Settle into the soul of California. Set on nearly two acres along the coveted rim of Shepard Mesa, this 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom California coastal farmhouse captures a rare combination of light, land, and 360-degree ocean and mountain views. The landscape opens in every direction, sunrise over the hills, sunset into the Pacific, shaping a daily rhythm defined by space and open air.
Rooted in a 1940's adobe and thoughtfully expanded and updated in the 1960's by Richard Bliss Nelson, former president of the American Institute of Architects. Known for landmark works including the Santa Barbara Yacht Club and early buildings at UCSB, Nelson approached the property with a clear intention — to shape a residence that responds to its setting and takes full advantage of its elevated position above the coast.
That vision continues to define the experience today.
The residence unfolds with an ease that feels both practical and open. While arranged across multiple levels, the home lives comfortably on a single floor, where the primary living spaces, kitchen, bedrooms, and ocean-view deck connect seamlessly.
At the center, the living room opens to a large panoramic-view deck overlooking rows of avocado and fruit trees below.
Off of the lower level, a custom water element and fire pit anchor the space, creating a natural setting for outdoor dining and evenings that extend into the night.
The kitchen is bright and functional, with light from above and subtle ocean views. The dining room introduces a more intimate setting, anchored by a fireplace.
Two primary suites offer distinct ways to experience the home. Spanning the upper level, this dramatic primary suite opens to its own balcony, an inviting setting for slow mornings and starlit nights.
On the main level, the second primary is tucked away as a private retreat with cathedral ceilings, an inviting spa-like bathroom, and marble soaking tub.
Both primary suites open to views across nearly two acres, where ocean vistas meet abundant fruit trees below.
Three additional bedrooms provide flexibility for family, guests, or extended stays.
Designed for evenings in, the lower-level media room pairs a 100-inch projector screen with a built-in bar, creating a relaxed, lounge-like setting you may never want to leave!
Opening to outdoor dining, ocean views, and a spa, the space draws the sunshine in.
The land is both productive and purposeful. A mature and delicious orchard, with cherimoya, avocado, citrus, and fig trees, produces seasonally, grounding the property in daily abundance, from fruit picked straight from the trees to fresh-squeezed juice in the morning.
The land also offers an income-producing component, adding a layer of long-term value.
Shepard Mesa is quiet and private, yet connected to all the Central Coast has to offer. A scenic one-mile loop extends just beyond the property, while nearby trails, beaches, and open coastline shape daily life, from Rincon surf sessions to rides along the coastal bike path, with Carpinteria, Montecito, Summerland, and Ojai all just minutes away.
Depart from the norm and let your home become the destination.
5 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms
Total: +/- 3,524 Sq. Ft. (Source: Measured, Property Plans)
Designed to live primarily as a single level
Dining room anchored by a wood-burning fireplace
Lower-level media room with a wet bar opens directly to a patio, deck, and custom water feature for seamless indoor-outdoor living
Upper primary suite with private balcony and automated shades
Main-level primary suite with cathedral ceilings, marble bath and dual vanities
Expansive living room opening directly to ocean view deck
Integrated sound system throughout living areas
Infinity deck with floating design and porcelain “wood stone” finish
Custom water feature
Fire pit with outdoor dining and lounge areas
Hot tub
Romantic exterior landscape lighting
Custom chicken coop
Fully fenced with hedging and natural screening
Irrigation system with separate residential and agricultural zones
Owned 21-panel solar system
Underground utilities
Cherimoya, avocado, lime, persimmon, orange, tangelo, tangerine, and fig trees
Organic farming practices with highly productive soil
Income producing
1.89 Acres
1945
001-110-040
Coastal
Richard Bliss Nelson, AIA
Steve Shaw, Shaw House Works
Carl & Martha Jost
Canalino Elementary School
Carpinteria Junior High School
Carpinteria Senior High School
California Farmhouse
Asphalt
Solid Oak Hardwood
Engineered Oak
Jerusalem Gold - Kitchen
Marble & Porcelain Tile - Bathrooms
Stucco
Mixed
Attached 2-Car Garage
Gated Entry
Ample Parking
Forced Air Heating
Air Conditioning
East Bedroom with Mini-Split Air Conditioning & Radiant Ceiling Heat
Radiant Heat - Bathrooms and Entire Lower Level
Solar Panels
21 Panels - Owned
Carpinteria Valley Water District (on 2” AG meter)
Septic with Leach Fields
Water Softener
Reverse Osmosis
Navien Tankless Hot Water System
Richard Bliss Nelson, AIA, was a respected Santa Barbara architect whose work in the mid-20th century helped shape the character of the South Coast. A longtime local, Nelson is best known for his role in the design of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, where his approach to coastal architecture emphasized openness, simplicity, and a strong relationship to the waterfront. His work extended across a range of residential and civic projects throughout Santa Barbara, often blending modern planning with traditional materials and forms suited to the region’s climate and landscape. Influenced by the area’s Spanish and Mediterranean heritage, his designs were never overly formal, instead prioritizing livability, natural light, and an easy connection to the outdoors. Today, his work remains a quiet but meaningful part of Santa Barbara’s architectural fabric, appreciated for its restraint, clarity, and enduring sense of place.
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