World class gardens, enduring architecture and mesmerizing mountain views are just the beginning at HollyOaks. Designed in 1928 by a visionary architect, José Luis Curletti who was inspired by grand European estates crafted a residence of timeless appeal that stands today as one of Montecito’s most vibrant properties.
When the gates open, you are greeted by a 90-year-old deodar cedar tree with branches spanning over 90 ft. embracing all who arrive at this captivating property. The original gardens were designed by renowned landscape architect Ralph Stevens and have been carefully tended and enhanced over the years to create a wonderfully inviting 3+ acre estate.
The vision of open space beckons when you step though the front door to a magnificent entry gallery with pillowed limestone flooring and heart stopping views of the glorious Santa Ynez mountains. Floor to ceiling windows and doors throughout the home frame its most precious of art – the ever-changing beauty of the mountains from golden sunrises to the rosy hues of sunsets reflected on their majestic peaks. The mountain view is uniquely stunning as the home sits on a hill that overlooks the tops of an oak forest that appears to stretch uninterrupted all the way to the mountains.
Combining intimacy with grand scale and every luxurious home amenity, this estate is for today’s modern family with a place for everyone to indulge in the art of living. HollyOaks invites entertaining with its chef-friendly kitchen and generous, open living spaces where guests easily roam from the pub to the billiards, media and music rooms. In addition to the main residence, there are two, distinctly original guest cottages each with its own kitchen area.
The gardens provide a backdrop for occasions both large and intimate. The pool, spa, barbecue area and an extremely inviting pool cabana provide all the amenities needed for family fun and entertaining. The expansive grass area has hosted a family wedding, a 250 person charity event, musical performances and even a children’s carnival The peaceful and inspiring oak forest creates your own private park enhanced with numerous rock lined walking trails, bridges over a seasonal creek, koi pond, waterfalls, benches and “secret garden” areas. It is wonderful a spot for kids of all ages to explore or to just relax surrounded by nature.
HollyOaks has a rich history, its owners include well-known local families such as the Parma’s, who donated Parma Park to Santa Barbara, as well as Robert Zemeckis, producer of movies Forest Gump and Back to the Future. Zemeckis completely renovated and modernized the house in the late 1990’s adding the dramatic windows that frame the sylvan, tree-lined, mountain vistas while retaining the spirit of the original architecture.
An unrivaled display of beauty and understated luxury, HollyOaks is ready for its next chapter. This is a property that will be lived in, loved, enjoyed and shared for generations to come.
