Everyone seems to either live in Montecito or want to move there. Oprah Winfrey (and Hollywood’s elite), Oprah Winfrey (and Gwyneth paltrow), Ellen DeGeneres, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle all call the Santa Barbara enclave home. We don’t have pictures of every mansion in the neighborhood, but we did gather photos of notable residential houses to show what it was like to live behind closed doors. These are just a few of the many…
MEGHAN MARKLE and PRINCE Harry: Prince Harry bought this California estate, which made them neighbours with Oprah Winfrey. Santa Barbara property records show that the nine-bedroom and 16-bathroom estate in Montecito, California was purchased for an astonishing $14,650,000 on June 18, 2020. This 14,563-square foot home is located on 5.4 acres. Immaculately cut hedges surround the stone-pillared gates that lead to the estate.
The property records indicate that Harry and Meghan have a new house built in 2003. It boasts a large lawn, tiered rose garden, high-tiered Italian cypress trees and blooming lavender. There is also a tea house, tennis court, cottage, children’s cabin, and pool. The estate also has a guesthouse with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
In Prince Harry’s Apple TV series, royal viewers were given a glimpse into their up-market residence. He was 37 years old and was filming in the vast mansion. Harry can be seen talking to Oprah Winfrey in some scenes. He is standing before a large, dark-colored window that has Georgian bars and Georgian frames. This gives a glimpse of the courtyard. It shows a brick paved area with a large rock formation – possibly a water feature – that leads onto a well-manicured lawn bordered with large stones and filled with shrubs and bushes. A large tree is located to the left of the patio in a gravel area.
In another scene, Harry discusses his therapy journey and is seen taking part in an EDMR session via Zoom from a pale grey sofa – a brave choice given the couple’s two dogs and two young children. With its mossy green ceramic base, a lamp with a cream shade placed on the side table next to the couch adds a splash of color. Harry’s back is a dark wood display case with glass doors. Inside, you will find a few books and a decorative vase.
ROBERT GIPSON: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s previous billionaire neighbor, Peter Sperling, sold his $19 million mansion to a trust whose trustee is financial analyst and LA lawyer Robert Gipson, managing partner of Gipson Hoffman & Pancione. Gipson could now be the Sussexes’ newest neighbor – or could be a trustee for one of his clients who wished to purchase the home more anonymously.
This stunning home boasts 7 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.
You will also find a cobblestone driveway with dual gates, several entertaining areas, a professional chef’s kitchen and library, as well as a solarium. You will find a cinema, reception and master bedrooms with their own accessories shop.
This home boasts a stunning kitchen. The listing also mentions a “new secondary culinary arts cooking kitchen, the envy of every 5 star restaurant”. The home’s interior is elegant, but it sits close to creeks, bridges, and paths, which makes it an ideal home for families.
This sprawling estate has two pools as well as a cabana, two guesthouses with one bedroom each and two other separate ones.
PORTIA AND ELLEN – Another well-known resident was Ellen DeGeneres who made a fortune when she flipped a Montecito estate in 2018. She then bought it back for top dollar. Ellen de Rossi and Portia, her wife purchased the property for $7.2million in 2017. Then, they sold it to Sean Rad, Tinder founder, for $11 million. Rad listed it for sale again a year later, but he didn’t have a buyer until DeGeneres paid $14.3 million to buy back the Rancho San Leandro in May 2021.
Rancho San Leandro is a historic home that was constructed in 1850. The original rancho San Leandro house had a single bedroom and a bathroom. Around 1850 the original house in hacienda style was constructed. In 2006, an additional 3,600 square foot residence was built.
This new residence boasts 3,600 sq. feet of living area and features both a downstairs living room with fireplace, as well as a tiled staircase. You can also combine the traditional features of the home with those from the historical estate by adding some classic touches.
The upstairs bedrooms have stunning views of the extensive gardens. These rooms are equipped with wood floors, beamed ceilings and wooden flooring. For cooler evenings, one bedroom is equipped with an adobe fire place. The other room has a small terrace.
It is located on six acres with oaks and eucalyptus trees. The estate boasts breathtaking views of the mountains. The estate also offers equestrian amenities, such as a large barn or a dressage circle.
