Noteworthy new listings….
Designed by George Washington Smith and built in 1929, Los Sueños, a.k.a. 2925 Sycamore Canyon Road ($33 million), is quintessential Montecito—the architecture, the 3.36 acres of grounds, and the central location. The interiors are ready for a new chapter—although I do hope the mosaic floor in the primary bathroom can be spared—and the outdoor space is perfect for a party or two. (That square swimming pool is pure glamour.) And then there’s the tower. At the brokers’ open, I got a chance to explore it; the four floors are home to—starting from the bottom—a tiny living area, kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom, all connected by a spiral staircase. It’s not what I would call livable, but what a fabulous folly!
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On 3.32 acres at the end of a Montecito cul-de-sac, 930 Knollwood Drive ($12.85 million) has an appealing sprawl, woodsy midcentury charm, and a comfortable guest house. It was designed by Lockwood de Forest, built in 1949, and subsequently added onto; the right architect and interior designer could update it without sacrificing what makes it special. Plus: a serious outdoor kitchen and a fire pit big enough for an entire troop of Cub Scouts.
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The talk of the brokers’ open at brand-new 515 Santa Angela Lane ($8.45 million) was what an excellent job Ferguson Ettinger Architects did of minimizing noise from adjacent East Valley Road. The main building is a bit of a fortress from the outside, but inside it opens up to a broad courtyard with a pool and, across the way, an appealing ADU. It felt like a winner, particularly when you factor in the proximity of the Upper Village.
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The 1946 Alex D’Alfonso house at 1221 E. De La Guerra Road ($2.695 million) has a floor-plan issue: the three bedrooms on the main (upper) floor, including the primary, essentially share one bathroom. (If it’s busy, you can use the inexplicable one off the kitchen.) Another bedroom and bath are on the ground floor. The house has a great view, though, as well as a big family room and a sweet terraced backyard. Bet it goes for above ask.
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The 1958 two-bedroom at 939 Mission Ridge Road ($2.25 million) was bought in July 2021 for $1.81 million, and there’s a stark line between what has and has not been remodeled. P.S. It’s already in escrow.
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Also worth checking out:
••• 126 N. Milpas Street ($1.199 million): 1930 house between Yanonali and Mason (below).
••• 1040 Alameda Padre Serra ($2.375 million): 1985 three-bedroom on the upper side of APS.
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I did not know Lockwood De Forrest designed houses too!