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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. -
INSPIRED DESIGN: 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 1930 for his father-in-law Arthur Meeker, Executive Vice President of Chicago's 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. -
GRACIOUS LIVING: Over the years, the estate has been home to noted names including the Meekers, architect Jack Warner, and local philanthropists Stewart and Katherine Abercrombie, and in the 1980's and 1990's was host to numerous parties and social events. In 2006 the property was meticulously restorated and 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 traditional finishes and modern comforts. Wood and tile floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and original Delft tiles 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 lovely terraces overlooking the ocean and mountains. A large fireplace and a hidden bar further add to the welcoming ambience of this space. -
Double doors from the foyer lead into an extraordinary living room with doors and windows on the north and south walls that open to lovely terraces overlooking the ocean and mountains. A large fireplace and a hidden bar further add to the welcoming ambience of this space. -
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 ocean-view 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, which features a large game room with a wet bar and wide windows that take in ocean and mountain panoramas. Sharing the floor are three spacious guest bedrooms, as well as two smaller bedrooms, with access to a back staircase, ideal for staff. -
RESPLENDENT GROUNDS: 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, a dramatic reflecting pond, and a sunken garden bordered by roses complement the natural beauty that embraces the exquisite residence.
