American Riviera Restoration
A luxurious enclave is a well-kept secret getaway
Exterior of Villa Magnolia, part of the Paraíso collection of retreats in Montecito.
By Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photography by Sara Prince
The moment you step into PARAÍSO, a collection of six vacation cottages in Montecito, it feels like you’ve discovered a well-kept secret. Tucked at the end of a quiet street near Miramar Beach, this private retreat embodies understated luxury and coastal refinement, channeling an earlier chapter of Montecito through a modern lens. Paraíso is the vision of Michael Hurst and Ian Harrison, partners in work and life, who transformed the former family compound of architect William Painter into a thoughtfully designed short-stay enclave. Seeking to honor Montecito’s Spanish-Andalusian architectural heritage, they spent more than two years preserving and restoring the original buildings and handcrafted details while adding contemporary furnishings and original paintings to give each residence its own character.
With a discerning eye for design, the duo shaped each space to feel elegant yet livable, pairing tranquil hues and abundant natural light with contemporary comforts, such as fully equipped kitchens, Sferra bed linens, and fireplaces. “Our goal was for each residence to offer a unique expression of thoughtful California living but to do so in a cohesive way,” Hurst says.
The collection includes one- and two-bedroom casitas, such as the cozy Terraza del Sol, two-story Casa del Olivo, and coastal-influenced Cabaña de Playa, among others. The largest, Villa Magnolia, features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Intricate design elements—from the serene private courtyard to the carved original wood ceilings and intricate tile work—lend architectural interest to the home.
Outdoors, natural and reclaimed materials (including stone, gravel, and brick), antique fountains, and hand-carved benches are set among native and imported plantings, including a century-old olive tree brought from Northern California. “We took inspiration from the courtyards and gardens of landscape architects like Scott Shrader but adapted that sensibility to fit Montecito’s landscape,” Harrison says. “When guests step outside their casita or villa, we want them to feel immersed in nature—whether they hear the creek running behind the property, admire the redwood and magnolia trees, or smell the scent of lavender in the air. It’s about creating a sensory experience, indoors and out, that will stay with them.” Collectively, the six residences, with optional concierge services, can accommodate up to 24 guests, making the property well suited for intimate retreats.
Balancing privacy and style with a strong connection to its surroundings, Paraíso offers a quiet expression of a luxury getaway—one grounded in the enduring charm of Montecito. 150
Loureyro Rd., Montecito, paraisomontecito.com
