Rancho San Leandro, the historic estate in Montecito that, until very recently, belonged to Ellen DeGeneres, has sold for $11 million. She picked up the six-acre horse-friendly retreat just last year, paying $7.2 million against an $8 million ask.
The historic home dates to the second half of the 19th century, and has been restored. It features a classic rambling design around a central courtyard, a gate with fieldstone pilasters, and tile roof. It is accessed via a long drive terminating in iron gates. The property landscaping that serves as an introduction to the home incorporates wizened, impossibly ancient olive trees and succulents. It is one of the nicer estates in Montecito, and possibly the most historic. Its original acreage makes up the Ennisbrook neighborhood in Montecito.
The restoration, as expected, was a sensitive one, and the interiors carry the rustic ambiance that is often engineered but rarely engineered successfully. Details include a large great room with open-trussed ceiling, a raised fieldstone hearth, abundant raw redwood, fireplaces, original terra-cotta tile, and a staircase with spectacular, original, hand-painted tile risers.
The original house extends to 2,750 square feet, but the property features a second full residence. That home was constructed in the 2000’s, carefully adhering to the existing architecture and feel, and extends to 3,600 square feet.
