ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

Located on a captivating and historic garden lane in Montecito, this newly constructed Neoclassical-style home built by renowned architect, Peter Becker, is located on 1.73± acres of what was formally known as the Four Leaf Clover Garden of the Stanley McCormick Estate. The historic 87± acre family estate named Riven Rock was purchased in 1897 and was one of Montecito’s original legendary estates. The immediate impression of the 4,680 sq. ft. three-bedroom, four-and-one-half- bath home, built in 2015 by D.D. Ford, is one of quality, elegance and grandeur.

Feel the history come to life standing near the original Four Leaf Clover Garden of the McCormick estate. Originally designed by Boston Landscape Architect Warren H. Manning in 1897, Becker intended to replicate much of the original design of the gardens. The original garden paths, remnants of two sets of sandstone stairs, low walls, columns and the Four Leaf Clover design have all been carefully restored with stone from the property through the mastery of Landscape Architect, Byron DeBray.

The stately façade is formal and timeless. Graceful proportions are the hallmark of this exceptional home, evoking a sense of grandeur. This impeccable architectural design was inspired by Francis Underhill, a notable Santa Barbara architect in the 1900’s. A towering arched sandstone portico frames the open courtyard entry with Fossil Creek stone floors leading to three large French doors with arched transoms that open to the inviting grand entry hallway. They align with three matching interior French doors that open to the exterior courtyard beyond, blending the inside décor with the natural outdoor splendor.

The grand entry has 13 ft. ceilings with two 18th Century Parisian Lanterns and beautifully etched Jerusalem Ochre tile flooring. The 118 ft. sun-drenched central hallway is lined with French doors and arched accents that seamlessly connects the bedroom wing to the expansive public rooms beyond.

The classic interior with grand living spaces bathed in light from walls of windows reflect the neoclassic spirit of the elegant architecture. The expansive public rooms are characterized by grandeur of scale and by the brilliantly simplified geometry of the rooms. Exquisite materials and attention to detail abound, as evident in the living room with the custom-built stone fireplace and hearth that serves as a dramatic focal point. The living room and dining room blend seamlessly, while also maintaining their own individual characteristics. Soaring 13 ft. ceilings, two stunning Niermann Weeks chandeliers and wall sconces, French cut white oak floors, and three towering French doors with transoms that open to the glorious central courtyard all enhance the understated beauty of this magnificent room.

One continues from the living room to the thoughtfully designed Parisian-style chef’s kitchen and family room where abundant natural light saturates the inviting space from three French doors with transoms and an expansive picture window. The radiant kitchen has an 11 ft. ceiling and features a floor-to-ceiling Bordeaux-inspired handcrafted stone cooking fireplace as its centerpiece. The massive center island countertop is custom made with a continuous slab of honed Perlato Classico marble and has a cheerful breakfast bar with seating for 6-8. Adding more character to the space is a beautiful antique billiard lamp above the island. A large walk-through European bar pantry, with a separate entrance from the dining room, is expertly set up for catering with a sink, dishwasher, ice maker and wine refrigerator. The countertops are polished Giallo Noce marble with extensive storage cabinets and 18th Century wrought-iron chandeliers. The kitchen wing also includes a service powder room with 18th Century bronze sconces, a large laundry room with plenty of storage and honed Lasa marble countertops. There is a mud room with a coat closet that leads to the rear parking area and three-car garage.

Located off the kitchen and family room is a lovely outdoor patio with a built-in fireplace that is a delightful spot for afternoon tea, or enchanting place to ponder the evening stars and enjoy exceptional Santa Barbara summer nights with family and friends.

Returning to the 118 ft. long grand hallway that leads to the bedroom wing, the ingenious u-shaped design of the home with walls of windows, allows every room to overlook the expansive central courtyard with Fossil Creek stone. Maximizing the inherent symmetry of all the design elements, the architect carefully arranged the home on the historical axis so that the original staircase, the front entry, the central courtyard, the Four Leaf Clover design and the pool all line up creating a dramatic architectural statement.

At the end of the hallway lies an elegant master bedroom suite with French cut white oak floor, and an 18th Century chandelier and wall sconces. Long flowing curtains adorn two towering French doors with transoms, both surrounding the 18th Century-inspired fireplace with a Perlato Classico marble hearth. Two more French doors open to a romantic covered loggia with a wrought-iron chandelier and arched openings to the surrounding courtyard and gardens. Relax and rejuvenate in the custom Clearlight Infrared Sauna that delivers maximum therapeutic benefit to enhance health and well-being.

Two exquisite master bathrooms are joined together with an avant-garde “meet-me-in-the-middle” rain shower of Statuary honed marble. The first bath has marble floor tile, an 18th Century Italian chandelier and wall sconces, a 1920s custom vanity replica, a large soaking tub overlooking beautiful side gardens, a toilet room with bidet and an exceptionally designed walk-in closet. The second bath has marble floor tile, an 18th Century Italian chandelier and wall sconces, a custom vanity designed after an 18th Century Parisian chest with a honed granite countertop and two windows to the gardens flank the center mirror. It also has a separate toilet room, storage closet and another fabulous walk-in closet.

From the grand hallway, adjacent to the master, is a glass door that leads to side gardens and a wall of built-in linen cabinets reminiscent of the 1920’s. The hallway leads to two spacious guest rooms. The first guest bedroom has French cut white oak floors, a special 18th Century porcelain light fixture with historic value, a large French door opens to the side gardens and motor court and a walk-in closet. The en-suite bath is bright with a custom-designed 1920’s vanity with a honed Lasa marble countertop, 18th Century Spanish sconces, a subway tile shower-over-tub, and honeycombed tile floor. In the second guest bedroom the 13-ft. ceiling opens up to a handsome antique chandelier and a stunning wall of built-in bookshelves with storage cabinets and a desk, making this room a wonderful bedroom or library. The en-suite bath has a walk-in glass shower with subway tiles, a custom-designed 1920’s vanity with a honed Lasa marble countertop, 18th Century Italian sconces and honeycombed tile floor.

Follow beautiful garden paths and historic steps down to the inviting pool terrace where two cabanas beckon family and guests to relax and soak in the stunning panoramic views across the property and toward the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. Both cabanas enjoy beautiful accordion doors that open completely to enjoy Santa Barbara’s unique indoor/outdoor lifestyle. High beamed ceilings, French cut white oak floors and tall windows create a light and lofty feel. Both cabanas are approximately 430 sq. ft. with large closets and charming en-suite baths with separate doors for easy access to the pool. There’s a convenient outdoor laundry behind one of the cabanas.

Framed by spectacular mountain views, this beautiful Zen-like setting defines this unique property with its ties to Montecito’s illustrious history. From the private gates of Riven Rock, the spectacular Hot Springs hiking trailhead is just a half-mile away at Riven Rock Road and E. Mountain Drive. The serene hiking trail travels past vast estates and enjoys spectacular panoramic vistas of Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands and the Pacific Ocean. The allure of Montecito’s lifestyle and perfect climate truly beckons from this perfect combination of naturally beautiful surroundings, complimented by a truly elegant estate.

789 Rockbridge Road, Montecito, CA 93108

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