Welcome to Montecito
Its name has become synonymous with wealth, but this serene seaside town isn’t at all about glitz.
Just east of Santa Barbara, Montecito’s eight square miles are flush with lavish estates, luxe compounds, and secluded manors. Affluent families and individuals—including a smattering of mega-celebrities like long-time resident Oprah Winfrey—call this seaside sanctum home. Built into the oak- and eucalyptus-laden foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains (Montecito means “little mountain” in Spanish), the peaceful town boasts several world-class resorts, top-of-the-line schools, country clubs, and a selection of high-end shops and restaurants.
THE NEIGHBORS
An older, well-heeled crowd of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and Hollywood stars, drawn to the neighborhood’s privacy and beauty.
WHAT TO EXPECT
An elite locale of understated elegance sans attitude, filled with quiet streets and gated estates.
THE LIFESTYLE
The townsfolk mix along beaches and two main streets, and it’s an unspoken rule that no one makes a fuss if a famous face is spotted.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
There’s plenty of places to see and be seen, from San Ysidro’s Stonehouse restaurant to celeb-studded Butterfly beach. Locals take advantage of the distinguished Rosewood Hotel —which hosts legendary sunsets—and curated cocktails. On weekends, Coast Village is the spot for a leisure stroll; you can pop into local boutiques or relax at one of the restaurants with a nice cool beverage in hand.
THE MARKET
Considered the crème de la crème of Santa Barbara County real estate, even teardowns go for millions.
Though gates and greenery keep most Montecito residences hidden, these bucolic hills hold wonders. Some of the earliest residents and many celebrated names in architecture (including Frank Lloyd Wright and George Washington Smith) have built everything from English manors, Normandy castles, Italian palazzos, Mediterranean villas, Cape Cod Colonials, and marble palaces. In addition to these sprawling estates, there’s also a handful of gated communities, high-end condominiums, and even charming cottages—some of which were once staff housing for the area mansions. Lot sizes are capped at eight acres, with none less than one.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Sunny days, ocean breezes, beautiful scenery, and the pleasant daily pursuit of the high life.
With proximity to some of Santa Barbara’s most glorious beaches in the south, access to ribbon-like trails into the Santa Ynez mountains in the north, plus an array of sporting clubs, eclectic shops, and small eateries, Montecito has all the benefits of a holiday getaway with all the charm of home sweet home.