Noteworthy new listings….
The 1902 house at 830 Riven Rock Road ($14.95 million) was purchased for $7.3 million in April 2021, and now it’s back for an ambitious flip attempt. The interiors look much improved, and I have no bone to pick with the flag-lot location. In order to make room for a big ground-floor primary bedroom, however, the kitchen got squeezed in along with the living/dining room and the family room got moved upstairs—so all communal space on the ground floor is essentially in one large room. The guest house remains as adorable as ever.
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On nearly two acres on the back of the Riviera, 2010 Las Tunas Road ($4.585 million) is the 1957 house that architect Peter Edwards built for himself. Unlike many midcentury properties that come on the market, it’s just about done with a top-to-bottom renovation, including enclosing a breezeway, so it’s in turnkey condition. I wouldn’t be surprised if it crested the $5 million mark—demand for midcentury architecture has been in strong demand.
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On a long lot between E. Mission and E. Pedregosa, 1915 Santa Barbara Street ($3.495 million) is a 1926 gem by Joseph Plunkett. Whitening up the walls would go a long way.
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Who knew there was a 1935 Tudor house in the Shepard Mesa part of Carpinteria? With leaded glass windows and marvelous stonework? 6818 Shepard Mesa Road ($8.45 million), 5,171 square feet on 13 acres, certainly boasts room to spread out; that said, the upstairs layout is not exactly how we live today.
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WIth a price of $3.15 million, 660 Orchard Avenue is a rarity in Montecito. The house will go faster than you can say “.17 acres.”
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1060 Las Alturas Road ($3.149 million) is a 1952 four-bedroom just itching to be restored to its midcentury glory, although the floor plan poses challenges. Not sure I’d want the primary bedroom right next to the front door.
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The $3.595 million price being asked for 627 Ricardo Avenue is surprising for Alta Mesa, but the contemporary, monochrome interiors will probably appeal to a lot of people; the property is walkable to Lazy Acres; there are lovely views; and—the biggest justification for the price—only three other Mesa houses are currently on the market.
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“Originally envisioned in 1946 as a seven-cottage dude ranch for riders headed to the nearby Skofield property where the Rancheros Visitadores camped, El Rancho Hacienda is now a private 4.59-acre enclave of unique adobe-style cottages held in co-tenancy between owners.” One of the casitas, 493 W. Mountain Drive, is now being offered for $2.295 million. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and perhaps a smidge too much historical charm.
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And a few others worth checking out:
••• 4464 Via Alegre ($7.6 million): Wacky Hope Ranch contemporary went into escrow as soon as it hit the market.
••• 312-314 E. Figueroa Street ($4.5 million): Three-bedroom house with three rental units.
••• 800 Rockbridge Road ($3.65 million): 1.52-acre lot in Riven Rock.
••• 3 Saint Francis Way ($2.495 million): Appealing moments but right on N. Ontare Road.
••• 2578 Banner Avenue ($2.725 million): “Freestanding condo home” at the end of a Summerland cul-de-sac.
••• 324 El Monte Drive ($2.45 million): Mesa house wanting an update.
••• 522 E. Sola Street ($1.795 million): 1915 Craftsman bungalow (below).
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For 15 million you get to eat formal meals in your family room? New lows.
I always wonder, when I hear of Riven Rock, if the old McCormick estate is still there or if it was torn down. TC Boyle wrote a book, aptly titled Riven Rock, about that whole saga but it’s been a long time since I read it. Interesting little tid-bit about local history.