 |
Constantia
offered at $17,900,000
Sited in a premier Montecito location, Constantia reflects the architecture and appeal of another place and time. The six-bedroom, nine bathroom estate stands on approximately 3.5 flat acres and is surrounded by meticulous gardens, broad lawns, and majestic palms. Spectacular views of Montecito Peak rise over the prominent reflecting pond and the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean appear beyond the verdant landscape.
|
|
|
|
Named for the wine region of Cape Town,
South Africa, Constantia arose from the visionary genius of Ambrose
Cramer, who designed the pristine estate in 1929 for his father and
stepmother, Arthur and Grace Meeker from Chicago (of the Armour Meat
Packing Company). Cramer drew inspiration from the Cape Dutch homes
that populated the southernmost tip of the African continent. The
Meekers believed Santa Barbara and the Cape held appealing
similarities in climate, vegetation, and scenery and commissioned
Cramer to recreate the same plantation style amid the breathtaking
terrain of Montecito. Diverse influences from various medieval
European countries as well as Indonesia contributed to the graceful
and aesthetically pleasing Cape Dutch architecture.
|
The essential features of the Dutch South African design are great gables, wide windows with mahogany half-shutters, and broad wall surfaces with high-pitched roofs. The attics under the steep roofs were used as granaries, and another frequent characteristic was a terrace or “stoep,” running across the length of a wing—all of which are evident in Constantia.
|
|
|
|
The home is carefully sited with vistas of the
reflecting pond and mountain range to the north and the expanse of the
Pacific Ocean to the south.
|
Over the years, the estate has been home to distinguished proprietors such as the Meekers, architect Jack Warner, and Katherine and Stewart Abercrombie. In the 1980’s and ‘90s, the estate was host to numerous parties and social events. The current owner purchased the property in 2006 and began the meticulous restoration that resulted in the masterpiece it is today. The beautiful home spans approximately 10,000 square feet of living space and accommodates with six bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Entered through the foyer, the interior spaces are a rich blend of modern comforts and traditional finishes, including original Delft tiles, Oak, Walnut and Mahogany throughout. Wood and tile floors and wood-beamed ceilings accent many of the gracious rooms found within.
|
|
|
|
Double doors from the foyer lead into an
extraordinary living room with doors and windows on the north and
south walls that open to dramatic ocean and mountain-view
terraces.
|
A large fireplace and a hidden bar further add to the welcoming ambience of this space.
|
|
|
|
Also accessing ocean-view terraces, the
dining room, eat-in kitchen, and family room are gracious milieus for
entertaining guests.
|
A traditional morning room off the master bedroom suite is a resplendent spot for relaxation, . . .
|
|
|
|
. . . while the master suite pampers with a
fireplace, two sets of French doors to a private terrace, . . .
|
. . . . and a luxurious bath featuring dual vanities, two dressing rooms, steam shower and a free-standing, marble soaking tub with garden views. A curved Oak staircase ascends to the second level, where two separate wings are joined by a luxurious game room with expansive ocean and mountain views. Five beautifully appointed bedrooms in total, there are three spacious bedrooms as well as two smaller ones, with access to a back staircase, perfectly suited for staff.
|
|
|
|
Famed landscape architect Lockwood deForest, Jr. was
well known for his design of the original gardens at Constantia. The
quality of his design is aptly reverenced in the more recent
enhancements that distinguish the incredible setting.
|
Massive iron gates frame the entrance to the olive-lined drive that fronts the estate, while a swimmer’s pool and spa, fruit trees, a dramatic reflecting pond, and a sunken garden bordered by roses complement the natural beauty that embraces the exquisite residence.
|
|
|
|
|
