On a warm summer afternoon, guests ascended the private, tree-lined drive to 848 Hot Springs Road in Montecito to celebrate the spectacular property’s market debut. Inspired by the legendary, 13th-century Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain and represented by The Agency’s Billy Rose, this nearly 12,000-square-foot, custom-built estate gracefully melds Old World architecture with Modernist details—think tall arches and detailed mosaics in Moorish, Spanish and Italianate style. This inimitable home was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal and Mansion Global.
Built in 2014 by MG Partners in collaboration with the owner, commercial director Kinka Usher, the estate’s entrancing 2.5-acre grounds boast gorgeous views of the Santa Barbara coast as well as a koi pond, Japanese-style pavilion, bocce and pickleball courts, a stunning terraced olive orchard, sports court, heated pool, fire pit and a 16-seat covered pergola specially designed for outdoor dining.
Throughout the afternoon fête, guests were encouraged to explore the home’s many unique interior features, including its restaurant-caliber kitchen (complete with a rotisserie and Bonnet Range with a grill, plancha and French top), wood-coffered library, breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows, hammam-inspired bathrooms, modern-meets-classical steel Corinthian columns, dual master suites and an attached guesthouse.
“Over the years, I’ve seen many incredible homes around the world, and 848 Hot Springs Road is among my absolute favorites,” notes Billy. “With its thoughtful and unique architecture, masterful craftsmanship, extraordinary views and stellar location, you can tell that every detail—both decorative and functional—was thoughtfully considered and carefully curated. I’ve never seen anything like it, and probably never will again.”
Upon arriving, attendees were served chilled Aperol Spritzes as they passed through the estate’s rotunda entryway—which centers on a hand-carved marble fountain—and under the impressive colonnade out to the sun-soaked grounds. There, in the lemon tree-shaded garden, caterers Choux Choux cooked up fresh-made pizzas in the estate’s outdoor stone oven and served them alongside glasses of chardonnay from Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards and Peroni beers.
For more information on 848 Hot Springs Road, please contact Billy Rose at 424.230.3702 or BRose@TheAgencyRE.com.
