Rooted in the modernism of the mid-twentieth century, this single-level rambling ranch-style house has been transformed from the ground up. Located in Montecito’s prestigious “Hedge Row” district, it is convenient to the Upper Village, Coast Village Road, and Miramar beach.
The street entry to the house provides motor-court off-street parking, uniquely landscaped by the award-winning Orange Street Studios of Los Angeles. The minimalist, native drought tolerant theme of landscape is continued through the development of four distinct zones: the parking court, an active play area, the swimming, outdoor dining and entertaining area, and a meditative succulent garden.
The kitchen/family room area exemplifies casual day-to-day living. The generous family room includes a built-in home theater with surround sound as well as a cozy fireplace, and includes sliding door access to a south-facing secure yard. The kitchen features sleek “Euro-style” cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances including built-in SubZero refrigeration and wine storage, double eye-level Bosch ovens, and an over-sized island with Gagganau cooktop and breakfast bar seating. A banquette dining area with family table rounds out the truly functional “heart of the house”.
The formal interior entertainment areas connect to the outdoor spaces by utilizing fully-pocketing sliding glass doors, providing the true definition of Southern California “indoor/outdoor” living. The sun drenched, south and west-facing backyard features a dramatic swimming pool bordered by an elevated, trellis-shaded deck with outdoor fireplace.
The home was designed by architect/owner Mark Kirkhart, founder and principal of the multiple award winning firm DesignArc, Inc, whose work has been published nationally in Architectural Digest, Architectural Record and Trends magazines to name a few. Completed in 2009, the renovation achieves a high level of detail, including state-of-the-art, energy efficient, recessed low voltage and LED lighting, European lever door hardware, the finest plumbing fixtures such as in-wall tank-less toilets, and Kohler, Duravit and Dorn Bracht faucets. Exterior materials include fire-retardant cementitious panel siding accented with redwood slats, and a lifetime standing-seam metal roof.
Location: “Hedge Row” Montecito
DesignARC
29 East Calle Laureles
Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3301
(805) 687-1525
www.designarc.net/
Photography by Jim Bartsch (www.jimbartsch.com)
