NEIGHBORHOODS
Montecito
It is hard to imagine a more idyllic setting than the tiny seaside village of Montecito. It is undoubtedly an A-list locale without an oversized attitude.
With approximately 10,000 residents and 3,000 households, Montecito retains much of its original charm. Just east of Santa Barbara, the area is nestled between the sea and the picturesque foothills known as the Santa Ynez Mountain Range. This natural boundary leaves no room for growth or urban sprawl, sustaining high property values and a thriving community. Architectural styles vary, offering something for everyone—board and batten cottages, contemporary Mediterranean villas, oceanfront estates, and most everything in-between. Montecito presents discreet, tree-lined lanes leading both to its grand estates and its bucolic hiking trails. For families, Montecito offers two exceptional public schools and an array of private school options. Year-round, mild weather allows for abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, pickleball, and surfing twelve months a year! Coast Village Road offers premier shopping and dining, most within walking distance of each other. With its white sand and relaxing ocean breezes, Butterfly Beach is perfect for strolling, swimming, lounging, or dog walking. The ideal location to call “home,” Montecito is paradise.
MONTECITO NEIGHBORHOODS
Birnam Wood Golf Club
Positioned just off of East Valley Road, Birnam Wood Golf Club, its amenities, and residences enjoy some of the most exquisite mountain views in all of Montecito. Quiet club roads wind beneath this dramatic backdrop through a collection of tasteful properties showcasing unique and diverse architectural styles. Birnam Wood is Montecito's only private, full-service golf club and one of two guard-gated communities in the area.
In addition to a lush award-winning golf course, Birnam Wood offers residents endless amenities, including a clubhouse with year round social functions, tennis courts, pickleball, bocce ball, a fitness facility, a full-service restaurant with doorstep delivery to members' residences for groceries or meals, and access to the Birnam Wood "cottages" when you need to host friends or family. Members enjoy a private, active lifestyle and can fulfill their needs without ever leaving the area.
Butterfly & Miramar Beach
Salty air and sandy feet...welcome to the best of oceanfront living! Only a handful of streets in Montecito sit on the sand, including Miramar Beach, South Jameson Lane, Posilpo Lane, and Fernald Point Lane - only making these exclusive addresses more and more in demand. If you can compromise with a bit of road between yourself and the sand, you may expand your options to include Channel Drive and Edgecliff Lane. This beautiful area is enhanced by two world-class luxury hotels, the Rosewood Miramar and Four Seasons Biltmore, in addition to the historic and picture-perfect Coral Casino Beach Club. Dotted between are dog walkers strolling with Jeannie's Bakery coffee in hand, competitive cyclists, fitness-focused joggers, and yogis enjoying their morning sun salutations.
Ennisbrook
The Ennisbrook community was originally developed by the Dominguez family in the mid-1800s as part of California’s largest land grants. As decades passed, the surrounding area evolved from Pueblo lands to polo fields and finally to what it is today, the prestigious gated community, Ennisbrook. The private, gated-guarded community of Ennisbrook consists of beautiful ocean and mountain view estates, sitting on parcels of approximately 1-3 acres. The community features stunning landscaping, privacy, and ample outdoor adventure. Extensive amenities include two pools, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, park, and the beautiful 44-acre Ennisbrook Preserve filled with trails, streams, and natural delights. Just minutes from Montecito’s Upper and Lower Villages, the Rosewood Miramar, Montecito Union School, and beautiful beaches, Ennisbrook is located in the heart of Montecito.
Golden Quadrangle
Arguably, Montecito's most coveted areas is the Golden Quadrangle. Named for the nearly perfect, not too hot, not to cold climate. Homes in the Golden Quadrangle typically enjoy the first glimpses of sunshine on foggy summer days. The rectangular-shaped district is located north of East Valley Road, between Hot Springs Road and Buena Vista Drive. Mostly set into the hillside, properties have panoramic views of the ocean and the Channel Islands and/or the Santa Ynez mountains. With premier access to hiking trails, the Upper Village, and a mixture of historic and newly designed estates enjoy privacy and picture perfect weather year round.
