A fine Mediterranean estate ripe with period charm has landed on the Montecito market, as financier Philippe Laffont seeks $16.5 million for the nearly two-acre property. Acquired in 2021 for $11.7 million, the 1924 compound immerses residents in the beauty of authentic Spanish Colonial style.
Arresting stucco exteriors with Juliet balconies and breezy awnings exude pastoral grace. Inside, original Saltillo tiles and hand-painted staircase risers transport one to the home’s origins. Charming living spaces feature built-in benches and French doors that spill out to courtyards and fountains, epitomizing California mission flair.
Grand exterior staircases and intimate patio gatherings alike foster connection, while wide-plank pine floors and diverse windows infuse the interiors with light. The sprawling grounds host amenities aplenty, from pool and tennis court to trampoline and award-winning rose garden, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a stunning backdrop.
Yet the estate’s crowning jewel is its embodiment of an era when craftsmanship and architectural integrity reigned supreme. In a region where sprawling modern mansions dominate, this “Montecito treasure” stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of authentic design.
For Laffont, the next owner presents an opportunity to steward a true original. The homes retain an intimate charm belying their size, lending themselves to gracious living and warm hospitality. As if transported back in time, residents can experience the essence of early California missions firsthand.
This rare portal to the past permits entry into a lifestyle one can relish today. For the historically minded or design devotee, its incomparable pedigree provides a direct line to an age of elegance.
Laffont is the founder of hedge fund and private equity firm Coatue Management. His net worth is north of $6 billion, per Forbes.
