Entire home

Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito

Villa in Santa Barbara with kitchen and fireplace

Photo gallery for Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito

Interior
Property grounds
Dining
Terrace/patio
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
8 bedrooms10+ bathroomsSleeps 14929.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pool
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Montecito, CA
  • Place, Westmont College
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Barbara Zoo
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, West Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 7

+5
1 Single Bed, 2 King Beds and 6 Queen Beds

10 bathrooms, 11 half bathrooms

Abigail's Cottage Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 11

Bathroom 12

Bathroom 13

Bathroom 14

Bathroom 15

Bathroom 16

Bathroom 17

Bathroom 18

Bathroom 19

Bathroom 20

Bathroom 21

Guest Ensuite 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Guest Ensuite 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Guest Ensuite 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Guest House Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Guest House Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Half Bath Off Main Entrance

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Jack's Cottage Ensuite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Master Ensuite 1

+1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Master Ensuite 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen
Kitchenette
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito

Located in the heart of Montecito, Ravenscroft is an enchanting George Washington Smith estate that blends aristocratic allure with modern elegance. Originally commissioned by Peggy Ravenscroft in 1922, the villa continues to embody the legacy of its namesake her imprint and spirit indelibly woven into every corner of the estate. To this day, the home is steeped in a sense of story, where memory, myth, and magic intertwine. Complementing Ravenscroft's timeless beauty and storied origins are its amenities: pool & spa, home theatre, full guest house, 3 guest cottages, wine cellar & tasting room, billiards room, and courts for bocce, pickle-ball and tennis ensuring every moment is one of serenity, sophistication, and luxury.

A winding driveway unfolds into a landscape of manicured lawns, towering palms and rose gardens, revealing a stately Spanish facade draped in ivy and history. Celebrated for its theatrical proportions, enduring romance, and architectural pedigree, the 10,000 square foot home stands as one of California's most exceptional and soulful properties. More than a residence, Ravenscroft is a living work of art a place of refinement and legacy. Ravenscroft also captured the heart of Academy Award–winner Diane Keaton, who featured it in her book California Romantica and named it one of her favorite homes in Montecito— a place she ‘fell in love with’ for its history, character, and astonishing beauty.

The centerpiece of the estate is the 52-foot living room a space as storied as it is striking. Modeled after a London stage production, the room was built large enough to accommodate Peggy's beloved horse, Jack, who would warm himself by the fire. Though reimagined with contemporary sensibilities, the living room retains the dramatic flair of the 1920s and the grandeur of a vanished age. A palette of sand and caramel tones grounds the space, while sumptuous statement sofas and the grand fireplace bring a sense of intimacy to its expansive scale. Every detail from the mahogany finishes and the sculptured silhouettes to the romantic archways and oversized proportions lend rich layers of depth and texture, enveloping the space in timeless elegance. This room, like much of the home, stands as a homage to its muse, Peggy a place where artistry, sophistication and and heritage converge.

Beyond a garden-lined foyer lies the loggia, where sunlight spills through, casting soft light across marble floors and framing views of the pool. Cascading vines shroud the walls, weaving a tapestry of green, and wrought-iron doors open into the rose gardens, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The loggia reveals three distinct moments: an intimate nook for reading, a spacious lounge centered around a fireplace and TV, and a dining area for candle-lit dinners and soirees. Each corner is steeped in a sense of the ethereal and dreamlike, as if lifted from the pages of a storybook.

Thoughtfully appointed for both elegance and ease, the kitchen features a butler's pantry, top-tier appliances, and a bespoke La Cornue stove. French doors open onto an idyllic courtyard, where a mosaic fountain, fire pit, and inviting seating inspire inspire starlit evenings, chef-prepared dinners, and fireside conversation. A cozy breakfast nook with a crackling fireplace, infuses the space with warmth and charm. The formal dining room, anchored by a Carrara marble table, flows effortlessly into another courtyard leading to the Billiard's room and and guest cottages. Tucked discreetly behind a bookshelf, a hidden wine cellar awaits a touch of enchantment ensuring every meal is paired with the perfect vintage

Upstairs, the private primary suite is a portrait of romantic luxury. Windows frame garden and pool views, bathing the room in soft, natural light. A king-size bed with a hand-forged wrought iron frame serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by wool rugs and a fireplace that lend a tactile coziness to the space. Dual bathrooms, a dressing room and a walk-in shower elevate the luxurious setting. Adding notes of whimsy and sophistication, one walk-in closet features a hidden door within the shoe shelf that leads to a lookout tower above.

Three guest bedrooms are located on the ground level, each with its own ensuite and French doors opening to the rose gardens. The suites epitomize serenity, with clay, taupe, and cream palettes artfully layered to craft a refined retreat. Contemporary art pieces, set against travertine and alabaster textures, bring continuity and cohesion, while subtle design nuances and colorways define distinct visual narratives. The full guest house features a king bedroom, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with a TV. 'Jack's Cottage' offers a queen bedroom, a full bathroom, and a sauna offering a spa-like retreat wrapped in comfort and calm. In the Japanese Tea House, you'll find a queen pull-out bed along with a full bathroom and walk-in shower. Tucked away amidst a fruit orchard and quaint hen house, the restored 'Abigail Cottage' is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom hideaway brimming with fairytale charm.

Adjacent to Lotusland, the two-acre gated estate offers a rare balance of seclusion and convenience: just moments from Butterfly and Hammonds beaches, the iconic Rosewood Miramar Hotel, the boutiques and renowned restaurants of Coast Village Road, San Ysidro Ranch, and the Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead.

Kindly note: weddings and events are not allowed.

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Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Santa Barbara

Located by the sea, this villa is in Montecito, a neighbourhood in Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Bowl and The Easton Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Casa Del Herrero and Rafael Gonzalez House. Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Channel are also worth visiting.
Map
Montecito, CA

What's nearby

  • Westmont College - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Barbara Zoo - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Butterfly Beach - 5 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Santa Barbara Bowl - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
  • West Beach - 8 min drive - 6.3 km

Getting around

  • Santa Barbara Station - 14 min drive
  • Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪El Sitio - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Blenders in the Grass - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Caffe Luxxe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Honor Bar - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ravenscroft —Luxury 2 Acre Gated Villa in Montecito located?

Located in Montecito, this villa is within a 15-minute walk of Lotusland and Westmont College. The Easton Gallery and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church are also within 3 miles (5 km).

About the host

Hosted by Melanie Cava

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Ravenscroft is just as much a piece of historical art as it is a home. Peggy Ravenscroft, the original owner, was ahead of her time in her achievements (a summary of her life can be emailed) and had the vision to commission George Washington Smith (GWS) on the creation of this home. GWS is said to the father of Santa Barbara Architecture. This home is of museum quality with original masterpiece features in tact including tiles, wrought iron, stone work, furnishings and artwork original to the era. Yet it has been modernized with all new systems while maintaining original features. As we walked through Ravenscroft our first time, there was another interested party who was saying they were going to gutt the home. We had to buy it because our goal is to preserve and share it with others. Peggy and GWS started something that deserves to be seen. Someone once said this home is to be felt as much as seen as it has a magical ambiance/spirit. Not to mention the majestic gardens with mature 100 year old trees, stone pathways and sitting area with fireplace providing beauty from every angle.

What makes this property unique

Main house, Guest House, Two Cottages, Tennis Court, Pool, Spa, Theater Room, Office, Billiards room, sauna and magical garden. Private gated and encased.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests