Montecito’s 1st Quarter Real Estate Review

Montecito Real Estate Sales Continue to Impress…

It’s April and I’m not seeing any showers to bring May flowers. While we did have a nice handful of downpours this winter, my lawn is still hoping for some mid spring sprinkles. As I write, we are experiencing a week of fog with some clearing. June gloom in April is not awesome, though we have had some (read: Many) lovely days this winter and early Spring, as we always do here in Montecito. 

While we all adjust to 2025, as of now there are no tariffs on Montecito Real Estate and the buyers keep on coming. The first quarter of 2025 was as solid as one might hope, with sales averaging over 20 homes and estates per month, January through March, (and April is humming along also with 13 closed sales in the first 17 days). All stats are pulled from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and include all sales within Montecito’s 93108 zip code.

With January’s massive numbers and four estates moving over $20M, the momentum was on. February delivered a better than average month of sales, however the over $10M market was quiet that month. March came roaring back with more than 20 sales and one closing over $10M, making it seven or more that I can count, homes in Montecito selling over $10M in the first quarter. The under $10M market continues to deliver with multiple sales each month in the high value for price paid range of $5 to $8M. Then there are always the few fixers, cottages and condos that sell for between $1.4 and $5M.

We also saw many condos, fixers and starter homes on the edges of Montecito sell in the past couple of months also, which cleaned out a lot of leftover inventory, making way for the new properties we have seen hit the market in past weeks. In the first 17 days of April, Montecito’s 93108 saw 16+ new listings hit the market, a huge number if one tracks our local housing inventory. Our broker/agent tour sheet, usually handled on two printed pages, stretched to nearly five pages of listings open for agent tour a week back, (this includes Carpinteria and Summerland). Of those listings new to market, sure, a few were re-lists, but for the most part, these are new listings in all price ranges and areas of town, filling out our available inventory nicely. 

From condos to celeb-owned estates, Montecito has the abode you have been dreaming of. Here are four properties on the market in Montecito in the over $10M category. However, with demand for new inventory and strong sales continuing, who knows if they will be available by the time this hits newsstands and screens. If you are not working with an agent and are interested in touring any of the properties listed, or would like more information on the Montecito Real Estate market or a price evaluation of your own property, I’m here to help. Thanks for reading and please keep Montecito friendly.

1285 & 1297 East Mountain Drive – $10,950,000

Where dreams take shape on East Mountain Drive, this 2+/- acre estate offers an incredible setting with sweeping ocean and mountain views. Designed for both grand entertaining and intimate everyday living, the residence showcases an abundance of natural light, expansive interiors, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. A thoughtful contemporary layout emphasizes high ceilings, elegant architectural details, spacious rooms and large windows that frame the stunning vistas. 

Beyond the residence, meticulously landscaped gardens and sprawling lawns set the stage for serene morning strolls and lively gatherings alike. A picturesque pond, sculpted hedges, and vibrant native plantings enhance the estate’s natural beauty. As an added opportunity, the adjoining lot can be developed as a separate parcel, providing possibilities for expansion, a guest residence, or the creation of a private compound.

House and additional lot offered together (total 2+/- acres) – $10,950,000

House only (on 1+/- acre) – $8,250,000

1+/- acre Lot purchased separately – $3,000,000

1190 Garden Lane – $12,500,000

Welcome to this easy living, well-appointed, single level, four-bedroom, five bathroom pool home, located in the coveted and exclusive Riven Rock neighborhood of Montecito and surrounded by many impressive estates. Set on 1.4 private, level, usable acres in the Cold Spring School District, 1190 Garden Lane offers a captivating stage for all your hosting desires, seamlessly blending indoor spaces with lush outdoor retreats.

Tastefully renovated, the home features a luxurious primary suite with a chic en suite bathroom. Expansive windows throughout the home capture panoramic vistas, seamlessly integrating the home with its breathtaking natural surroundings. Minutes away from the Upper and Lower villages, stunning beaches, hiking trails, and the best of Montecito, this exceptional estate makes every day feel like a getaway!

1803 Fernald Point Lane – $28,750,000

On a private gated lane, down a beachside road, find the estates at Fernald Point. Enveloped by the ocean’s timeless beauty, this exquisite, nearly 6,000 square foot ocean front Montecito villa blends the charm of ProvenÇal design with the breathtaking allure of the California coastline. 

Extensively renovated from 2020-2023 and located in the exclusive, gated Fernald Cove Point in the Montecito Union School District, the home is a tapestry, where exceptional craftsmanship and timeless functionality converge in spacious, bright living areas that open-up to expansive patios offering sweeping ocean and island views. 

A spectacular great room, chef’s kitchen with La Cornue range and elegant dining room await ocean view entertainment, while two primary and three guest suites serve as secluded retreats. With 101 feet of beach frontage and set above the sand, one has an unobstructed view and an abundance of ocean front property to enjoy. 

771 Garden Lane – $36,500,000

Escape to a place of luxury and timeless elegance in the heart of Montecito’s coveted Riven Rock neighborhood adjacent to other equally grand and even larger estates. Riven Rock streets are lined with hedges, stone walls and homes set on mostly larger lots. This estate rests on approximately 5.5 acres of breathtaking grounds offering views and privacy with parking for many guests. 

A cobblestone motor court welcomes you to a masterfully restored and newly expanded English Country estate by renowned luxury builder Van Acker Construction. Spanning approximately 16,668 square feet, this estate sets the mark for upscale living, with seven opulent bedroom suites, 13 bathrooms, and exquisite architectural details throughout. 

Designed for grand-scale entertaining and intimate retreats alike, the estate boasts a good number of amenities, some of which are listed below:

– Subterranean, 8-car auto gallery and 2-bay chauffeur’s garage.

– Private offices for security and staff.

– Two separate one-bedroom guest homes, ensuring ultimate privacy for visitors.

– Resort-level amenities include a gym, playroom, pool and poolside cabana.

– World-class secondary culinary arts kitchen for extreme entertaining.

– Primary suite featuring a bonus, 1,220 square foot attic-turned-closet.

Lush lawns, citrus orchards, verdant gardens, and picturesque pathways complete this once-in-a-lifetime offering, all within the Cold Spring School District.