An exquisitely renovated home in a premier location offering unobstructed south facing ocean, harbor & city views along with ultimate privacy and easy access to downtown Santa Barbara is an unbeatable combination for this exciting Riviera offering.

Upon entering the foyer you are instantly immersed in the luxury of this light-filled residence which features wide plank French oak floors, walls of glass and high end finishes throughout. As you step into the great room it is difficult to peel your eyes away from the stunning views featuring Santa Barbara’s harbor as the centerpiece along with the panoramic ocean, island and intimate city vistas. The casual yet sophisticated public spaces provide an open style of living including easy access to an expansive view terrace offering the Santa Barbara lifestyle ideal for entertaining and/or daily relaxation. This level of the home also features two private bedrooms suites and the “master retreat” complete with a luxurious spa-like bath and the perfect place to enjoy an inspiring sunrise or romantic city lights in the evening.

The lower level of this thoughtfully designed home provides a private guest suite, a family/media room and a home office all with incredible ocean and city views. Additionally, there is an abundance of bonus space on this level that is ideal for extra storage but also provides endless possibilities for such amenities as a wine grotto, art studio, gift wrapping station or a yoga room. All together this special Riviera retreat with unobstructed views and supreme privacy is the home you may never want to leave.

Address: 365 Loma Media Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Price: $3,295,000

For more information, please contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Chris Palme

The post A Santa Barbara Home In A Premier Location appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

This special Riviera retreat has the ambiance of a Mediterranean Villa combined with an upscale & modern interior featuring vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen. Exceptional ocean, city & harbor views can be enjoyed from the private grounds and most of the interior spaces. The entry-level features light-filled public rooms along with 2 spacious bedrooms, while the upper level is dedicated to the master retreat complete with vaulted ceilings, a spa-like bathroom & walls of glass showcasing romantic vistas.

Address: 202 Loma Media Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Price: $1,775,000

For more information, please contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Chris Palme 

The post This Santa Barbara Home Feels Like A Mediterranean Villa appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Upper Riviera’s El Encanto District is one of the most coveted locations in Santa Barbara. This enchanting neighborhood features curved roads lined with stone walls, a world-class boutique hotel & restaurant and beautiful homes on gracious lots with mature landscaping and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez mountain range. On a prominent knoll in the heart of this neighborhood is a peaceful contemporary style retreat offering soothing mountain views in the front and inspiring ocean, city & harbor views from the private back yard. This expertly reconstructed residence offers a perfect combination of casual Santa Barbara style living along with contemporary design elements and upscale amenities providing an ideal environment for relaxing and/or entertaining. The light-filled home features wide plank French White Oak floors, an irresistible great room with soaring ceilings and cascading doors creating seamless indoor/outdoor living and an inviting living room complete with a cozy fireplace and easy access to an incredible view terrace. Near the kitchen is a separate wing that offers an office alcove along with two guest bedrooms and a beautifully appointed full bath. On the west side of the foyer is the main sleeping wing providing two bedrooms adjoining a full bath along with the private master suite offering romantic mountain views from the bedroom and peaceful ocean views from the spa-like master bath. The estate-like grounds are another prominent feature of this special property. Mature trees and gardens shield the front of the home from the road and a stately driveway provides an abundance of guest parking. The back and side yards are a private oasis featuring view terraces, a generous lawn area for recreation and an enclosed side yard ideal for kids, pets and/or gardening. All together this tranquil retreat provides the perfect environment for a relaxing lifestyle in one of Santa Barbara’s most sought after locations.

Address: 2203 Las Tunas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Price: $3,495,000

For more information, please contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Chris Palme 

The post Enchanting Santa Barbara Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

In recent years the bucolic rolling hills just east of Montecito have become a desirable destination for those seeking the amenities of living in the 93108 enclave without having to pay the premium prices for the privilege of being in a particular school district. This special location offers a semi-rural ambience featuring privacy, serenity and inspiring vistas along with easy access to Montecito’s world class shops, restaurants, hiking trails and beaches.

