Montecito: Where the Celebrities Live

One reason why Montecito has become Southern California’s hot spot for celebrity homes, including Oprah, Ariana Grande, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adam Levine, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is the climate. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures, resulting in mild conditions throughout the year, with daytime highs usually in the 60s and 70s. Good weather for celebrities and even better for the area’s wide variety of trees and flowers. The mild Mediterranean climate is perfect for a wide variety of flora to thrive. Early in the 20th century, botanists and landscapers imported a variety of rare and exotic plants, which have formed the basis for the area's gardens. Many of the large estates and properties are known for their meticulously maintained and elaborate gardens with roses, lavender, hydrangeas, and camellias. And trees, including ancient oaks, palms, and cypress, thrive and provide a beautiful, shaded landscape. One of Montecito’s prettiest properties, abundant with flowers and fruit trees, has hit the market for $27 million.

Formerly the home of Marcus Lemonis of FOX-TV's The Fixer, the property is situated in Montecito's private, most exclusive and highly sought-after Ennisbrook neighborhood, where many of the celebrities live. Ennisbrook is where Kendall Jenner recently acquired Ellen DeGeneres's 6-acre equestrian estate for $23 million. The epitome of California gracious living, the contemporary home spans 8,847 square feet with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms on over two acres of meticulously landscaped grounds with ocean and mountain views. The home has several outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, along with a tennis court, bocce ball, pool, spa, and fruit trees, including lemon, orange, tangerine, plum, and peach. 

The home is listed with Patrice Serrani from Compass. Photo credit: Roy Hathon and Blake Bromstadt