The Home Page: Grand Entrances and Graceful Exits

They say you’ve only got one chance to make a first impression. But it dawned on me recently that when it comes to houses, while it’s often the front of the house that woos me, sometimes it’s the back view that truly wows me. The first time I saw my own house, it was the moment that I stepped through the back door and glimpsed the backyard that I knew that it was my dream home. The second impression was the knockout.

Here are two recent local listings that offer stunning first impressions, plus a couple of rear views that are showstoppers in their own right.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

This custom home at 2815 East Valley Road in Montecito welcomes visitors through the striking entrance shown above. Contemporary with a rustic flair, its second-story glass staircase leaves no doubt that something special awaits behind the front door. Its new owners fell in love at first sight. This house was sold by Patrice Serrani, with the Easter Team representing the seller, both from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

JUST DOWN THE ROAD

That one is sold, but you’ve got a chance to buy in the same neighborhood. This red-tile-roofed beauty at 2347 East Valley Road is newly listed by Marcy Bazzani of Village Properties. Its hacienda-style façade opens to reveal this stunning entryway that sets the tone for the rest of the six-bedroom, seven-and-a-half-bath home with more than 7,000 square feet of luxurious living space. Take a peek at the extraordinary detailing on the carved wood ceiling in the photo above, representative of the craftsmanship that’s repeated throughout the house.

This edition of The Home Page was originally emailed to subscribers on September 29, 2024. To receive Sarah Sinclair’s real estate newsletter in your inbox each Sunday, sign up at independent.com/newsletter

HIGH ON A HILLTOP

Just listed for sale this week, there’s a lot that’s wow-worthy about 3627 Campanil Drive. Perched on a hilltop above Santa Barbara in the little-known Campanil Hills neighborhood, this home touts panoramic ocean, mountain, and city views. And it’s this view out the back that lands it in our “graceful exits” category. While ocean views are inspiring from dawn ’til dusk, nothing beats the twinkling lights of a nighttime cityscape. Listing agent David Charles Allen of Village Properties reports, “When the sun goes down, the city lights up and takes this view to another level.”

MAKING A SPLASH

In a departure from our usual roundup of houses for sale or just sold, here’s a swoon-worthy Spanish colonial blufftop estate in Hope Ranch that’s available to lease. This sparkling backyard pool enjoys ocean views, as does almost every room in the house. Don’t take my word for it; contact Marsha Kotlyar and team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to find out more about renting this beauty.

Form your own first impressions of the houses featured in this week’s issue of the Indy, and feel free to take a second look. Remember, I’m always interested in hearing your feedback and ideas at sarah@independent.com. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your Sunday!

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