Within this community is an exquisitely designed Mediterranean style home positioned on private estate-like grounds with soothing mountain views. The desirable floor plan offers over 3300 square feet of single level living featuring gracious public rooms with beautiful hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, three fireplaces and access to inviting outdoor patios. The heart of the home is the well-appointed chefs kitchen that opens to a light-filled family room and breakfast nook all with stunning mountain views. Near the kitchen is a versatile room that is ideal for an office or studio along with a full bathroom and access to an oversized 2-car garage.  On the eastern side of the home is the bedroom wing offering two spacious guest rooms with a beautifully appointed full bath and a sumptuous master suite with its own private patio.

Adding to the ambience of this special property is the completely private and fully contained nearly acre of grounds that features towering trees, mature hedges, colorful gardens and exotic plants. The expansive lawn and pool area is ideal for relaxation and/or recreation along with several patios and a built-in barbeque for entertaining on a grand scale. Enjoy soothing mountain vistas from the elevated area above the pool complete with raised vegetable beds, walking paths and a swing set. All together this desirable Montecito retreat is the home you may never want to leave.

Address: 2747 Macadamia Lane

Price: $2,795,000

For more information, please contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Chris Palme 

The post Mediterranean Montecito Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The Riviera’s Eastern Ridge is a coveted location offering a perfect combination of “Montecito like” semi-rural tranquility and privacy along with renowned Riviera views. This sought after hillside setting also offers a unique orientation providing panoramic vistas stretching from the northern Santa Ynez mountain range to the south facing Pacific ocean in addition to stunning Montecito valley and eastern coastline views. On a prominent knoll in the heart of this neighborhood is a peaceful contemporary style retreat that provides comfortable indoor/outdoor living and panoramic views in a private setting. The pristine single level home was thoroughly renovated 12 years ago adding quality enhancements to the exquisitely designed home by noted architect, Don Pederson. The inviting “great room” is the heart of the home featuring wide plank Walnut floors, soaring ceilings, a stunning Portuguese ceramic tile fireplace and a spacious chef’s kitchen – all with easy access to an irresistible view terrace. Additionally, the home offers 3 bedrooms, 3 beautifully appointed full baths, a storage/laundry/mudroom and an oversized 2-car garage. The master suite is another highlight of the home featuring a spa-like bath with a soaking tub, a spacious walk-in closet, a remote controlled fireplace and access to a romantic view terrace. The private estate grounds are just as appealing as the home. The front features a stately driveway providing an abundance of guest parking along with a magical flagstone entry path to the front door complete with towering palm trees, exotic gardens and a soothing water feature. The back and side yards are a private oasis featuring an amazing entertaining deck with panoramic views, mature trees & hedges, bountiful fruit trees, and inviting walking paths throughout. All together this very special property in one of the Riviera’s most coveted locations is the home you may never want to leave.

Address: 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Price: $3,295,000

For more information, please contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Chris Palme 

The post Private Mill Valley Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

My first reaction to the new median price of $1,745,000 – a 10 percent declined from last year – was surprise combined with a bit of disappointment. Once I analyzed the various price segments, however, I immediately understood the underlying reason for this. The most encouraging news is that the number of sales overall is on a pace to surpass last year’s record number. The main driver of this market strength is the $1- to $2-million category, which is even more robust than it has been the last 2 years. The $2- to $3-million segment remains solid with 16 sales – essentially the same as the last 2 years. The big change is that there has been only 2 sales so far in the $3 million plus range and none above $3.5 million. For whatever reason this is a trend in the overall South Coast real estate market currently, however, the expectation is that the higher end sales will begin to heat up as we approach the late summer and fall season.

In my January report I commented that “the other potential wild card in the Riviera market this year is that the demand may actually increase due to the recent fires and mudslides in Montecito.” Since that time the sub-market that has been the most positively impacted from the added demand is Hope Ranch, however, the Riviera market has seen far less of an effect. I am aware of a few Riviera sales that have occurred as a result of Montecito residents being displaced, but the general consensus is that it will take more time for those impacted to make decisions about their future. My expectation is for a strong second half of the year. Hopefully the inventory will continue to flow at the lower and mid-range segment of the market and the combination of increased motivation and stronger demand will revive the high-end sales.

