This summer, writer, actor and producer-director Larry David passed on the 1929-built French country cottage in Montecito he picked up late last year to a new owner; in for $5.7 million, and out about nine months later at $6.9 million.

As it turns out, David put the money right back to work in a residential investment, and in the same neck of the woods. According to Dirt, the creative fellow shelled out $7.6 million for a 4,326 sq. ft. ranch in Montecito.

In contrast to the outgoing Montecito home in David’s portfolio, the U-shaped ranch adds 1,500 sq. ft. of interior living area and a bedroom to the equation. The house was completed in 1917, and from the property’s motor court casts a very inviting spell with a long covered porch, a red brick chimney, and lots of glass — sidelights flank the front door, and a series of at least a dozen multi-pane casements open up the façade nicely.

The front door opens to reveal a come-and-go foyer; opposite to the entry is a set of French doors accessing the back yard living area. As the shared spaces come into view, details that accumulate include a cathedral ceiling with exposed trussing and a cupola skylight, plank oak floors, a fireplace, and more sets of French doors opening to the outside living area. The kitchen’s a cozy gem; compartmental, nearly discrete, but with skylights for liberation. In the master bedroom a second fireplace can be spotted.

The setting is a .46-acre lot above Miramar Beach. A semi-courtyard patio is the highlight; it transitions to a private swath of hedgerow-bordered lawn.

David’s current projects include HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm; the popular series was recently renewed for a 12th season.