Photo Credit: Shutterstock

"The better question to ask may be why wouldn’t you?. In today’s ever more complex sale process, the correct advice from a trusted real estate agent is now even more valuable than going it alone." - Cristal Clarke, Montecito, CA.

"A homeowner who decides to sell without the assistance of a professional realtor takes on a great deal of liability. The risk outweighs the benefit." - Tim Fenton, Costa Rica.

"As part of our licensing process, we have a duty to stay up with and ahead of all of the new legislation that is passed every year. It’s imperative for a seller to be aware of what they’re liable for in a sale, and realtors are a key component to making that process seamless." - David Gemme, Tahoe City, CA.

"The reason to list with an agent is to achieve the goal of maximizing property exposure through many different avenues not available to the homeowner that will ultimately get the highest possible sales price." - Debra Johnston, Atlanta, GA.

"As they say in the legal world, ''only a fool represents themselves'... Plus a good agent can more than make the commission up in proper marketing and proper negotiating through the sale process and protect the seller with disclosures...  It is always wise to have a good agent.  They do much more than just ''sell' a property!" - Carey Kendall, Santa Ynez Valley, CA.

"In the process of selling a home, resourcing to a real estate expert is the smart thing to do. We have the tools and experience to price and market properties accordingly. We also possess a strong network of brokers and buyers, which often shortens the sales cycle. And time is money!" - Claudia Llanes, Edgewater, FL.

"Many people see the agent as an unnecessary expense, especially in a strong sellers’ market.   The reality is a great agent not only knows how to best price and position a home in the market so it brings the most money, he or she will also negotiate repairs, manage the transaction from start to close, and help keep the seller out of legal trouble by properly advising them on necessary disclosures." - Barbara Van Dyke, Austin, TX.

For more articles featuring the top real estate agents in luxury markets, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Why Having A Real Estate Agent Is Better Than Having A Home Listed “For Sale By Owner” appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Carey Kendall presents

Fly in and out of your private sanctuary from the lighted Helipad perched atop 22+/- private acres in the Santa Ynez Valley. Panoramic views of the Sedgwick Preserve and the Los Padres National Forest from every angle of this impeccably designed modern-style retreat. Immediately upon entering, the quality and craftsmanship of this contemporary house is evident. The open floorplan and floor to ceiling windows accentuate the uninterrupted views as you walk throughout the 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathhouse. The spacious kitchen has custom cabinetry, Neolith counters, Wolf gas cooktop, SubZero drawer refrigeration and refrigerator, Miele double ovens and wine cooler, and a walk-in pantry to keep everything tidy and out of sight. Off the kitchen is a spectacular laundry room with dog shower, storage, and even an electric dumbwaiter down to the garage for easy grocery unloading. The master bedroom features two full walls of windows with motorized shades and a closet fit for a retail storefront. The master bathroom has a steam shower, heated floors, a custom bathtub, and a European style dry sauna with Himalayan Pink Salt wall. Wake up to views that feel as if you can reach out and touch Grass Mountain. As the highest point in Woodstock Ranch, you almost can. Two additional bedrooms as well as a full bath and powder room complete the living arrangement. Brick patios lead out to the low maintenance yard and automated awnings provide shade and weather protection. Custom walkway leads down to a charming airstream used for guests. Other incredible features include; automated sun and blackout shades, security camera system, Solar panels, 3 tesla storage batteries, a tesla car charger in the garage. The property has almost 1 mile of custom 6’ high metal pipe and wire perimeter fencing as well as a custom-made cow-friendly cattle guard.

12 months of idyllic weather while feeling as if you are in Wyoming or Montana yet only 2 hours from Los Angeles, 4 hours from the Bay Area, and only a 45-minute drive to Santa Barbara. A magical escape from city living where you can fly in and out at a moment’s notice.

Address: 4465 White Pine Lane, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Price: $4,950,000

For more information please contact Carey Kendall at (805) 688-1620 or carey@clkre.com

Carey Kendall is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Ynez Valley, CA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

Photo Credit: Atlas Imagery- Zach Brown

The post A Contemporary Estate In Santa Ynez By Carey Kendall appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Carey Kendall presents

At a magical spot along the prestigious Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, you will find La Quinta Norte, an enchanting 64+/- acre vineyard estate that includes what magazines have called “one of the world’s great houses”.

