Terra Bella - $39,500,0004385 Marina Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Map Property |
John Doe (805) 555-1212 Contact Agent E-mail Listing |
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Property Description
Terra Bella
Property
• 2.91 Acres
• Ocean Bluff-top
• Prestigious Hope Ranch
• 13,800 Sq.Ft. Italian-Style Villa designed by Lory Johansson of Ergo Design
• 6 Car Garage (4 +2)
• Private, Secure & Gated with
Separate Service Entrance
Main Floor
• Entry Foyer
• Living Room
• Library
• Dining Room
• Eat-In Kitchen
• Garden Room
• Family Room
• Children’s Media/Homework Den
• Laundry Room
• 2 Powder Rooms
• 6 Guest/Family Bedrooms all with en Suite Baths
Lower Level
• Recreation/Media Room with Wet Bar
• Wine Room
• Exercise Room
• Office
• Craft Room
• Storage Room
• 2 Shower Baths with Pool Access
Upper Level
• Master Suite with Private Balcony
• Master Bath with Fireplace
• 2 Guest Bedrooms with en Suite Baths and Shared Balcony
Systems
• Elevator to all 3 Levels
• In-wall Vacuum System
• Smart House Lighting
• Radiant Floors
• Security Cameras at Gates
• Complete Security System
Guest Quarters
• Attached Guest Quarters
• Separate Entrance
• Bedroom, Living Room, Full Bath
• Kitchen
• Covered Veranda
Gardens
• Sunken Garden
• Zen Garden
• White Garden
• Queen’s Court Chess
• Vineyard
• Rose Arbor
• Vegetable Garden
• Outdoor Theatre
• Parterre (Herbs, Citrus, Rosemary)
• Miniature Garden Railway System
Outdoor Amenities
• “Mezza Luna” Dining Area for 30
with BBQ, Dishwasher, Marble Sink
• Mosaic Tiled Swimming Pool & Spa
• 4 Horse Stable
• Numerous Fountains & Reflecting Pools
• Children’s Play Area
Rising from a sun-drenched promontory overlooking the blue Pacific, Terra Bella is a celebration of classical Italian architecture and the beautiful earth that is its namesake. From the instant the gates open, it becomes one of those “pinch yourself” moments when reality blurs and the dream begins to unfold. Slowly and seductively, Terra Bella is revealed through rich layers of architecture, gardens and vistas that capture both the imagination and the heart.
A world apart, Terra Bella plays out on just under three dramatic oceanfront acres in the exclusive Santa Barbara enclave of Hope Ranch. This fine home embraces 13,800 square feet of impeccably designed living space. Inspired by exquisite, centuries old villas that grace the shores of Lake Como, Terra Bella is a window to a world of elegance, romance and opulence. Its public rooms speak with a grand formality that welcomes lavish entertaining. Santa Barbara’s mild Mediterranean climate encourages grand scale events to easily spill onto the verandas and patios of the villa. Sparkling fountains, bubbling pools and fragrant canopies of blossoms provide irresistible invitations for guests to turn their affections to the magnificent grounds and gardens.
Part of the mystique of Terra Bella is that, in all of its splendor, this villa also radiates the warm and comfortable style of a fine country estate. Inside the villa, the family wings have a relaxed casual elegance that fits seamlessly with the Santa Barbara lifestyle. Outside, a portion of the grounds nurtures a variety of bucolic endeavors. Nestled in a natural oak woodland, the stable is an equestrian’s delight that is further enhanced by access to the miles of private riding trails that wind through Hope Ranch. This portion of the estate also features a small vineyard, a bountiful vegetable garden, and a children’s play area.
Authentically cast in classic Italian style, the stunning beauty of this world-class villa can only be matched by its enchanted setting. Against the silhouette of a majestic stance of Monterey Cypress, commanding ocean views draw the eye across the channel to settle on the distant islands. To the north, there is the mystery of expansive deepwater views, and to the south spectacular white water views play over and over as the surf meets the sand.
Terra Bella’s old world ambiance has been achieved by bringing together the finest in materials and craftsmanship. While its authenticity gives this newer home a vintage patina, its modern state-of-the-art amenities address the desires of those who have come to expect the best.
As gentle sea breezes stir the fragrance of rose scented gardens, the timeless elegance of Terra Bella takes hold; and if home is where the heart is, “Welcome.”
Once inside the gates of Terra Bella, an Italianate parterre garden with a classical fountain as its centerpiece sets the theme of beauty and abundance for this grand estate. Stepping up to the travertine entry level of the villa induces a generous pause to fully appreciate the stunning façade. A massive surround of cast stone anchors the entry with strength and beauty and creates the perfect framework for double entry doors fit for a castle. At over half a foot in thickness, these custom carved beauties were commissioned to replicate an ancient set at Warwick Castle.
A step inside Terra Bella is a step back to a time when art ruled architecture and influenced every fascinating detail. A first impression to take your breath away, the grand Foyer presents itself with a soaring groin vaulted ceiling. Finished in Venetian Plaster, the walls and ceiling are painted in fresco, creating yet another layer of fine art to appreciate. A graceful sweep of stairs reaches upward through a round tower that showcases stained glass panels from a French church dating to the mid 1700’s.
