New England Traditional in Toro Canyon

Noteworthy new listings….

Eight figures is unheard of in the Torito Road area west of Toro Canyon, but if any property can get there, it’s likely to be 2820 Torito Road ($12.75 million), built in 2012. I haven’t seen the 7,006-square-foot house in person, so I can’t quite say whether “every element reflects a dedication of unparalleled artistry and a reverence for authenticity,” but the photos show many ways—the motor court, the ceilings, the millwork, and so on—money was spent. An interior designer who can breathe fresh air into traditional style would have a field day.

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Near the Cold Spring trailhead, 1030 E. Mountain Drive ($8.95 million) is a fascinating midcentury specimen, what with the tri-wing shape, elevated entrance, cork floor, and walls and windows that lean outward. There are only two bedrooms, and the one that feels like the primary is not en suite; even the most ardent midcentury aficionado will want to redo much of the 1954 house. The price must be predicated on the fact that the 5.27-acre property is on two parcels, and you could conceivably build on the 1.69-acre one behind the house, but I’m not sure how easy or wise that would be. A logical comp is 1285 E. Mountain Drive, which also had a bonus parcel; it sold for $10 million earlier this month—but it’s a bigger, better house in a superior location.

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The 6,900-square-footer at 930 San Antonio Creek Road ($7.55 million) in Park Highlands goes on forever—there are six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with a game room, a wine cellar, and a gym. With the main staircase at the end of a hall rather than in a more prominent spot, the second floor (home to the primary and more) feels like it was added after the house was built in 2005, although I doubt that’s actually the case. And outside is a veritable campus of fun, with a pool, tennis court, and sport court. The price strikes me as a stretch, unless it’s turnkey for you.

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Not far away, and turnkey by any definition, is 4897 Via Los Santos ($5.995 million): a spec renovation of a 1971 house/time capsule—the before photos are worth a look—which the seller bought in June 2023 for $2.9 million. It looks great, and the choices throughout are lovely. But the bones are what they are, with rooms arranged on six separate levels linked by a staired hallway.

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848 Miramonte Drive ($6.995 million) is in a classic Santa Barbara location atop TV Hill, with extraordinary views of the city and mountains. Built in 1992, it has just three bedrooms; the bulk of the 4,657 square feet are in the voluminous common areas. Surfaces need to be redone throughout, and I’d definitely invest in screening out the neighbors, but the potential is tremendous.

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Another enviable setting can be found at 1575 La Vista del Oceano ($4.995 million), on one of Santa Barbara’s most dazzling streets. The 2015 Mediterranean drops down the hillside; common areas and the primary are below the entrance level, and two bedrooms sharing a bath are below that. You’re not going to age in place here, and there’s not much in the way of outdoor space (unless you can make use of the spit of land to the east), but views don’t get any better, and the Mesa’s commercial zone is just down the hill and to the right.

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The star of 49 Cedar Lane ($2.995 million) on Eucalyptus Hill is the contemporary-style great room that opens onto a large deck, complete with outdoor kitchen and sunken fire pit. With three bedrooms and two baths, the house makes more sense for a couple than a family.

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And a few others worth checking out:
••• 4141 Mariposa Drive ($6.795 million): 1979 four-bedroom house with guest house, pool, and tennis court, on 1.5 acres on a good Hope Ranch street; wants updating.
••• 4033 Via Laguna ($4.595 million): Hope Ranch three-bedroom, two-bath with a nice, flat backyard (below).
••• 1595 Miramar Lane ($5.395 million): Hedgerow three-bedroom on its way to becoming a hot potato, having sold for $4.7 million just two months ago.
••• 60 Seaview Drive ($4.495 million): Attractive ground-floor two-bedroom in Montecito Shores.
••• 1823 Mira Vista Drive ($3.95 million): 1950 three-bedroom on .27 acre on the the Riviera; already in escrow.
••• 136 Olive Mill Road ($4.198 million): 1950 house that’s technically four bedrooms but lives like three (including a large primary and a guest casita).

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