Noteworthy new listings….
838 Knapp Drive ($22.5 million) has a funny kind of historical provenance: it’s built atop—and incorporates as a family room—the underground music pavilion of the former Arcady estate. The house itself dates from 1954, with subsequent additions, but it feels older, thanks to the Neoclassical architecture and the marvelous stone work around the 3.92 acres of grounds. While the house is done with impeccable taste, the public rooms are on the small side, which may be an issue for folks used to modern rooms you could play catch in. The grounds, meanwhile, are likely to appeal to anyone and everyone, with a grand lawn for entertaining, a circular pool out of a Slim Aarons photo, a lighted tennis court, and many areas for relaxing and contemplating the mountain views.
················
The 1957 beachside main house at 3517 Padaro Lane ($16.5 million) has old-school charm on the outside and interiors renovated with a clean, contemporary look; the two-unit street-side house missed the cut.
················
While the style of 1439 Irvine Lane ($13.5 million) is a bit suburban Tuscan, the setting is super—1.41 acres just above E. Mountain Drive—and updating surfaces might make a substantial difference.
················
Either 2580 Sycamore Canyon Road ($6.5 million) got semi-staged or the owners have been too busy working to furnish it much. (Is T for toilet?) The price is high considering the location right on the street, but you do get a two-bedroom guest house with counter seating for five. Not far way is 2380 Sycamore Canyon Road ($4.995 million), with photos so amateurish I would’ve sworn it was FSBO.
················
The surreal front entrance, the octagonal living and dining rooms, the outbuilding that resembles apartments…. They sure don’t make them like 1944 East Valley Road ($5.45 million) anymore!
················
Newly built 1789 Calle Poniente ($2.995 million) is a sharp-looking three-bedroom tucked up against Elings Park in Bel Air Knolls. The listing touts “direct access to a hidden trail” to the park, which sounds amazing unless that’s it running alongside the back fence.
················
And now, time for a trip in the Wayback Machine, via 5522 Calle Ocho ($2.65 million) in Carpinteria. I do feel fortunate to have grown up in a time when diving boards weren’t rare.
················
And a few others worth checking out:
••• 14 E. Los Olivos Street ($3.15 million): Excellent Upper East location, meh house.
••• 540 Ricardo Avenue ($3.15 million): Alta Mesa architectural whatsit with a nice pool deck.
••• 633 W. Valerio Street ($1.089 million): Sweet 1930 cottage on the Westside (below).
················
Love real estate? Sign up for the Siteline email newsletter.
Comment: