At first glance, you might not call this estate in Montecito a contemporary. The innovative design takes many of its cues from adobe or Pueblo Revival architecture.
But here, the stucco walls have clean, crisp corners rather than rounded edges. Overhangs replace exposed beams on the exterior. The trapezoid is the predominant structure shape, not the rectangle or square.
Don’t call the compound a square: the home’s predominant structure shape is the trapezoid (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The end result is modern, as opposed to rustic.
Set against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the compound was built in 1999 as the personal residence of architect Steve Berman, known for his residential work in the wealthy enclaves of Santa Barbara County and for his Mayan contemporary designs.
The property encompasses some 58 acres and takes in views of the ocean, curving coastline and the Channel Islands (Village Properties).
The 58-acre site takes in views of the ocean, the curving coastline and the Channel Islands as well as the harbor, Montecito Village and nearby polo fields.
Sprawling polo fields and the ocean create a stunning backdrop for the home (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The estate is made up of multiple structures totaling about 12,000 square feet. The terraced landscape of coast live oaks, avocado trees, bougainvillea and wild grasses blends into the natural terrain.
The multiple structures on the property combine for more than 12,000 square feet of curated living space. Oaks, avocado trees and blossoming bougainvillea punctuate the grounds (Village Properties).
At the heart of the grounds is the nearly 5,600-square-foot main house, with high ceilings, clerestory windows and multiple fireplaces. Exposed Alderwood warms the beamed ceiling in the living room. Windows frame the views from every room. Many of the living spaces open to an expanse of patio.
Pocketing walls of glass open the two-story living room to expansive patio space (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The sky-lighted kitchen features granite countertops, a butler’s pantry and three refrigerators. There’s both an eat-in nook and a formal dining room.
The sunny dining area sits off the living room (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The mostly single-story home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a powder room.
Glass panels flood the breakfast area with natural light while framing panoramic ocean views (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The detached guest house contains an office, a bedroom and a bathroom in about 1,200 square feet. Slightly larger is the free-standing gym, with an outdoor shower and another half-bath.
Many of the home’s bedrooms and living spaces open directly to patio space (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The compound holds two surprises. The first is a 1,700-square-foot detached library. The second is a separate meditation room of about 500 square feet with a powder room.
A rustic trellis provides cover for the meditation room on the property (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The library includes a circular reading room with a fireplace, an office and an en-suite bedroom. The meditation room, with a wood-burning fireplace, could serve as a studio.
Elsewhere on the grounds is a library structure that holds a circular reading room (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
Boulders surround the free-form swimming pool. The tennis court can be adapted for pickleball.
The tennis court sits in a sunken pavilion (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
The property, at 560 Toro Canyon Park Road, Montecito, is listed at $26.5 million. Riskin Partners Estate Group of Village Properties has the listing.
On a clear day, the property takes in views of the Channel Islands (VILLAGE PROPERTIES).
