Far Afield: Historic Ocean and Mountain View Estate in Montecito, California
Nestled in 10.5 acres of grounds in Montecito’s coveted Golden Quadrangle, this legacy estate offers stunning views out over the ocean to the south and the Santa Ynez mountains to the north.
The Mediterranean Revival villa was originally built in 1917, designed by Francis T. Underhill, the go-to architect for Montecito’s burgeoning elites.
It was commissioned by Hobart C. Chatfield-Taylor, a writer, and his wife, the progressive socialite and sportswoman Rose Farwell.
Far Afield’s gardens were inspired by Underhill’s iconic local masterpieces, Villa Solana and La Chiquita, designed by renowned landscape painter and designer Lockwood de Forest.
A 15-year restoration to the iconic property was completed in 2017, incorporating reclaimed building materials from the 17th and 18th centuries, carefully sourced across Europe.
Parquet floors with hand-cut French Oak were transplanted from historic chateaux in France and assembled onsite; antique tiles from Holland, Spain, and Italy are used throughout the interior and exterior detailing.
Far Afield offers 20,000 square feet of interiors with 4 bedrooms in the main residence and a 3-bedroom guest residence.
The legacy estate is approached via a long canopied driveway., set within a lush California landscape of citrus groves and lush Mediterranean gardens, complete with hiking paths, a chicken coop, and a peacock aviary.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