A private, gated entrance winds past vineyards, a pond, and bird habitat finally culminating at the entrance of the main residence nestled against a hillside, surrounded by sweeping terraces and lush gardens overlooking the vineyards.

The 20,000+/- square foot main residence designed by world renowned architects and interior designers, is 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, with grand scale living that blends southwestern and Mediterranean influences. The house prominently features Yosemite slate materials throughout, warm wood beamed ceilings, 15th Century Celtic carved stone archways, clay wine cellar, and a water feature which cascades from the upper terrace down to the lower foyer. An abundance of glass opens the home to remarkable views and vistas while sound, lighting, and security systems compliment the exceptional comfort, design, and privacy of the house.

The terraced façade overlooks lush gardens and a free form rock swimming pool reminiscent of a tropical paradise. This oasis is completed by a fully appointed 2-bedroom, 3 bath guest cabana with changing room and steam room.

Just outside the walled garden is a lighted tennis court with viewing pavilion. A large, stocked pond is jointly used for recreational purposes and vineyard frost protection.

Comfortably distanced from the other residences is a 2,200+/- sf 2-bedroom, ½ bath staff/guest house as well as a 2-story structure now used as barrel storage and offices for the vineyard .

The vineyard produces premium estate grown wine from the approximately 20 acres of Riesling, Syrah, Sangiovese, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals. With a perfect climate for growing of grapes, the valley has received world-wide acclaim as on one the great wine areas of the world.

It is now offered for the first time in many years, having had only 2 owners who have lovingly maintained and honored the creativity behind the design and build.

Address: 5200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Price: $6,950,000

For more information please contact Carey Kendall at (805) 688-1620 or carey@clkre.com

Carey Kendall is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Ynez Valley, CA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

The post An Enchanting 64+/- Acre Vineyard Estate In Los Olivos By Carey Kendall appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Carey Kendall presents

“Seven Oaks” was designed in the style of the greatest English country house architect of the early 20th century, Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens. His career spanned 50 years at a time when Britain was at the height of its prosperity, and his Edwardian clients, people of wealth and often power, reflected the opulence of the times.

The manor house is an accurate and thoroughly researched depiction of a Lutyen designed home and incorporates many of the features found in his best country houses. The main house, guesthouse, infinity-edge pool, and stables are fully integrated into romantically conceived gardens designed in the style of the famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932).

The Estate is situated on 101+/- acres in the Santa Ynez Valley's Happy Canyon area and is set behind a security gate with 2,500 feet of driveway that leads to the residence and stable, allowing total privacy from the from public roads. The property is also part of the Happy Canyon AVA, adjacent to successful vineyards and much of the land on Seven Oaks could be converted to vineyard production or other AG or equestrian uses. The quality of design and construction is unparalleled.

Address: 5200 Armour Ranch Road, Santa Ynez Valley, CA 93460

Price:$11,900,000

For more information please contact Carey Kendall at (805) 688-1620 or carey@clkre.com

Carey Kendall is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Ynez Valley, CA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Scott Mathews

Photo Credit: Scott Mathews Photo Credit: Scott Mathews Photo Credit: Scott Mathews Photo Credit: Scott Matthews Photo Credit: Scott Mathews

The post An English Estate In Santa Ynez Valley By Carey Kendall appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Carey Kendall presents Rancho Rio Robles -  100+/- acre luxury ranch retreat in Santa Barbara Wine Country

Peaceful, Serene, and Private.  A special property providing refuge from crowded cities and over-scheduled lives.

Rancho Rio Robles is a 103-acre luxury ranch located along a meandering river in California’s beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, home to internationally acclaimed wineries, vineyards and equestrian ranches. The 16-room 6 bath main residence is large enough to contain all the amenities you expect from a luxury property but lives cozy, with sun-filled rooms and extensive verandas, surrounded by colorful gardens, mature landscaping, and stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains and hills. It is truly one of the most beautiful settings in California.