Read the original report here.

Top image: 1425 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 / courtesy of Chris Palme

The post Chris Palme: The American Riviera Reports Strong Market In First Half Of 2018 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

This special property is ideally located on the south side of APS providing ultimate privacy along with panoramic views that are centered on the harbor and fulfill your day with inspiring sunrises, soothing sunsets and romantic city lights in the evening. The generous sized home offers over 3,700 square feet of comfortable living including four bedrooms, four full baths, two offices and light filled public rooms designed to showcase the views.

The entry level features a spectacular great room with vaulted ceilings, a corner fireplace and a stunning chef’s kitchen all with easy access to an irresistible view deck. This level also offers an office and two ocean view guest bedrooms each with a full bath. Up a short flight of steps is the master retreat complete with a spacious walk-in closet, a cozy fireplace and a romantic south facing terrace. The lower level offers a well-appointed media room and/or 4th bedroom with a full bath. Additionally, the home provides a 3-car garage with an adjacent laundry/crafts room.

The private and lush half acre of estate-like grounds are just as appealing as the home. The front features an inviting entry with mature privacy hedges along with an abundance of guest parking which is rare on the Riviera. The back yard is a private oasis featuring a free-form pool with pool house, lush landscaping, spacious view terraces and a full-sized bocce ball court. All together this special property offers quality living in one of Santa Barbara’s most sought after locations.

Address: 1425 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Price: $3,495,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

View the listing here.

For more information, contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Images courtesy of Chris Palme

The post Spectacular Santa Barbara Property appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Hidden away on a private gated drive in the heart of this neighborhood is a stately architecturally designed villa that combines classic Spanish Colonial design elements along with a California casual style of living.

The 4200sq. ft. home offers 5 bedrooms with 3 and a half baths including a romantic master suite complete with wood-beamed ceilings, a cozy fireplace, a full-size sauna and a spa tub for two.The gracious and light-filled public rooms feature vaulted ceilings, handmade Mexican tiles, custom wrought-iron detailing and a well-appointed gourmet kitchen that adjoins an inviting sunroom providing the perfect gathering place for meals and entertaining.

Adding to the ambiance of this unique estate is the completely private, fully contained, botanic garden-like acre of grounds that provide a nature lovers' paradise complete with walking paths, specimen plants, mature trees and inspiring mountain views. Relaxing daily living and entertaining can be enjoyed on the sprawling lawn, various patios and decks or the private free form pool.

Enjoy your own harvest with colorful gardens, bountiful fruit trees and raised vegetable beds, and if you are looking for some exercise there are two association tennis courts down the street along with the adjacent 20 acre “Sheffield Open Space” with miles of walking paths. All together this very special Riviera Villa is the home you may never want to leave.

Address: 2434 Stanwood Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Price: $3,125,000

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3.5

View the listing here. 

For more information, contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Images courtesy of Chris Palme

The post Stately, Spanish Colonial Villa In Santa Barbara appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Originally built in the 1920s, this charming New England-style residence provides inviting living spaces featuring classic hardwood floors, a stately fireplace, double-hung windows, built-in benches and vintage moldings. Although the home has been thoroughly renovated and expanded in recent years the quality of craftsmanship has not been compromised.

It now offers over 2700 square feet including four bedrooms, three beautifully appointed baths, a gourmet kitchen and a comfortable family/media room in addition to the formal dining and living rooms that have not lost their early 20th century appeal. Inspiring ocean and city views further enhance all of the public spaces which additionally includes an enclosed sun porch, a light-filled breakfast nook and a spacious south facing terrace.

The grounds are just as appealing as the home highlighted by a sprawling California oak tree near the entry along with vintage stone walls and steps, mature landscaping and generous front and back lawn areas for recreation. This very special craftsman-style retreat in a prime lower Riviera location is the home you may never want to leave.