Hedgerow
The Hedgerow district is one of Montecito's most beloved neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Montecito between the ocean and the Upper Village, this coveted area is made up of historic estates tucked behind verdant hedges and elegant gates. The Hedgerows include some of California's top elementary schools, including Montecito Union School, Laguna Blanca School, and Crane Country Day School. Sports and recreational facilities are just a heartbeat away at the Montecito YMCA, in addition to Manning Park, the Ennisbrook trail, Miramar beach, or Hammonds beach. Shopping, restaurants, or bars are all within reach at Upper Village, Lower Village, or the world-famous Rosewood Miramar. This neighborhood exemplifies the subdued charm and inherent privacy of Montecito's coveted lifestyle.
Oak Creek Canyon
Gently meandering along the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Oak Creek Canyon community is neatly tucked away behind a private, gated entrance just off of East Mountain Drive, near the Upper Village. The scenic Oak Creek Canyon Road winds beneath mature oak trees with breathtaking ocean views. The collection of Mediterranean-style properties overlook the Montecito Valley, toward the Channel Islands and Pacific Ocean horizon, and enjoy an abundance of privacy just minutes away from shops and dining.
Riven Rock
Beyond the private gates of Riven Rock, the scenic Hot Springs hiking trail lies just a half-mile away, at the junction of Riven Rock Road and East Mountain Drive. The serene hiking trail winds past grand estates toward tranquil waterfalls and endless vista points. This exceptional lifestyle amenity can be enjoyed year-round in Montecito’s enviable climate.
The Riven Rock enclave affords unparalleled privacy and is defined by a calm and serenity awarded to few locations so near to town. Just minutes from Montecito’s fine dining, upscale shops, world-renowned resorts and pristine beaches, the quiet lanes of Riven Rock are perfectly situated for a rich lifestyle.
Toro Canyon
Toro Canyon is just moments from Montecito and near Carpinteria’s fabled Padaro Beach. The bending, scenic drive is home to spiraling properties, farms, ranches, modern masterpieces, and historic adobes each unique and precious in their own right. The neighborhood is a sweet escape for those who want to enjoy their privacy and still fancy a pickleball match at the Knollwood Tennis Club in less than 5 minutes drive.
Santa Barbara
It truly has an urban flair yet with the natural beauty one would expect to find in a seaside resort or quaint European village.
Santa Barbara features a diversity of residential districts from the historic Upper East Side’s elegant homes to the soaring views of the Riviera, named after its European namesake, with its narrow winding streets and custom properties that feature grand city views. And, of course, the city prizes its charming beach bungalows and exquisite villas with unparalleled ocean vistas.
While the city of Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas are breathtaking, its beauty is more than skin deep. Wander the uptown streets and downtown Santa Barbara with world-class restaurants, coffeehouses, museums, breweries, and over 20+ tasting rooms pouring Santa Barbara County wines. Very few cities can offer residents a small-town community with big-city amenities. Enjoy top performers under the stars with concerts and comedy shows at the Santa Barbara Bowl, or devour the latest and greatest of Hollywood during the annual Santa Barbara film festival. The Santa Barbara Airport conveniently offers private or commercial flights to connect residents and visitors around the world.
SANTA BARBARA NEIGHBORHOODS
Hope Ranch
Hope Ranch is a place like no other in the Santa Barbara area. As you pass under the filigreed sign suspended across Las Palmas Drive, you feel as if you’re entering a world all your own. Towering palms line the main drive, and a feeling of serenity is ever present throughout the community. It is situated in the southeastern portion of Santa Barbara County between Highway 101 and the ocean, and encompasses 1,863 acres. The broad, flat mesa and low rolling knolls are punctuated by a magnificent valley of live oak trees, which makes it an ideal location for equestrian-minded residents. Homes sites were developed to enjoy a variety of views from the landward purple mountains of the Santa Ynez range to the seaward views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Governed by homeowners since the 1920s, Hope Ranch prospers from a heartfelt sense of community and concern for the quality of life of every resident. A golf course and country club, small lake, private beach and bridle paths, and tennis courts are just some of the benefits of living in this elite residential area.
