##### CONSTANTIA, ONE OF MONTECITO'S MOST BELOVED ESTATES, WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED IN 1930 BY THE VISIONARY GENIUS OF AMBROSE CRAMER AS A SUMMER HOME FOR HIS FATHER-IN-LAW, ARTHUR MEEKER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF CHICAGO'S ARMOUR MEAT PACKING COMPANY.

Named for the wine region of Cape Town, South Africa, Cramer drew Constantia's inspiration from the Cape Dutch homes that populated the southernmost tip of the African continent. The Meekers believed Santa Barbara and the Cape held appealing similarities in climate, vegetation, and scenery and commissioned Cramer to recreate the same plantation style amid the natural beauty for which Montecito is so well-known. The essential features of the Dutch South African design are great gables, wide windows with mahogany half-shutters, broad wall surfaces with high-pitched roofs and the graceful curved Dutch archways. The attics under the steep roofs were used as granaries, and another frequent characteristic was a terrace or "stoep," running across the length of a wing-all of which are evident in Constantia. Classic and traditional, yet modern and effortless, this unique residence spans approximately 10,000 square feet of living space with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The new, crisp, white palette is the perfect backdrop to let the designer details and finishes truly shine. Famed landscape architect Lockwood deForest, Jr. was well known for his design of the original gardens at Constantia. The quality of his design is aptly reverenced in the most recent enhancements that distinguish the incredible setting. Massive iron gates frame the entrance to the olive-lined drive that fronts the estate, while a swimmer's pool and spa, a dramatic reflecting pond, and a sunken garden bordered by roses complement the natural beauty that embraces the exquisite residence.

Discover delightful outdoor destinations throughout the approximately 3.5- acre grounds. A five-car garage hosts your favorite vintage automobile to show off at Sunday's Cars & Coffee in the Upper Village. Enjoy a moonlit dinner on a terrace under a canopy of oaks. Listen to the gentle sounds of the entry fountain. Imagine children swaying on the tire swings. Perhaps you join them for an afternoon tea-party in the mini-Constantia play house. Constantia's grounds are ripe for memories-in-the-making throughout all of life's seasons. With an incredible pedigree, proximity to the heart of Montecito, panoramic views, and timeless architecture, Constantia continues to offer an effortless and enviable lifestyle and casual elegance at its best!


DETAILS :

7 Beds



9 Baths





9,771 SF Living



1930 Built





3.5 Acres Lot