Located in the heart of Montecito, Ravenscroft is a George Washington Smith estate where heritage and modern luxury live in harmony. Widely regarded as the "Father of Santa Barbara Architecture," Smith designed the villa in 1922 for Peggy Ravenscroft, a creative and spirited figure of the time. In more than a century, Ravenscroft has had just 3 owners. As its current stewards, we have spent 18 years lovingly restoring the estate. The result is a rare balance of historic integrity and timeless elegance, where the past lives beautifully in the present. A winding driveway reveals a landscape of manicured lawns, towering palms and rose gardens, revealing a stately Spanish facade draped in ivy and history. Celebrated for its theatrical proportions, enduring romance, and architectural pedigree, the 10,000 square foot home in Montecito stands as one of California's most exceptional and soulful properties. Ravenscroft also captivated Academy Award winner Diane Keaton, who named it one of her favorite homes. Adjacent to Lotusland, the 2-acre gated estate offers a rare balance of privacy and convenience: just minutes from Montecito's beaches, the iconic Rosewood Miramar Hotel, the boutiques and restaurants of Coast Village Road, San Ysidro Ranch, and the Hot Springs Trailhead. Complementing Ravenscroft's enviable location are its amenities: pool & spa, home theatre, full guest house, 3 guest cottages, wine cellar & tasting room, billiards room, and courts for bocce, pickle-ball, and tennis. The heart of the estate is the 52-foot living room, as space as storied as it is striking. Modeled after a London stage production, the room was built large enough to accommodate Peggy's beloved horse, Jack, who would warm himself beside the fire. Though reimagined with modern sensibilities, it's retained the theatrical flair of the 1920s and the grandeur of a vanished age. Dramatic dual staircases and a monumental fireplace are balanced by mahogany pieces and a palette of sand and caramel tones. A series of inviting seating areas and sumptuous statement sofas bring warmth and intimacy to the room's impressive scale. Beyond a garden-lined foyer lies the loggia, where cascading vines shroud the walls in a tapestry of green. Wrought-iron doors open onto the rose gardens and pool, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out. The loggia unfolds across an intimate reading nook, a spacious lounge centered around a fireplace and TV, and a dining area for candlelit dinners and soirees. Enchanting and transporting, the space feels like a world unto itself, where memory, myth, and magic intertwine. The kitchen features a butler's pantry, breakfast nook, fireplace, La Cornue stove, and everything needed for effortless home cooking. French doors open onto an intimate courtyard, where a mosaic fountain, fire pit, and inviting seating set the scene for starlit evenings, chef-prepared dinners, and fireside conversation. The formal dining room, anchored by a Carrara marble table, flows into a second courtyard leading to the Billiards Room and guest cottages. And tucked discreetly behind a bookshelf, a hidden wine cellar awaits ensuring every meal is paired with the perfect vintage. The primary king suite occupies the entire second level of the main home, with sweeping views over the pool and enchanting grounds. A private retreat unto itself, the suite features his-and-hers bathrooms and walk-in closets, a fireplace, TV, and writing desk. Tucked discreetly within one of the closets, a hidden door reveals a staircase leading to a private lookout tower above. Three guest bedrooms are located on the ground level, each with its own ensuite and French doors opening to the rose gardens. The full guest house includes a king bedroom, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with a TV. 'Jack's Cottage' offers a queen bedroom, a full bathroom, and a sauna offering a spa-like retreat wrapped in comfort and calm. In the Japanese Tea House, you'll find a queen pull-out bed along with a full bathroom and walk-in shower. Tucked away amidst a fruit orchard and quaint hen house, the restored 'Abigail Cottage' is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom hideaway. Enjoy sun-drenched afternoons by the pool, matches of tennis or bocce, and restorative moments in the sauna. As evening falls, sip twilight aperitifs in the ivy-draped loggia and savor candlelit dinners beneath the stars. For an unforgettable movie night, recline in red, velvet seats in the theatre room with popcorn in hand, wrapped in the flicker of old Hollywood films. Later, convene in the billiards room for a game of pool or slip through a hidden bookcase into the wine cellar: where a crackling fireplace and sumptuous leather seating invite lingering conversation and a final pour. $110,000/month for a 12-month lease; short term rates are different
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