The Ranch property offers great utility with its flat and highly useable acreage and outstanding water resources. While providing great privacy and serenity - a true retreat, Rancho Rio Robles is only minutes to the Valley’s shopping, fine dining, and first-class medical facilities, a commuter’s distance to Santa Barbara, and a two-hour drive to Los Angeles.

The 8,000+ square foot main residence was designed by well-known Santa Barbara architect Tom Meany, who, with the owners, created a spectacular “Farmhouse”.  The design is a sophisticated interpretation of the Australian Queenslander style, embodying elements of American Craftsman and Sea Island Plantation, which together proffer a perfect blend of country and sophistication, luxury amenities and modern technology. The residence features four bedrooms, three of which are ensuite, and gracious living areas which include a great room, country kitchen and morning room, formal dining room, library, a luxurious 12 seat theater, 1,000 bottle wine cellar, craft room, extensive covered verandas, two private offices, two laundry rooms, and a three-car garage. 

The ranch’s other facilities include a 3,500 square foot additional residence, a ranch manager’s house, shop, barn, a boutique vineyard and almost 65 acres of green fields of orchard grass and oats, and two fenced and irrigated horse pastures with turnout facilities. Water is supplied by three highly productive wells, with the agricultural well producing over 1,000 gallons of water per minute, sufficient for almost any endeavor.

Rancho Rio Robles offers an extraordinary refuge from the crowds and the hustle and bustle. It is a unique property combining privacy, charm, brilliant design, skilled craftsmanship, luxury, all amid truly beautiful surroundings.

Address: Rancho Rio Robles, 4500 Via Rancheros, Santa Ynez, CA 

Price: $9,900,000

For more information please contact Carey Kendall at (805) 688-1620 or carey@clkre.com

Carey Kendall is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Ynez Valley, CA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch

The post Carey Kendall Presents Rancho Rio Robles, A 100+/- Acre Luxury Ranch Retreat In Santa Barbara Wine Country appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Property:

Situated in prestigious Happy Canyon is one of the Valley’s most coveted estates offering a lifestyle that would be hard to duplicate here in the states.  The 106 +/- acre “Figueroa Farms” transports you to the Italian countryside surrounded by rolling golden hills, orchards of olive trees, and vineyards as far as the eye can see. 

Winding past miles of vineyards, enter through iron gates and up a tree-lined drive which winds past stunning countryside and leads you to an Italian-style Manor home surrounded by acres of olive orchards.

Inspired by the country homes of Italy, this magnificent residence displays fine craftsmanship and attention to detail at every turn; from custom solid walnut doors and windows, stone window sills, custom made floor tiles, 12” to 18” plaster walls, and custom lighting and iron work throughout, every inch was carefully thought out and no expense spared. 

Santa Ynez Valley

A mere two hours north of Los Angeles, and only 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, one is enveloped in a landscape of vineyards, horse ranches, farms and schoolhouses.  You travel back in time where simple pleasures, open spaces, mossy oaks, grassy fields, seas of blue lupine, bright orange poppies and warm sunny days are found.  It seems impossible that such a place still exists in 21st Century California.  The Santa Ynez Valley has become the best kept secret of the celebrity crowd.  All who are fortunate enough to live here closely guard its quiet serenity. 

Within this very special valley is a sublime area known as Happy Canyon…..home to 100 acre or more ranch and vineyard estates owned by a select few who were adept enough to discover this area of incredible beauty.

Address: Figueroa Farms, 1883 Fletcher Way, Santa Ynez Valley, CA 93460

Price: $12,250,000

For more information please contact Carey Kendall at (805) 688-1620 or carey@clkre.com

Carey Kendall is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Ynez Valley, CA real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch and Mason & Poet

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch and Mason & Poet

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch and Mason & Poet

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch and Mason & Poet

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch and Mason & Poet

Photo Credit: Jim Bartsch and Mason & Poet

The post A Glorious Italian Style Manor Estate In Santa Ynez Valley By Carey Kendall appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.