Noteworthy new listings….
From the street, 240 Ortega Ridge Road ($11.2 million) looks intriguing, but not necessarily impressive, and you’d never guess that the 1906 house is 11,695 square feet. Once you step inside, it’s clear that an artful renovation and a zeal for interior design have turned the property into something special. For anyone who adores old houses—including the funky little spaces that get ironed out these days—exploring the three-level house is a thrill. The fun continues outside, where terraced gardens designed by Lockwood de Forest cascade down the ridge. That said, the neoclassical architecture does bring with it a certain dimness, and many buyers in this price range will likely crave more of a view.
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At 3557 Padaro Lane ($12.95 million), the toughest choice of the day is whether to sit inside the enclosed porch, step outside to the large beachfront deck, or venture onto the sand. The two-bedroom main house and detached guest house want some updating—but maybe not too much, to preserve the easygoing vibe.
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In my recent walk through the Hedgerow, I mentioned the fork at the northern end of Miramar Avenue, where the street splits into two private lanes. Near the end of the right fork, next to the Palm Springs–style midcentury that just got renovated, is 234/236 Miramar Avenue ($5.45 million): a “.6-acre parcel featuring a single-level 4/3 main residence, spacious guest cottage, two-car garage, and mature gardens and specimen plantings; plus a .65-acre undeveloped parcel with a Montecito Water meter.” The house is a teardown; the prospect of a 1.25-acre lot well off the street is juicy, to say the least. I’m surprised it’s not already in escrow.
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A sweet 1928 Upper East cottage on a lovely block, 422 E. Padre Street ($1.995 million) is small (1,343 square feet), but the garage and attic could be converted into living space. The house butts up against Roosevelt Elementary School, which may or may not a concern, depending on how you feel about other people’s children. P.S. Did you know a path across the street leads from Padre to the Mission Rose Garden?
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Not too far away is another cottage, this one from 1940: 309 E. Islay Street ($1.45 million). It’s smaller—1,1096 square feet, with two bedrooms and one bath—and could use updating; still, there’s period charm.
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The exterior of 2010 Birnam Wood Drive ($5.595 million) is what it is, but the floor plan looks livable. (New surfaces everywhere, stat.)
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The Hope Ranch Parade of Teardowns continues with 4101 Mariposa Drive ($2.995 million), on 1.4 acres. The HOA might have to tighten up the building guidelines, what with all the imminent construction.
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The type of midcentury architecture on offer at 820 Summit Road ($2.475 million) has been white-hot in the past year, and one can certainly see ways to bring the house into the current moment. (Indeed, it’s already pending.) Save some money in the budget to persuade neighbors to cut down those trees….
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And a few others worth checking out:
••• 180 Nogal Drive ($3.349 million): Six bedrooms in Hope Ranch Annex, but only the master is en suite.
••• 3202 Braemar Drive ($3.75 million): Four-bedroom on an acre in Yankee Farm; wants updating.
••• 419 Stanley Drive ($2.195 million): Spec reno flip attempt in Samarkand; the seller paid $1.1 million six months ago.
••• 2940 Kenmore Place ($25 million): The definition of curb repel.
••• 31 Cedar Lane ($2.325 million): 1948 Cape Cod on Eucalyptus Hill.
••• 3208 Laurel Canyon Road ($1.295 million): Notable mainly for the retro-chic living room (below); if you stand on the roof, you can see the ocean.
••• 341 Mohawk Road ($1.675 million): Mulch-crazy Mesa cottage.
••• 909 Laguna Street ($2.549 million): Duplex wedged between two taller buildings.
••• 1278 East Valley Road ($1.75 million): Teardown on a busy stretch of Route 192.
••• 237 Oliver Road ($1.495 million): West Mesa house with a quirky archway.
••• 1438 Hillcrest Road ($2.295 million): On the back of the Riviera and in need of a total redo.
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I love that Ortega Ridge house!!!