Breathtaking 360-degree ocean, island, harbor and majestic mountain views abound from Torre Linda, a private hilltop estate with its beautifully updated 1930’s Monterey Colonial resting on ~6.6 acres of serene gardens, orchard, vineyard and natural landscapes. With 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 2 half baths, a casita that serves as a guest cottage/office, pool cabana and enchanting tower studio, this luxurious retreat is ideal for a family compound and hosting memorable events.
The intimate living spaces are bathed with natural light and offer sweeping views through numerous casement windows and French-style doors, set into deep, solid adobe style walls. Expansive entertainment patios with views of the sailboats on the Pacific Ocean, colorful gardens and the sparkling pool, surrounded by the sound of cheerful birds, invoke the spirit of a resort sanctuary.
Light, bright interiors include custom lighting fixtures, many handcrafted from the Steven Handelman Studios, renowned for artisan wrought iron creations, which enhance historic settings. Hardwood floors with a lovely warm patina can be found throughout. Tumbled travertine tiles are used extensively in outdoor patios. High quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design are exhibited in every part of the home and outdoors—with its fireplaces, hand cut stones, wood beams and trusses in high ceilings, corbels and crown molding and solar energy.
Once a part of the neighboring Spanish Colonial Revival Graholm Estate, this custom-built home was designed by the heir, David Gray, Jr. for his own family and borrowed some of the features that he enjoyed at his parents’ gracious home while incorporating the magnificent unobstructed views. In recent times, the house has been lovingly restored, maintaining classical Monterey Colonial architectural features, trimmed with vintage colors and keeping the feel of a sophisticated hacienda, while adding modern amenities like solar power for comfort and flow. The citrus orchard is very productive, a vineyard is successfully growing a variety of grapes and gardens have been updated, filled with vibrant drought tolerant plants, attracting birds and butterflies.
The otherworldly romantic master offers stunning views of the ocean, islands, harbor and seemingly most of Santa Barbara through French doors and windows and from the spacious covered balcony on the second story. You will be awed by the gorgeous lofty wood beam and truss ceiling, an en suite separate bathrooms with amenities normally found in a world class hotel spa—radiant heated floor with travertine tiles, slipper tub with a million-dollar view, large dual entrance shower with arched and etched glass doors, custom vanities and two walk-in closets. Serene sounds from the fountain below, a fireplace, the twinkling lights of the city at night and the glow from handmade lights and chandeliers add to the allure of this special room.
Unique to this home is a studio tower bedroom and sitting room with a panoramic lighthouse view of mountains, ocean, and grounds from its circle of windows. Other bedrooms each have their own charm: perhaps a fireplace, special garden or ocean view, or a restful sitting area. Most private is the guest casita, with its spectacular coastal view, currently used as an office, containing an outdoor shower, roomy closet and bathroom. Located across from the pool cabana, guests may take advantage of the cabana kitchen and bathroom, pool, barbecue, outdoor living room and patio fireplace without disturbing those in the main house.
Each of the spacious living spaces have been designed with comfort and entertainment in mind and a connection to the outdoors through view windows and doors. Many areas of the home and outdoors are joined with the Sonos sound system. Most have a unique fireplace and mantel, specially created lighting fixtures and grand seating areas.
The living room has a built-in bar tucked discreetly next to the fireplace, blending into the room like a much-loved piece of furniture. A semi-circular library/den, originally built as a sunny nursery and studio, it offers a reading nook, mini kitchen, walk-in closet, full bathroom, surround sound, large screen TV and a game area which opens out to the vineyard.
Adjoining the gourmet chef’s kitchen with its mellow Tuscan tiles, stainless steel appliances, stone countertops and island is a cozy dining room with fireplace and sitting area; fabulous views and natural light stream through the windows. Guest powder rooms, a wine cellar, laundry room and abundant storage round out amenities.
From the royal greeting of towering cypresses up the winding driveway to the far end of the grape vines, to the dramatic natural gardens and patios, you are in a special world. With native rocks and a natural mosaic of tumbled travertine pavers, the gardens, pool patio, outdoor lounging areas and pool surround offer cohesive, easily accessible spaces surrounded by dramatic views. New drip irrigation sustains a bounty of colorful plants suitable for the Mediterranean climate.
The pool cabana has a fully appointed kitchen, pergola with a custom outdoor pool table, barbecue area with countertop and storage, outdoor TV, bathroom and spa. Hidden solar panels provide heat for the pool. Seating areas take advantage of the sea breezes and spectacular views of mountains, ocean and gardens. Brushy undergrowth and rambling pathways surround a sunny outdoor lounge area and fireplace.
Other parts of the grounds, such as the basketball half court and large greenhouse, point to endless possibilities—perhaps room for a tennis court, art studio, storage for vintage collectibles. With a two-car garage and generous guest parking, entertaining a crowd or providing an intimate hideaway can both be had.
Located just minutes from Montecito’s villages of shops, restaurants, groceries, hiking trails, galleries, golf and country clubs, and Santa Barbara’s theatres, museums, harbor, airport, beaches and parks; central to public and private schools, the 101 Freeway and a little over a half hour south to the world renowned spa at the Ojai Valley Inn luxury resort or north to the award-winning Santa Ynez wineries.