More alluring details draw the eye into the magnificent space that is the Living Room, as the groin vaulted ceiling design is repeated along with the Venetian plaster and fresco finishes. The Italian terracotta floors of the foyer give way to hand hewn walnut floors that are bordered with a fine inlaid marquetry design. A generous fireplace with a very elegant French antique surround warms the grand proportions of this room. The artistic allure of the Living Room is rivaled only by the natural beauty of the fabulous blue Pacific that is revealed through the palladian style window that also brings in views of the veranda and the grounds beyond.
Just off the Living Room, a richly paneled Library is as practical as it is beautiful. Concealed in the handsome paneling are two computer/desk stations that keep the secret of modern technology from the old world ambiance of this delightful space. From floor to ceiling, art is fluently spoken here. The floors exhibit a drop box shadow design of marquetry in cherry, walnut and maple. The intricately carved rosette design of the ceiling is based on an ancient Italian ceiling. Adding to the timeless glow of this room is a wonderful fireplace that offers the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book. Further opportunity for contemplation lies just beyond the French doors that lead to the serene setting of a peaceful reflecting pool adorned by an early 1920’s alabaster statue of two maidens.
Back inside the villa, the glorious Dining Room provides a dramatic setting for fine dining, whether an intimate dinner for two or a formal dinner party for 16. Its Venetian plaster walls are suffused with the most intriguing hue of midnight blue imaginable. An antiqued gold dome ceiling crowns the room; and in the evenings the fireplace, chandeliers, and candles cast a most intoxicating glow. In true Italian Renaissance style, the merging of the home with the garden is accomplished here with French doors that open to a large veranda that invites guests to extend their celebrations to the outdoors.
A walk-thru Butler’s Pantry provides a graceful transition from the Dining Room to this ultimate eat-in Italian Kitchen. In this very generous space, there is plenty of room for family and friends to participate in elaborate culinary productions, or to just sit by the fireplace and enjoy the coziest of dining experiences. The finishes in this Kitchen are rich in color and texture. Thick slabs of black Marquina marble top the counters and have been fashioned into two large integrated sinks. A convenient vegetable sink graces the oversized island that serves as a breakfast bar and a library for volumes of cookbooks. While the handcrafted cabinetry in this Kitchen provides an abundance of storage space, there is a separate walk-in silver pantry to house all of the finery needed for grand scale entertaining. An exquisite antique English buffet has been incorporated in the fireside dining area to display antique stoneware and pottery. Appliances include two SubZeros, two dishwashers, Viking stove, trash compactor, plate warmer, wine cooler and additional wall ovens. The “icing on the cake” in this Kitchen is stone floors that are warmed by radiant heat for the pampering of bare feet.
Adjoining the Kitchen is the delightful Garden Room. Glass walls bring in the beautiful Santa Barbara Light as well as mesmerizing views of the gardens and ocean beyond. This cheerful space is ideal for morning coffee, botanic pursuits, or as a venue for whiling away lazy afternoons. And for that quintessential Italian touch, a Venetian marble mosaic depicting the Lion of Venice forms a medallion at the center of the floor—which is heated, of course.
Steps from both the Kitchen and the Garden Room is a charming patio for alfresco dining. Rich details create a visual feast to accompany the culinary components. Ancient rice baskets have been fashioned into light fixtures suspended from the pergola beams, and the patio fireplace pays homage to local history. The fireplace is faced with the original molds for tiles depicting the Santa Barbara Mission that were produced by Bachelder Pottery in 1910. Descend the steps to the parterre garden filled with rosemary, citrus and herbs and then wander past the fountain and down another set of steps to the pool and lawn level. Here appears Mezza Luna, a fabulous venue for alfresco dining that can accommodate up to 30 guests. The name for this space was inspired by the crescent curve of the rose covered pergola that shelters guests as they dine. Modern conveniences are close at hand, as Mezza Luna is outfitted with a BBQ, marble sink, dishwasher and food preparation area.
The dramatic sweep of the villa’s entry staircase culminates at the threshold of the sumptuous Master Retreat. With its own entry vestibule, this luxurious escape is a world unto itself. A barrel vaulted ceiling with a hand painted mural sets the stage for a suite that is infused with an ambiance of romance and relaxation. Three sets of ornately carved columns line the suite. Two of the columns are Spanish antiquities, and the others have been newly carved to match. Beautifully glazed walls reflect the glow from the Bedroom’s marble fireplace.
A Master Retreat of such luxury would not be complete without fabulous closets and there is certainly no exception here. Generous His and Her dressing closets are fitted with rich wood cabinetry, shelving, drawers and hanging racks that are all enclosed with glass front doors to protect fine garments and accessories. In one of the closets, there is a secret door that accesses the villa’s back staircase and the guest wing.
Nestled among the oak trees, a four- horse stable is beautifully sited on the estate as the vineyard and vegetable garden provide a graceful transition from the more formal portions of the property. A horse lover’s delight, the stable has four stalls, tack room, bathroom, hayloft, hot and cold wash racks, a large corral and its own two- car garage.