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In
1924, noted architect Myron Hunt was commissioned to design
a Spanish hacienda-style home in the most chosen of Pacific
Coast settings. The grounds would become an oasis for indulgent
relaxation, with oak and olive trees that are now a century
old, splashing fountains and lush gardens, a stunning mosaic
pool, courtyard patios, and a pergola poised for perfect
ocean and mountain views. And the residence itself would
grow more magnificent over the years. While firmly supporting
the integrity of the original architecture, the current
owners have improved and restored Cima del Mundo to a level
of quality, artistry, and luxury seldom seen today.
Beneath
classic barrel-vaulted and coffered ceilings, the 22,000-square-foot
interior is a tour de force of both gracious
opulence and ingratiating comfort. The decided formality
of the living room, with its hand-carved teak ceiling and
limestone fireplace, is offset by a casual family area
off the kitchen, complete with an adjoining patio equipped
with
an outdoor fireplace and built-in barbecue. The breakfast
room, the solarium, the patios, and a formal dining room
featuring a ceiling of coffered walnut are equally well
served by the grand chef’s kitchen, butler’s
pantry, and enormous wine cellar and attendant tasting
room.
This
estate wonderfully recalls the days when––close
to this very spot––Charlie Chaplin built
the Montecito Inn to house his guests when he made his
movies
in Santa Barbara. Today, family and friends at Cima del
Mundo look forward to all manner of amusement and pampering.
They
enjoy an authentic bowling alley outfitted with a circa-1920s
ball return, automatic pin setting, and computerized
scoring. Also here is a bar and billiards room featuring
a 950-gallon
saltwater aquarium. The state-of-the-art theater, with
an adjoining lobby, and the multilevel gym and dry sauna
add
to the wonderful possibilities for at-home diversion.
And, to keep things running smoothly, the home is equipped
with
two laundry rooms, high-tech communications and sound
systems, and complete security.
Among
the seven bedrooms is a master suite of exceptional proportions
and privacy. Highlights include cozy fireplaces
in both the bedroom and the bath plus an executive
office with ocean, harbor, and mountain views. The separate
stone guest house offers one bedroom, a full kitchen,
a bath,
a living room, and a fireplace. Additionally, the estate
includes
a two-bedroom, two-bath staff suite.
From
the French doors and balconies, from the fountained terraces
and glorious gardens, from the swimming pool
and waterfall, and from virtually every other perspective,
the vista at Cima del Mundo is one of wraparound
perfection. $37,000,000. Inquiries to Rebecca Riskin, (805)
565
8863, rebecca, or www.montecito-realestate.com.
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