Montecito
March 14, 2010
Wedged between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Montecito is one of the wealthiest retreats in the world, one of the most gorgeous, and one of the most private.
Unified by publications like the Montecito Journal and Montecito Magazine, Montecito is an intimate community of 10,000 citizens. The atmosphere is warm, family-oriented and, yes, celebrity-friendly.
Once one has experienced the magic of Montecito, nothing else compares. The tranquil, casually-elegant vibe of Montecito provides a matchless location to raise children. Beverly Hills and Bel Air simply cannot compare.
Montecito excels in community closeness, family values, and stunning beauty.
In Montecito, beauty is guaranteed. The Montecito Association ensures that all new construction conforms to strict aesthetic building codes, so that Montecito's Spanish Mediterranian architectural community theme prevails.
Montecito's beaches are just an hour from Los Angeles, making it a magnet for Hollywood royalty. Charlie Chaplin built the Montecito Inn during the 1920s. Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier married in the seclusion of San Ysidro Ranch, where John F. Kennedy enjoyed a honeymoon with Jacqeline Kennedy.
Legendary American families, like the Rockefellers, Carnegies and DuPonts, each realized the dream of a magnificent estate in Montecito.
The most famous Montecito property open to the public is Lotusland, whose owner, Madame Ganna Walska, created an eye-popping 20 acres of themed gardens. It's like the Garden of Eden on the Pacific --- and very photogenic.
Also open to the public is Casa del Herrero, an estate with exquisite Italian and Spanish antiquities and gardens designed by famed architects. It is an official National Historic Landmark that stuns with grandeur.
Today, many successful Californians call Montecito home, including a great many famous musicians, actors, producers, writers, artists and business moguls like Oprah Winfrey.
No, Oprah is not the Queen of Montecito. Local folks all know that Oprah lives on East Valley Road and they let her enjoy her privacy --- just like they enjoy theirs. Having spent up to $75 million for a home, Montecitans highly value privacy, seclusion and peace.
The prestigious establishments of higher learning in Montecito include Westmont College and the Music Academy of the West, which hosts a summer music festival for the community with concerts and workshops directed by famous composers, conductors, and artists.
Montecito locals sometimes act like the 15-minute drive to Santa Barbara is torture, but they gladly make the drive for the Santa Barbara Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Center Theatre, the International Film Festival and concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl.
Montecito is a spectacular place to vacation.
The Montecito experience is at its most extreme with a stay at the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, a leased exotic car from Montecito Motors, and a chartered jet from Stratos. The Montecito Country Club is a must.
Montecito is a supreme place to live.
When folks decide to put down roots in Montecito, wealth management services are fantastic at Montecito Bank & Trust. As well, there are several real estate professionals in town who know Montecito's finest properties.
One of Montecito's real estate experts, Kathleen Winter, has put together an enchanting video of a property I am totally in love with --- the music is great!
Watch and dream...
M O N T E C I T O