ARIANA GRANDE: Pop star Ariana Grande opted for a venue close to her heart for her surprise wedding to Dalton Gomez in May – her own English Tudor-style residence in Montecito. For $6.75million, the singer bought the property from Ellen DeGeneres & Portia De Rossi.
Inside Ariana’s stunning estate is a grand abode comprised of two separate barns – Porter Barn and Black Barn – originally built in Surrey, England, during the 1700s. It was taken down and transported to California in order to be rebuilt. The orangery connects the two buildings and covers 5,500 sq. feet.
Boasting two bedrooms and three bathrooms, the home – now dubbed Porter House – displays many period features in keeping with its historical English roots, such as cathedral-style ceilings, antique windows and exposed beams, as well as exposed brick fireplaces.
This centuries-old home was updated with modern amenities, including a full basement, workshop and a gym.
GWYNETH and BRAD: Gwyneth Paltrow, the Goop Goddess, is nearing completion on their Montecito mansion of 14,000 square feet. They bought the house for $5 million. It had four bedrooms, four baths, and over two acres.
Photos taken July show that the Oscar-winning actress, 49, and television writer 50 will soon be ready to move in to their huge estate. Construction is almost done, as 60 solar panels and new trees were planted.
A couple has created an oasis in their backyard with an Olympic-sized, in-ground pool. The pool appears to be near beautiful pools house and is also surrounded by trees. The main house has two stairways that lead to the water body. A retaining wall is also in place.
Aerial footage shows that paving stones have been recently installed, and lead to a large garage. Although it is not clear how long the couple will continue to work on the property, the large solar panels suggest that it will make for a wonderful eco-friendly experience when completed.
However, there are downsides to living within a private zone. Gwyneth’s house was destroyed by mudslides in January 2018. Eight people were missing while hundreds were trapped within their homes. Before the couple built their home, the property boasted stunning water features and ‘Monet-like’ gardens.
ADAM LEVINE & BEHATI PINSLOO: Adam Levine, the proud owner of an expansive Montecito estate. Behati Prinsloo (33) and the 42-year old Maroon 5 star bought this historic property for $22.7 million back in March 2021.
Famed architect George Washington Smith designed the estate for John A. Jameson in 1923. He was a lawyer who had ties to the community at an earlier time. There are four structures total in the compound: the main residence, which measures 12,000 square feet, and a guesthouse with two bedrooms. A detached garage, with staff quarters, is also available. The property also includes a five-car garage, with staff quarters, as well as a garden cottage with extra sleeping area.
The main house’s design is a Mediterranean-inspired villa with rustic charm. The main house has wood paneled ceilings, a farmhouse-style kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a chef’s pantry (pictured).
The master bedroom, as shown in the photo, has views over the vast grounds. And the master bathroom has its very own terrace. Many rooms feature fireplaces and a variety of lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling.
Man-made ponds add a playful touch to the property’s natural beauty. It also features grand oaks. The estate has lemon trees. They provide a wonderful place for Dusty Rose and Gio Grace to enjoy their childhood.
PATRICK NESBITT: Hotelier and chief executive of the Windsor Capital Group Patrick Nesbitt’s 20-acre estate – once valued at $65 million – was sold to the highest bidder with no reserve through Concierge Auctions on November 16 to 19 last year. This oceanside estate is described as a ‘elegant, European-style Polo Estate’. It includes a 10 acre regulation polo field and custom equestrian statue, 17-horse barn, clubhouse, terraces, and a clubhouse.
Concierge Auctions stated about the property at the time it was up for auction: “Conceived and designed to satisfy your every wish, this property delights in every turn. It’s a necessity to entertain, so you will want to display it. No matter what tone you want to set, the private dance club or wine cellar as well as the sports bar and spa can provide entertainment for all moods.
The estate has 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms and 43,000 sq. feet of buildings. It features a Mediterranean-inspired main house decorated with elaborate chandeliers, high ceilings and large drapes.
This sprawling property also includes a spa with sauna, massage room, cinema theatre, ballroom and sports bar. A 128-foot-long infinity-edge swimming pool is located outside the home. It has an adjacent sun deck. From the mahogany shop, a secret door leads to a roof deck.
There is also a roof hot tub and butterfly habitat, as well as horse trails and duck ponds, English- and Japanese-style gardens and a driving range that has sand traps. You can also meet famous and royal neighbours.