The grand, historic Montecito estate, known as “Casa del Sueno,” was the featured home on “HGTV Frontdoor” this week.
Dating back to 1917, the picturesque 8,500-square-foot Mediterranean mansion was designed by legendary architect Reginald D. Johnson (The Biltmore Hotel, The Santa Barbara Post Office), who was famous for pioneering the Mediterranean style here in Southern California. Heiress and philanthropist Amy du Pont, the youngest daughter of Eugene du Pont, lived at this gorgeous 4.5-acre estate for 44 years until she died of a stroke in 1962. It was then purchased by actor/singer Burl Ives, who lived there until about 1992. The estate is listed with agents Carol Dotson and Susan Pekich.
Many celebrities call this exclusive, lush and extremely private neighborhood of Montecito home, including Oprah Winfrey, who lives just a few houses down the block. The estate, with its indoor-outdoor spaces and park-like grounds, is an ideal spot for both private relaxation and grand scale entertaining.
“We love the five-bedroom, seven-bath home for its sweeping wraparound terraces, terra cotta floors, large windows, romantic fireplaces and the 80-foot lap pool with its frolicking dolphin fountain,” says HGTV Frontdoor. “The lush grounds with its rose garden, pool house, putting green and 2,500-square-foot guesthouse are eye-catching as well. There are also horse stables that were no doubt used by Ms. Du Pont who was an avid horsewoman.”
The Agency’s Carol Dotson, who is the co-listing agent for 1880 East Valley Road, had this to say about the historic estate:
“Casa del Sueño is an iconic estate with an incredible architectural pedigree on one of the most sought after drives in the tony enclave of Montecito. The incredible home and grounds are the perfect setting for a family seeking their own legacy retreat. The ocean views and remarkable vistas are also an ideal canvas for a prolific architect or developer wanting to further expand the grand vision of Reginald Johnson’s and to re-imagine a rare and magnificent West Coast compound.”
Read the full HGTV Frontdoor piece here.
