$5,879,541Average Value$2,551Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Luxurious celebrity hideaway with Pacific Ocean views
Buyers won’t just find luxury estates here in Montecito. This secluded community in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains draws noteworthy individuals like Oprah Winfrey and Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However, the opulent homes, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and charming village centers have made it a tight-knit community where many homeowners stay for years. “In addition to higher profile residents, generations of families have lived in Montecito since its development. It’s a place where you get privacy at home but can easily meet up for coffee or dinner with your friends and neighbors,” says Realtor Joe Parker with The Santa Barbara Group at Berkshire Hathaway. Parker was born and raised in Santa Barbara and has been selling real estate in the area since 2001. Parker also has a YouTube Channel for South Coast home buyers called “Montecito & Santa Barbara California.”
A variety of new and traditional homes can be found throughout Montecito.
Miramar Beach, the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, and the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club all lend to the beachy opulence of coastal Montecito.
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Palatial properties in the Santa Ynez foothills
Montecito's luxury homes are known for their immense lot sizes, stunning interiors and well-manicured grounds fit with pools, tennis courts and gardens. “Homes here have long driveways and lots of privacy, so you’re not usually noticing your neighbor,” says Parker. The community's oldest and highest-profile homes are in the coveted Golden Quadrangle. Most dwellings feature expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and distant mountains of the Channel Islands. Many homes here have stucco walls, arched entryways and terracotta roof tiles of the Spanish Revivalist style. However, there are also contemporary mansions, Tudor Revival-style estates and Mediterranean-style villas. Homes here cost between $8 million and $40 million, usually depending on the size of the house, and most homes within the Golden Quadrangle cost over $10 million.
A contemporary home with both privacy and extraordinary views.
Exquisite natural and architectural details are found throughout the homes of Montecito.
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Highly rated public schools and world-renowned private schools
Families in Montecito have access to excellent public and private schools. Montecito Union Elementary and Cold Spring Elementary School are rated A-plus on Niche. There are no middle or high schools in Montecito, so students must either enroll in the Santa Barbara Unified School District or attend private schools. The Laguna Blanca School is a world-class day school for those seeking private school options, which scored an A-plus on Niche. The school serves kindergarten through 12th grade and provides top-of-the-line experiential learning programs, including STEM, LEGO and visual/performing arts.
Santa Barbara Junior High School is housed in this gorgeous Mediterranean Revival complex, against the backdrop of the "Amerian Riviera."
Santa Barbara Senior High School is an architectural gem with many athletic opportunities.
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Sandy beaches, hiking trails and horseback riding in San Ysidro Canyon
The town rests against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, where there are numerous hot springs, hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. San Ysidro Canyon is also a popular hiking location, with about 9 miles of trails that are also great for horseback riding and mountain biking. Beloved beaches like Butterfly Beach and Hammonds Beach are just minutes away. Families will enjoy visiting Manning Park, which has a variety of picnic areas, athletic fields, walking trails and a playground. For indoor recreation, residents may have a home gym, but they can also attend fitness classes and other activities at the Montecito Family YMCA or Montecito Fitness.
Enjoy a swim at East Beach in nearby Santa Barbara.
Strolling down the boardwalk in nearby Santa Barbara.
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Charming small businesses and upscale dining options
Quiet luxury is what most will find in Montecito's Upper and Lower Villages. Upper Village, located on San Ysidro Lane, has boutiques, modest grocery stores like Montecito Village Grocery, coffee shops like Montecito Coffee Shop and locally loved restaurants like Via Vai. Montecito’s Lower Village on Coast Village Road has more extensive commercial offerings. There are restaurants like Lucky’s Steakhouse and shops at Montecito Country Mart. “The Lower Village also has a farmers market where you’ll often find your neighbors. A lot of locals will get produce at the market and then grab a coffee or a bite to eat down the road,” says Parker.
Meet a friend for lunch at Montesano Deli and Market in Montecito.
Coast Village Road is an opportune commercial stretch that combines the Southern California beach vibe with upscale refinement.
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A 90-minute drive from Los Angeles
This luxury community is located right off the Pacific Coast Highway. With that major thoroughfare easily accessible, residents can enter Santa Barbara and surrounding communities in minutes. There's also public transportation in the form of buses and bike shares. Montecito is just 5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is the closest medical treatment center for medical necessities. Many residents in Montecito work in Los Angeles's film, music and television industries, so quick access to LA is necessary. Residents are about 90 miles from LA and the Los Angeles Airport. Easy access to the surrounding area and California landmarks both North and South, makes living in Montecito equally luxurious and convenient.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Heckman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Montecito, CA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Montecito, CA over the last 12 months is $5,050,000, down 65% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Unique Redwood Home in a serene setting located in Montecito. This spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home is nestled on a peaceful, tree-lined street. The architectural design features high ceilings and an abundance of large windows, allowing natural light to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly connects you to the outdoors. Hardwood floors extend throughout the home, complemented by a
Stephanie RachfordKeller Williams Realty Santa Barbara
Elegant and refined, this Mediterranean estate is situated in Montecito's prestigious Golden Quadrangle on approximately one acre of private, beautifully manicured grounds. The two-story residence radiates warmth with arched entryways, soaring ceilings, and a harmonious blend of wood and tile floors throughout. The grand living and formal dining rooms exude timeless charm, while the gourmet
Cristal ClarkeBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Tucked away on a private lane just steps from Butterfly Beach and Coast Village Road, this 1950s Montecito cottage presents a rare opportunity in one of the area's most iconic coastal settings. On the market for the first time in over 40 years, the home has been lovingly maintained by the same family and sits on just under half an acre. It's a generous lot in a location where lifestyle and
A Private Zen Retreat in the Heart of Montecito Tucked behind gates on a peaceful lane, this single-level Mid-Century estate is a tranquil sanctuary where nature and luxury converge. Lush tropical landscaping, curated pathways, and serene outdoor moments create a resort-like atmosphere. Inside, soaring ceilings and walls of glass frame garden views, while a chef's kitchen, dramatic agate
Mesmerizing mountain views in Montecito's sought after Cold Spring School District. This charming cottage retreat has been tastefully remodeled throughout and is ideal for a full time residence or weekend getaway. Surrounded by majestic oaks which frame the mountain view and adding privacy. This one acre parcel inspires unlimited potential to add on to the existing home or create your own vision
Perched atop a serene mountain bluff, this fully reimagined single-level 4BD/3.5BA estate offers panoramic mountain views, gated privacy, and luxury living. Located in the coveted Montecito Cold Springs School District. Thoughtfully redesigned with all-new essential systems, the home features Venetian plaster walls, custom cabinetry, white oak flooring, and exposed beams. Limestone patios
Experience refined living in this newly renovated 3br/2ba home with a private guest studio. Designer accents and exquisite finishes abound, including luxurious bathrooms that offer spa-like relaxation. The secure, gated yard features pristine turf grass, lush landscaping, fruit trees and a two-car garage with an EV charger. The elegant living room, with its fireplace and hardwood floors, exudes
Furnished Rental Avail July-Aug, 2025 only, 6week min stay. Breathtaking views of the ocean, islands and the city of Santa Barbara from this tranquil single level home. Coronada Circle is a respected Montecito community within a beautifully lush setting. This 2BR/2BA home is on the ocean side of the circle. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the unobstructed panoramic coastal and city views. South
Property Id: 1640392Beautiful Single Level Spanish Architecture Home Move-in ready, on Montecito side of Riviera in Eucalyptus Hill Neighborhood close to Restaurants, Shops & Beach. This Unfurn/Partially Furn, comfortable & elegant 3 bd/2 ba, the 3rd bdr makes great office w/sep entrance. (Lush Private Gardens taken care of for you.) Designed by Architect of many of Santa Barbara's
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