accessible, yet generous. Through each interior doorway, a room with a view beckons. Through each exterior doorway, views abound.
DINING | KITCHEN
A home’s culinary center – traditionally, kitchen, dining room and, in many homes, breakfast area and pantry – represents the focal point of daily life and entertaining. Here, the culinary center transcends the norm and extends beyond interior spaces to include a lovely pergola sheltering a high-tech built-in grill, fireplace and seating area. In the kitchen, consideration has been afforded the most discerning home chef and caterer when it comes to ergonomic design, top-of-the-line appliances, versatile center island, marble countertops and backsplash, walk-in pantry, and multiple French doors to the dining terrace and pergola as well as the pool terrace and pool. The kitchen extends to an informal eating area, while the formal dining room offers understated elegance.
PRIMARY SUITE
Imagine a suite at one of the world’s finest resorts. Its spaciousness, décor, amenities, accoutrements, and view take your breath away. So it is in the primary suite of this magnificent home. An expansive bedroom, a space embellished by its heavy-beam vaulted ceiling, opens via two oversize French doors to a private covered terrace spanning the breadth of the suite. The view from the room and terrace is of the pool, grounds, and a dramatic panorama beyond a sea of verdant treetops, to the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands and horizon.
The primary bath is a place of understated luxury, with its freestanding ocean view tub, dual sinks, and a fantastic shower tastefully enhanced with custom marble. There is also a room-size walk-in closet and, down a private hallway, a sizeable bonus room offering many possibilities. An office, perhaps. Or an exercise room, art or yoga studio.
GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS
There is a certain joie de vivre that permeates a home when family and guests feel comfortable in their accommodations, sleep well, and enjoy the myriad amenities the residence provides. The large entry level bedroom suite, near the laundry and exercise rooms, is perfect for guests or staff, while, upstairs, the guest wing hosts three spacious bedrooms, all with baths en suite, and all with sliding glass doors to the grounds.
The charming guest apartment, perched above the detached two-car garage, has been recently renovated to the same exacting standards as the main residence. This bright, peaceful aerie features a welcoming living room with a fireplace, dining area, bedroom and private balcony. Ocean vistas abound.
GROUNDS
The impeccable grounds convey a special magic. The estate’s terraces, balconies and pergolas allow ultimate enjoyment of the emerald lawns, magical orchard, and hand-selected, perfectly placed drought-tolerant landscaping. The sparkling pool and in-pool spa overlook the blue Pacific, and the new basketball hoop and volleyball court beckon energetic family members and guests. No need to return to the house or apartment after a dip in the pool or vigorous exercise though. The convenient outdoor bathroom accommodates those needs.
Sunrises, sunsets, dawn and dusk, are especially enchanting here. Pastel hues abound as horizon, mountains, ocean, and grounds are blanketed in nature’s soft glow. Nighttime brings a million stars, a moon beckoning one to reach out and touch it, and the glistening Pacific beyond the fairylike sparkling lights of Montecito below.