Address: 15 Rubio Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Price: $2,295,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

View the listing here.

For more information, contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Images courtesy of Chris Palme

The post Exquisite, Stylish Retreat With Exceptional Views appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Although the region was frequented by Spanish explorers in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, it was not until 1782, when Felipe de Neve arrived to erect the Presidio, that the town sprouted. The Spaniards established a military installation to ward off the quests of the English and Russians, and set up a mission that formed the core of what is today Santa Barbara.

The city might have Spanish roots but it is often compared to what is perhaps the most famed Riviera – the French. “I have not been to the French Riviera,” said Santa Barbara-based real estate agent Chris Palme, “but I have heard the similarities are that the hillside homes are so close to the ocean.” That comes in addition to the mild weather and relaxed lifestyle.

Much like everything else about Santa Barbara, its luxury real estate is nothing but ordinary. With an average listing price tag of $1.5 million, many of the homes here have meticulously white-washed facades and fairytale-worthy red-tile roofs – features that dominate the Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean architectural styles. One majestic abode that exemplifies the charm of the Old World is 2434 Stanwood Drive, a sprawling 4,200sq. ft. villa, whose arched entrance and weathervane-topped tower appear at the end of a leafy gated drive.

2434 Stanwood Drive / Courtesy of Chris Palme

While European sensitivities abound, “a popular architectural style currently is modern,” said Palme. No matter the style, however, Santa Barbara’s residences easily attract with the vistas they afford – a blend of the lush green of the nearby mountains and the serene blue of the ocean. 15 Rudio Road offers sweeping ocean views, that stretch beyond the city and its harbor. The home’s 1920s’ appeal and contemporary appointments make for an ideal retreat. Another benefit the residence has is its proximity to Santa Barbara’s downtown cluster of entertainment.

“Other than the ideal year-round climate, Santa Barbara has an amazing array of world-class music, theatre, and lectures among other things,” said Palme. “That is unusual for a small city.”

Quoting a Santa Barbara local, Palme gushed, “We know how lucky we are not to have to go to Europe to enjoy the Riviera lifestyle. We’ve got a better Riviera right here in Santa Barbara."

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

The post Chris Palme Traces The Allure Of The American Riviera appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Tucked away down a private gated drive in the heart of this neighborhood is a romantic Tuscan Villa surrounded by perfectly manicured estate-like grounds that provide the ambiance of living in your own private resort. The allure of this special home is evident throughout with a European sense of flare and artistry, including high beamed ceilings, intricate wrought iron, custom light fixtures, art niches and several view terraces.

The public spaces are highlighted by a welcoming foyer and a gourmet kitchen with access to casual and formal dining areas each opening out to an inviting patio through French doors. Up a short flight of steps is the master wing of the home offering a comfortable sitting/media room with a fireplace, a romantic master suite and a private office all with a seamless flow to irresistible ocean view terraces.

The guest wing features two spacious bedrooms with French doors to private patios along with a beautifully appointed full bath, a media room and an exercise room or fourth bedroom. Additionally, the home offers an art studio/office, a powder room, an oversized 2-car garage and a spectacular wine cave complete with wine-making equipment.

The estate grounds are just as enticing as the interior spaces beginning with a sweeping gated drive that leads to a motor court providing plenty of guest parking for entertaining. The lushly landscaped acre is a private oasis featuring sprawling lawns, an inviting resort-style pool and various patios and sitting areas to enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

Bountiful fruit trees, grape vines, meandering paths, hand-cut stone walls and massive sandstone boulders further enhance the magical setting. This spectacular Tuscan Villa in one of Santa Barbara’s most coveted locations is the home you may never want to leave.

Address: 2110 Mt Calvary Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Price: $3,125,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

View the listing here.

For more information, contact Chris Palme at 805-448-3066 or chris@sbrivierahomes.com

Chris Palme is the exclusive agent representing the Santa Barbara, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Images courtesy of Chris Palme

The post Villa Anteros – Resort Style Living In The Riviera’s Estate District appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.