Montecito is one of California’s most exclusive enclaves, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and high-profile residents. The serene neighborhood, with its lush landscape and sprawling Spanish Colonial-style estates, has been the go-to relocation for the rich and famous, with residents including Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Anniston, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and, of course, Oprah Winfrey, whose 70-acre Montecito estate made headlines as the backdrop of her infamous 2021 interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Located between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Montecito offers prime access to scenic hiking trails and beaches, where residents can explore California’s beauty in the region’s year-round mild temperatures. Conveniently located, Santa Barbara is only an eight-minute drive away, where residents can find easy access to cultural amenities. For those balancing work in the city, Los Angeles is just a breezy hour and a half down the coast.
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Picacho Lane is one of Montecito’s most sought-after streets, quietly known among exclusive circles for its collection of spellbinding estates. Enter 880 Picacho Lane, the very embodiment of Montecito luxury. Priced at $36.5m, the property is spread across 3.5 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and blends Californian sophistication with playful Mediterranean charm. The main house boasts 10,776 sq-ft of living space, with five bedrooms and a separate two-bedroom guest house. Two gated driveways invite you to the grand entrance, where rustic wooden beams meet double wood doors, giving a stately welcome.
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Once inside, light floods through wide windows and paneled doors, revealing breathtaking mountain and ocean views. The airy, open-plan living spaces flow effortlessly into each other—perfect for wholesome family moments and grand evenings of entertainment. The kitchen is a showstopper, with dual islands, a butler’s pantry, and even a dumbwaiter, ensuring the host can easily whisk dishes around the property.
But the real party trick? Beneath the home lies a sprawling, temperature-controlled wine cellar—visible from a cool glass panel in the den. Perfect for the oenophile who likes a bit of drama with their Pinot. And for movie nights or slumber parties, the home theater adjoins a bunk room that sleeps four, ensuring even the kids have their own hideaway.
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The fun extends outdoors, where the two-bedroom guest house features a home office and gym, providing extra space for guests or even a quiet workday retreat. The estate is primed for entertaining: whip up dinner at one of two outdoor BBQ stations, take a dip in the resort-worthy pool, or get competitive on the sports court. A stroll through the palm-lined gardens reveals a series of organic orchards, producing hundreds of pounds of fresh fruit each year—an idyllic touch.