The Manor Reborn
A newly revitalized expression of Spanish Colonial Revival style is a masterpiece of modern Montecito living.
Written by Jenn Thornton
The gallantly named estate Las Armas straddles two eras—the indulgent, unabashedly glamorous 1920s that gave rise to lavish mansions funded by go for broke fortunes, and the casually elegant Montecito of today. Now fully restored, this radiant Spanish Colonial Revival enters the market, its ages arm in arm, a pedigreed piece of history living for the moment.
“Built in 1928, the George Washington Smith- and Lutah Maria Riggs-designed home has exceptional provenance and history with only four owners to date, including 57 years ownership by actress and model Suzy Parker and actor Bradford Dillman,” says its listing agents Dina Landi, Sarah Hanacek, Jasmine Tennis, and Robert Riskin of Riskin Partners Estate Group of Village Properties. “GWS homes are highly desirable, and are rarely available, because of their classic Santa Barbara look, incredible details, grand proportions, and charm and soul that cannot be easily replicated today.”
Las Armas is not an estate that is encased in amber. It is, however, unambiguously Montecito. Luminous, light-filled, stunningly white-facaded. “This is not a home you will find in other parts of the country,” affirm the agents, pointing to its original tiles, groin vault ceiling and wrought iron handrails as hallmarks of its iconic architectural vernacular. An extensive three-year restoration by renowned architect Marc Appleton and designer Martin Logé preserved the home’s architectural integrity while modernizing its now best-in-class systems, including Savant smart home automation. The kitchen, butler pantry, laundry room and bathrooms are all new. The roof, elevator and HVAC, too. A hidden 4,500-bottle wine cellar and dramatic, 88-foot-long pool with spa and Baja bench are new additions, with the walls hand-plastered and hardwood floors refinished throughout.
“Las Armas is not an estate that is encased in amber. It is, however, unambiguously Montecito. Luminous, light-filled, stunningly white-facaded.”
In grand Montecito fashion, Las Armas balances generously dimensioned entertaining spaces that open to manicured grounds, such as the living room (“a true great room for the ages”), with more intimate environments including a beaming breakfast nook and cozy den. “The house feels gracious but charming at the same time. Sunlight floods all of the rooms of the house. The primary suite with sitting room feels like its own oasis in the home; you have privacy from guests and your own sanctuary. The stunning pool and entertaining veranda call for afternoon and early evening cocktails and swim!”
Compounding the value of this privately tucked-away estate is its location in the heart of Montecito’s coveted Golden Quadrangle and award-winning Montecito Union School District. With privacy, space and “premier proximity to hiking trails, the villages and the beach, there’s an ease and superior quality of life that is challenging to find anywhere else!” Las Armas is as much the exception as it is exceptional. “One of a kind.”
“In grand Montecito fashion, Las Armas balances generously dimensioned entertaining spaces that open to manicured grounds.”
770 Hot Springs Road, Montecito
Presented by Riskin Partners Estate Group | Village Properties
Offered at $18,500,000
