$125 Million Montecito Ranch Boasts Secret English Pub

August 16, 2016 5:00 am
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)

 

The sprawling Rancho San Carlos estate is a 237-acre property that’s been under the ownership of one family for nearly the last century. A testament to exceptional architecture, the ranch is home to ten residential cottages, an office, active orchards, and extensive equestrian facilities. Impressive as that may be, the crown jewel of the property is the 29,500 square-foot colonial home designed by the noted architect Reginald Johnson in 1931.

 

Comprised of over 30 rooms, the main residence is situated on two natural terraces that create spatial separation and afford exceptional views of the Pacific. With the formal living rooms located around a central courtyard, the master bedroom and family bedroom wings are on the upper terrace. Both the master suite and the dressing room are decorated in the art deco style. Located above the suite, a tower office can be accessed by an exterior spiral staircase. Three guest rooms (with views of the terraced gardens and ocean), three staff bedrooms, three children’s bedrooms, a kitchen, and recreation room are all located on the upper terrace with the main bedroom.

(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)

 

The light-filled library, which overlooks the courtyard’s manicured hedges and fountains, connects to the oak-paneled formal dining room, which was reassembled from the family’s previous 1920s estate in England. The exquisite patina, ornate moldings, and mantelpieces are timeless testaments to a bygone era. There are also hidden treasures: behind a false wall, a secret hallway connects the library and living room and also leads to an authentic English pub complete with wooden casks, an oak bar, and stone fireplace. Adjacent to the home is a five-car garage with a one-stall service garage and additional storage space.

(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)

 

At the time of listing, the estate had 100 acres of active orchards–60 acres for lemons, 30 for avocados, five for limes, and five for oranges. Equestrian facilities include two stables, a 10-stall barn built in 1928, another 11-stall wood-frame barn, and an 11,000-square-foot riding area. The property can also generate income through water. In addition to three water storage reservoirs, the estate receives half of a water diversion system from nearby Romero Creek, which is piped right into the ranch’s reservoirs. Rights to the creek water are a possible source of revenue.

The property has been on the market since 2014, listed at $125 million. Find more information on Rancho San Carlos here.

(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)
(Sotheby's International Realty)
(Sotheby’s International Realty)

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