Montecito Real Estate
Luxurious oceanfront paradise in the Santa Ynez foothills that is beloved by celebrities.
Home to notable celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres, Montecito is a luxurious oceanfront enclave nestled in the foothills of the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. Mansions and estates dot this peaceful landscape sequestered in the golden quadrangle with rows of hedges stretching between properties to grant residents privacy. A secluded paradise known for its high volume of celebrities and high-powered executives, Montecito is a chic and affluent slice of life beloved by all.
What to Love
- Home to many famous people
- Peaceful and private residences
- Upscale shopping and dining
- Beautiful, world-class resorts
- Secluded residential streets
- Lavish estates and manors
People & Lifestyle
Montecito's lifestyle is one you would expect from this pocket of luxury nestled between the mountains and California's golden coastline. With celebrity sightings the norm, Montecito residents start their day with brunch at one of the many fantastic local restaurants. Then they might spend time at the local Butterfly Beach or shopping at the upscale boutiques.
Apart from famous faces, Montecito attracts CEOs, professionals, and entrepreneurs who appreciate its chic downtown and private residences. Montecito's most prized manors and lavish homes reside behind hedgerows and gates in the rustic hills and lush greenery. Even the smallest of estates will still sell for millions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Lucky's has held its reputation as a Montecito steakhouse tradition since 2000. Enjoy steak, seafood, and martinis in an upscale atmosphere with touches of old Hollywood glamour. Dine on premium sandwiches for lunch at the intimate
Honor Bar. Bring your furry friends along as the outdoor seating area is dog-friendly.
Bettina is a quaint and cozy neighborhood pizzeria known for Neapolitan-style pizza.
The
San Ysidro Ranch is nestled in the Montecito foothills, providing a unique blend of peace and tranquility in a gorgeous setting. Inside the ranch is the award-winning
Stonehouse Restaurant housed inside a 19th-century citrus packing house. In nearby Carpinteria is the
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, the third oldest polo facility in the country.
Things to Do
With the prestigious
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in nearby Toro Canyon, it's a popular pastime for Montecito residents to attend to watch the games and polo matches. Car enthusiasts expectantly wait for the
Montecito Motor Classic (hosted by the SB Polo & Racquet Club) each year. The annual car show draws hobbyists and families from all over to see a diverse range of rare and unique vehicles.
If you're seeking outdoor entertainment, you should visit Lotusland. Named one of the world's top ten best gardens,
Lotusland is a non-profit botanical garden and the historic estate of Madame Ganna Walska and features more than 3,000 plants from all over the world.
Montecito is also home to local favorite
Butterfly Beach. This pristine beach attracts locals, vacationers, surfers, and sun tanners who want a relaxing and low-key spot to catch some rays. Bring your dog, too, as long as they remain on a leash. Beachgoers have a variety of activities to choose from, including dolphin and whale-watching, as they're often visible swimming near the Channel Islands.
Another popular Montecito pastime is people-watching, especially since many famous people call Montecito home or visit regularly. Even the singer Katy Perry once attended the prestigious classical music training program at Montecito's
Music Academy of the West.
Schools
The Montecito Union School District serves Montecito, and there are several other notable schools nearby.
- Cold Spring Elementary (public, K-6)
- Laguna Blanca (private, K-12)
- Crane Country Day School (private, K-8)
- Westmont College (private liberal arts college)
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