Slickly Renovated Mansion Seeks $20 Million

Noteworthy new listings….

The listing for 999 Romero Canyon Drive ($19.95 million) says the 2002 property is hitting the market for the first time, which is technically accurate, although it did change hands off-market in May 2021 for $9.91 million. Now comes the flip attempt. The house is a biggie—11,000 square feet on 2.43 acres, with “a guest house, bocce ball and lookout terrace, sports court, private hiking trails, and an animal barn”—and, to the seller’s credit, the design choices are far from safe and boring. But you might wish that $20 million would buy more distance from the neighbors. P.S. Which movie is that on the bedroom TV? UPDATE 1/29: Thanks to Tal for pointing out that it’s a young Audrey Hepburn and her mother, Ella Van Heemstra.

················

The permitting process in Montecito is a pain in the keister, but is it worth $3.45 million to avoid it? That’s how much the seller of 415 Meadowbrook Drive ($6.9 million) priced the property above what he/she paid for the 1.8-acre vacant lot in Ennisbrook in September 2021, before enduring the hassle of getting “approved plans and permits ready to issue for one-level, +/-6,000 square-foot home.” Much depends on the finishes, of course, but if you conservatively assume it’ll cost $6 million to build (and that’s if you have a contractor in the family), you’re $13 million in. The obvious comp is 321 Ennisbrook Drive, the smaller house on just .72 acre that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi sold for $13.5 million, but that was (a) turnkey and (b) last March.

················

Designed by Ferguson-Ettinger Architects and built in 2004, 603 E. Calle Laureles ($4.75 million) in upper San Roque is a deconstructed Tuscan, and as is often the case with hillside houses, the lower level lacks the same appeal as the main floor. The views are unimpeachable, but the street winds around the front and back of the house and the neighborhood isn’t exactly rich with $4 million houses.

················

There are great unobstructed views at 1320 Mission Ridge Road ($3.575 million), and it’s single-level. It’s also a project, unless you’re looking for dated surfaces and lots of wall-to-wall carpeting. I’m not sure I understand the point of a porte cochère with a hole in the roof.

················

Built in 1927, 2726 Cuesta Road ($2.895 million) has the kind of historical energy you expect from the Upper East more than Samarkand. It has three levels, an elevator, and a remarkably large pool, given the size of the deck around it.

················

The 1938 house at 8 Cedar Lane ($2.875 million) has period charm and a pretty garden, but it wants updating and it’s right at the intersection of Eucalyptus Hill Road and Barker Pass Road.

················

Think of the possibilities at 745 E. Anapamu Street ($2.3 million), a freestanding three-bedroom townhome in Paseo Bonito (near where Anapamu turns into Milpas). You could host Santa Barbara Bowl parties on that roof deck!

················

Also worth checking out:
••• 4300/4200 Roblar Avenue ($10.95 million): The sorta Moroccan two-house property at 4300 Roblar Avenue ($7.975 million) on 19.52 acres in Santa Ynez is now available with the option of also buying the adjacent 20-acre lot, which has “a private well [and] plans for a 1,200-square-foot residence.”
••• 1005 Roble Lane ($2.495 million): 1961 Riviera two-bedroom.
••• 604 Holly Avenue ($1.795 million): Carpinteria duplex walkable to downtown and the beach (below).

················

Love real estate? Sign up for the Siteline email newsletter.