780 Mission Canyon Road, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105 (MLS# 15-751)

Supplements: Here is a rare opportunity to own a private Santa Barbara estate on more than one acre, in the coveted Upper East, at the gateway to Mission Canyon. Villa Firenze, a magical 6,000+ sq ft legacy estate superbly sited on 1.2 acres, features more than 16 rooms, with an ideal floor plan for entertaining. Over the years the Villa, as the home of Americ ... (Read more) Here is a rare opportunity to own a private Santa Barbara estate on more than one acre, in the coveted Upper East, at the gateway to Mission Canyon. Villa Firenze, a magical 6,000+ sq ft legacy estate superbly sited on 1.2 acres, features more than 16 rooms, with an ideal floor plan for entertaining. Over the years the Villa, as the home of American composer, Mildred Couper, has been the site of many musical and literary salons, with luminaries in the arts and business alike gathering to share conversation and enjoy live concerts. The grand living room welcomes guests with 18 foot high ceilings, 11-foot original windows, the original fireplace, and a spacious dining area. The home also offers a gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, a breakfast room, 4 bedroom (suites), 4 full baths and 2 half-baths, solarium, den, media room, laundry room, 2 separate offices with meeting rooms, 3 car garage, motor court and curated gardens with specimen fruit trees, flowers and exotic plants. Originally built in 1919 the main house was added to in the 1980s, and beginning in 2003, underwent a complete remodel that incorporated designer/owner Angela Gresser's gorgeous aesthetic with important green design principles. The overhaul, truly a labor of love, cost more than $2 million, and took more than four years to complete. Today, Villa Firenze offers an unparalleled lifestyle of inspired elegance, stunning gardens, and inviting public and private spaces. Nourished by abundant sunlight and surrounded by lovely fountains and gardens this 1.2 acre property includes more than 20 varieties of fruit-bearing trees and bushes and has become a refuge for birds and butterflies. The Mediterranean gardens and orchards were planned to optimize water conservation and feature many plants native to California and other drought resilient species. Stately oaks, cedars, pines and cypresses, a rose garden, grape arbor, bamboo grove, and many large boulders create a dramatic yet tranquil landscape. Vine covered pergolas, custom-designed by the owner, and an expansive lawn are ideal for entertaining. Located in the prestigious Upper East, a short distance to the Santa Barbara Mission, neighboring parks and downtown Santa Barbara, Villa Firenze offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure the amenities of a private, history rich estate near downtown Santa Barbara.