Montecito CA Homes & Real Estate For Sale
Included below are homes for sale and real estate in Montecito, CA.
If you would like more information on any of these Montecito real estate listings, just click on a property to access the full details. From there, you can request more information or schedule a tour. And we'd be happy to provide you with disclosures, past sales history, dates and prices of properties which have recently sold nearby, and more, so just let us know how we can help!
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Montecito Neighborhood Information
Montecito is truly a little slice of heaven. With a stunning stretch of coastline, a large variety of mature vegetation, some of the best hiking trails in the entire area and its unique and special architecture, Montecito displays unparallaled beauty. Its residents share a common appreciation for this most charming community with its ideal Mediterranean climate.
At first glance this secluded area feels like an unassuming drive through the Californian country side. Many of the homes are tucked away from the streets behind gates and tall hedges for privacy. Lot sizes are generally of larger acreage, and its real estate is in the high luxury price points. Montecito has been named in the top 10 most expensive U.S. ZIP codes and attracts affluent homebuyers for its charm, casual lifestyle and much appreciated privacy.
You will find an interesting variety of architectural styles including predominantely Spanish Revival, but also French Country, English Tudor, Cape Cod, as well as Contemporary structures - just to name a few. One of the notable local architects during the early 20th century was George Washington Smith, known for his Spanish Colonial Revival Style.
You can find all types of topography from hillside settings to beachfront. Many properties enjoy breathtakingly beautiful mountain and ocean views.
Schools
The schools in Montecito are top-tier, both public as well as private. Options include:
- Montecito Union
- Cold Springs School
- Laguna Blanca
- Crane Country Day School
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
- Westmont College
Shopping
There are two main shopping areas in Montecito: the Upper Village and Lower Village. The Lower Village, along Coast Village Road, has quite a nice selection of boutiques, top notch restaurants, wine tasting and other popular establishments. Additional shopping can be found at the Montecito Country Mart, with groceries, bistros, boutiques, a toy store, pet supplies and amazing pizza at Bettina and ice cream at Rori's.
Popular Lower Village restaurant options include:
The Upper Village is another quaint shopping area with smaller stores and boutiques, grocery essentials, a public library, a post office, bistros and lovely dining options.
Popular Upper Village dining options include:
Hotels
Some of the area’s most outstanding hotels can be found in Montecito. An example would be the highly acclaimed Biltmore Four Seasons Resort. Next door you will find the popular private Coral Casino Club with an Olympic-sized pool, fitness center, sun deck, restaurant and beach access. (•Note: Currently these facilities are closed.)
A newer addition to Montecito is the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. This exquisite five-star resort is simply stunning. With several world-class dining options, bars, the Sense Spa, fabulous beach access and so much more, the Miramar Hotel has quickly ranked as one of the areas most popular destinations. Locals equally enjoy the resort's beautiful events or day spa passes here.
The San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito is another luxury hotel with a very special and idyllic setting and is one of the most historic and secret hideaways. It is regularly ranking with hospitality awards and accolades, and represents the quintessential Montecito lifestyle.
Botanic Attraction
Another must-see locale in Montecito is the magical Lotusland.
The alluring botanical garden estate was purchased by Madam Ganna Walska in 1941, and she spent the next 43 years passionately creating a collection of exotic plants, known today as one of the 10 best gardens in the world. This is a spectacular site for any gardening and nature lover and can't be missed.
→ Watch a short 1 min. impression here
(Note: To tour this spectacular venue, you will need to make reservations in advance.)
Cultural Entertainment
The Music Academy of the West offers wonderful events. This beautiful 10 acre, ocean-side campus in Montecito provides young, gifted musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and performance during its Summer School and Festival. The Festival's public events can be enjoyed on campus and downtown Santa Barbara.
Other performing arts theaters to enjoy in Santa Barbara include:
Another beautiful historic landmark to visit is Casa del Herrero - The House of the Blacksmith. This 1920s estate, designed by George Washington Smith, is a wonderful example of the region's Spanish Revival architecture. Docent-led tours of the house and gardens can be booked in advance.
Clubs and Recreation
Montecito offers plenty of recreational options. The number one option is probably spending time outside enjoying the beautiful environment at the beaches or hiking in the mountains. With several golf clubs, gyms, country clubs and tennis clubs, there are multiple choices available. There are a few gated communities in Montecito, which offer club houses, pools and tennis courts. For a quick introduction to some of the gated communities, watch this video here.
Some of the clubs in Montecito include:
Hiking
There are an array of hiking trails in Montecito. You can find hiking options for all levels of adventurers. Some of the more popular hikes are:
- San Ysidro Falls
- Hot Springs Trail (→ Watch 3min. video about this trail here)
- Cold Springs Trail
Beaches
The beaches in Montecito are highly-regarded and are all stunning in their own special way:
• Butterfly Beach
• Miramar Beach
• Hammonds Beach
• Fernald Point
Tip: When the day comes to an end, do as the locals do: pack a picnic and watch the sunset from gorgeous Butterfly Beach - Simply breathtaking!
→ In this video I will give you a quick introduction to Montecito