Mesa
The Mesa, or “table” is Spanish, is the bluff top region along the Pacific on the south-western side of Santa Barbara. The Mesa encompasses two and half miles from West Beach to Arroyo Burro Beach. Commanding ocean and Channel Island views draw your eye to the ocean, while the northern view is framed by foothill vistas. The Mesa is perfectly poised between these two forces of nature making the area is one of the most desirable in Santa Barbara. With an award-winning schools, gourmet markets, casual eateries, parks and preserves to stroll, sprint, or share a picnic. The Mesa is a charming seaside community that is sure to captivate those looking for the ease and spirit of beach living.
Riviera
Santa Barbara’s picturesque Riviera is located on the east-west ridge of town, named for its resemblance to the slopes along the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy. The neighborhood traversed by the scenic Alameda Padre Serra drive offers Santa Barbara’s most iconic views of the twinkling city lights, harbor, and Channel Islands. The mostly residential neighborhood of the Riviera is host to the Belmond El Encanto hotel, Riviera Park which formerly hosted the University of California Santa Barbara, and prestigious private schools including Santa Barbara Middle School and Marymount School. From this vantage point, residents relish the sunsets over the Pacific ocean, celebrate spectacular Fourth of July fireworks, and host unforgettable parties in the company of Santa Barbara’s most iconic views.
Upper Eastside
Located east of State Street, the Upper Eastside of Santa Barbara has been long considered one of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Houses were built in the late 1800s, represent various styles, and include many architecturally significant estates much like Montecito. The neighborhood stewards Santa Barbara’s much-celebrated traditions like Y Madonnari, Summer Solstice, and Old Spanish Days Fiesta. The Upper Eastside is centrally located, with convenient access to theaters, restaurants, businesses, and historic sites like the Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden, allowing residents to explore the “American Riviera” from their own backyard.
Carpinteria
Just south of Montecito you’ll discover the peaceful seaside city of Carpinteria.
Home to a world-renowned surfing area off Rincon Point, it is easy to get caught up in the laidback feel of the community and the naturally beautiful surroundings. Carpinteria notably harbors the historic Santa Barbara Polo Club, one of the oldest in the United States. The deluxe Club with its four elegantly groomed polo fields and clubhouses, offers weekly polo games throughout most of the year. Carpinteria State Beach encompasses over 4,000 feet of ocean frontage and secluded wooded groves, offering overnight camping in addition to esteemed surfing and fishing. Just a few blocks from the ocean you'll find wide, tree-lined streets with charming shops and restaurants creating an idyllic downtown atmosphere. Carpinteria often showcases parades, craft shows and other events that evoke a gentle way of life.
CARPINTERIA NEIGHBORHOODS
Padaro Lane & Sand Point Road
A breathtaking coastal route gently winds along the American Riviera toward picturesque Padaro Lane and gated Sand Point Road. Renowned for miles of pristine beaches offering an unparalleled air of privacy, these private beachside streets are known locally as Santa Barbara County’s most coveted beach locations. A morning stroll along the sand finds you on ultra-charming Santa Claus Lane, home to the Padaro Beach Grill, Garden Market, and surf and décor shops. A short drive away, Summerland, Montecito and Santa Barbara, a cluster of affluent coastal towns, fulfill every want and whim.
Summerland
With unsurpassed Pacific Ocean and Channel Island views, Summerland is a tiny beachside community with less than 2,000 residents.
Snuggled on the coast between Montecito and Carpinteria, its homes, businesses, beaches and parks beautifully reflect its relaxed nature and small-town sensibility. There are a number of charming home & garden stores, antique shops, clothing boutiques and restaurants to enjoy, as well as a range of residential options suitable for all tastes and budgets from large estates to small homes, contemporary condominiums and sprawling ranches.
SUMMERLAND NEIGHBORHOODS
Downtown, Lillie Avenue
The beachfront town of Summerland has been steeped in allure since its beginnings in the 1850s as a colony for spiritualists and artists and a stagecoach stop between Hollywood and the then up-and-coming tourist destination of Santa Barbara. With dramatic hillsides sweeping down to meet the broad blue Pacific Ocean, Summerland has always had a small-town ambiance and a cozy coastal vibe reminiscent of its name. Today, Summerland retains the mystique of a bygone era but has become a mecca for chic interior designers, stylists, and shoppers. Home furnishing, gifts, and celebrity sitings can be found at GARDE, porch, Field+Fort, and The Well, conveniently located in downtown Summerland on Lillie Avenue.
