Montecito real estate — live a luxurious lifestyle in “America’s Riviera” —
glorious Santa Barbara. (cont'd)A brief history
As a suburb of Santa Barbara, Montecito shares the temperate climate which has
drawn so many people to the area. Located on the east side of Santa Barbara,
Montecito extends about three miles eastward to Ortega Hill and Summerland and,
on the other axis, from the ocean shore to the foothills of the Santa Ynez
Mountains, a distance of about two miles.
Montecito is an unincorporated section of Santa Barbara County, represented
within the county government by
The Montecito Association, a volunteer
organization. Residents make up a population of some 9,000 people living in
about 3,500 homes. Essentially a residential community, backed by a zoning
ordinance created in 1930, there are, however, two shopping districts, several
excellent public and private schools, a college, three country clubs, numerous
restaurants and a handful of resort hotels in the community. In addition to The
Montecito Association, other agencies supporting and regulating services in
Montecito are The Montecito Fire Protection District, the
Montecito Sanitary
District, and the Montecito Water District.
The origin of the name "Montecito" is unresolved but it has been applied to this
area for slightly more than two centuries. Some attribute the name to the
Spanish word for "little woods" while others say it
means "little mountains." In either case, the name "Montecito" conjures all
kinds of impressions. Some think that Montecito has always consisted of nothing
but great estates with opulent gardens surrounding mansions filled with fine
paintings, rare books, antique furniture and treasures from around the world.
Such an impression is not entirely valid for even during the "Golden Age" of
extensive estates there were many modest and small homes in Montecito.
What is the special quality of Montecito? Perhaps the most distinguishing
features are the tree and hedge-lined roads everywhere. While unity in architectural style forms a
cohesive image in some cities, it is the landscape architects who assured the
continuity of Montecito with the extensive planting of trees, flowers and
shrubs.
Residents of Montecito run the full range of economic wealth, starting with
great riches and dropping down through affluence to modest incomes. Individuals in the community include
those accomplished in the arts or with successful careers in education,
government or in the corporate world. Wealthy residents of a half century ago
were quick with pen and checkbook to the lasting benefit of Santa Barbara and
the surrounding area and their presence attracted medical centers, cultural
museums and performing arts of a higher caliber than the small town could
otherwise support. It also brought fine stores and sporting clubs to Santa
Barbara. The imported wealth provided livelihoods for artisans, domestics,
gardeners and educators as well as bankers, lawyers, architects, brokers, real
estate agents and the like.
The way of life in Montecito is as varied as its people. Great parties and
cultural entertainment amid well tended gardens have been characteristic of the community. In prior years,
the large estates were open to the public joining scheduled Garden Tours. Some of the long-established
patterns still prevail. A walk along Butterfly Beach and an ocean swim are still possible on an almost
daily basis. For others, a drive along back roads or a hike along a creek bed in
the foothills provides a relaxing afternoon. There are over a dozen excellent
golf courses and tennis clubs in the area, and sailing and polo are year-round
attractions.
Harry Kolb, with 27-years experience representing the finest homes in Montecito, as a member of Sotheby’s International Realty, with its Santa Barbara Brokerage office, and as board member of both the Ganna Walska Lotusland gardens and The Montecito Association Board of Directors and an appointee to the Montecito Association Land Use Committee, Mr. Kolb specializes in Montecito real estate, offering the widest range of the most impeccable properties available in this small area. We currently have listings for:
View the very best currently available Montecito real estate at
HarryKolb.com.
