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Communities & Neighborhoods

Beachfront Montecito

 

Dozens of fine homes line the beachfront from Santa Barbara and Montecito to Summerland and Carpinteria. While a few are modest cottages, the characteristic shared by the majority of these residences is casual luxury.

Whether it’s a Shoreline Drive family home in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood, or a world-class estate on a bluff in Hope Ranch or at the beach at Fernald Point, the distinguishing element is a breathtaking and unobstructed Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands view. When purchased or sold, Santa Barbara County’s beachfront properties demand premium prices: usually from $5-50M and beyond.

Butterfly Beach/Channel Drive

Spectacular and highly prized, the few homes along Channel Drive just west of the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore are actually across the road from the beach. Nonetheless, they all offer dramatic ocean and island views. Along nearby Fairway Road, large homes are separated from beach and ocean only by a bike and pedestrian path.

Bonnymede & Montecito Shores

Immediately east of the exclusive Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club at Hammonds Beach, these neighboring luxury condominium complexes share 24-hour gated and guarded access as well as dramatic beach, ocean, island and mountain views. The ambiance at Bonnymede is tropical, whereas Montecito Shores units are of Spanish design. Both complexes provide owners direct access to the beach, as well as pool, spa, seating areas, walking paths and lush landscaping. Bonnymede offers studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units; Montecito Shores offers 2 and 3-bedroom units. Prices range from $2-5M.

Montecito Sea Meadow

Ideally situated between Montecito Shores and world-class Rosewood Miramar Resort, this luxuriant 22-acre enclave of 30 handsome homes is considered by some to be Montecito’s most desirable residential community. There are many reasons why that might be true. Although Montecito’s other beachfront enclaves share the security of gates and guards, the rewards of tennis courts, clubhouses and the privilege of awe-inspiring ocean and Channel Island views, Montecito Shores provides much more. The unequaled amenities here include complete and comprehensive weekly, monthly, and annual exterior upkeep and maintenance for every home so residents can travel to their other homes and favored locales free from the usual responsibilities of homeownership.
Recent sales of properties at Montecito Sea Meadow have ranged from $6.4M-26.5M, with monthly homeowner fees of $3-4K.

Miramar Beach

Beginning in the 1920’s, Miramar Beach was a favorite of Montecito families and visitors alike. That’s still true today. The row of nearly 30 quintessential beach cottages has withstood the tests of time and the nearby development of luxury homes, condos, and lodging. The one-, two- and three-story cottages are built on narrow lots, and many are within only inches of neighboring structures. Nonetheless, these unique abodes are cherished reminders of good times enjoyed by generations. Many of the cottages have been upgraded and renovated over time: many substantially. Current sales prices of Miramar Beach cottages range from around $7-10M.

Fernald Point

Perhaps the most impressive residential beachfront location in Montecito is Fernald Point Lane. Many of the large residences here rest beyond a security gate, on from one to multiple acres of lush vegetation and majestic trees. From the beach, several notable homes are set back from the sand, beyond vast lawns and flawless landscaping. While living on Fernald Point Lane seems far from the madding crowd, the location is a mere mile from Montecito shopping, dining, services, and schools. Recent sales of Fernald Point Lane homes have ranged from $9-45M.

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Client Reviews

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch

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