2540 Whitney Avenue (↓$125K to $2.75M) would seem to have the best of Summerland—less freeway noise, because it’s on the back side of the farthest street from the 101, and amazing views in all directions. (The hike up the hill is not for beginners, however.) So why isn’t it selling? Could the concrete floors be a turn-off? Or that fridge encased in drywall? The house is open today (Sunday), 2-4 p.m., so I’ll check it out.
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Dear, sweet 62 Humphrey Road (↓$350K to $4M) is making its second appearance in a Price Cuts roundup. Isn’t there anyone willing to polish this gem? Check out the listing for interior photos while I obsess over the classic chic of a brick garden wall painted white. / Open today, 1-4pm.
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If you love nothing more than staring at the Pacific Ocean, 365 Loma Media Road (↓$100K to $3.195M) might be the house for you: It’s one of those south-facing Rivera houses where the entire point is the view—there’s really no usable outdoor space beyond that one terrace. The interiors aren’t bad, if a bit spec-y, and it’s been on the market for over four months, so maybe the owner is ready to deal. P.S. If you go to the open house (today 2-4 p.m.), be sure to bring bread crumbs when you explore the storage area on the lower level.
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Another Hope Ranch ranch house that has been zhooshed up, 1126 Estrella Drive (↓$99K to $2.85M) presumably suffers from the relatively busy street, small-for-the area lot (1 acre), and the two guest bedrooms sharing a bath in the hall. Still, there’s charm there, and kids have been to known to survive without an en suite bathroom.
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Last but not least: land. Pros regarding the two-acre lot at 685 Stonehouse Lane (↓$500K to $3.495M) in Montecito: It’s at the end of the cul de sac, and it has a shared well. Con: It’s just one house off East Valley Road. Angle the design the right way and you can minimize any road noise.
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