“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
— Aesop

Happy (after) Thanksgiving weekend! I hope your's was a hit.

Santa Barbara delivered: all-time perfect weather, great company, and yes, pie officially became breakfast.

And here you are, opening our Monday Morning Blog. Every week I write and re-write, then send it off and hope it earns its place in your very full inbox. I don’t take that for granted. Thank you for being here.

Now, let’s dive in.

Montecito’s Highest Sales This Year

Montecito’s top sales of 2025 reveal a market driven by precision. Ultra-luxury buyers are targeting specific streets, styles, school districts, and micro-neighborhoods with remarkable clarity.

Below are the six highest sales in Montecito so far this year.

1. 700 Picacho Lane — $60,000,000 
A family with school age children seeking premium central Montecito acreage, privacy, and proximity to Montecito Union School and trail networks, one of the most in-demand combinations in the Golden Quadrangle.

2. 1545 East Valley Road — $47,590,000 (Off Market)
A buyer focused exclusively on premier/prime properties and on an acquisition phase, this is the 5th (or is it 6th) ultra high end purchase for this buyer in the last couple of years.

3. 465 Hot Springs Road — $32,000,000
A local family who prioritized location and specifically lower Montecito and its top school district, seeking a substantial, private estate with flat land and long-term family appeal.

4. 880 Picacho Lane — $28,000,000
A local buyer who appreciated this property’s “50 yard line” location and stand out renovation and amenities.

5. 658 Park Lane — $27,441,981 (Off Market)
A quiet sale from a buyer with the inside track on this premier estate.

6. 1435 East Mountain Drive — $22,500,000 (Off Market)
A replacement purchase for a Montecito luxury homeowner seeking the privacy, views, and prestige of East Mountain Drive.

What Happened in Montecito Last Week?

November 23rd – November 29th

weekly spotlight

December in Santa Barbara

The season is in full swing, and Santa Barbara is packed with holiday events that bring the magic closer to home. 🎄

• ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo- November 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | Immersive lantern displays, glowing pathways, and special Adult Nights.

• Santa Barbara Parade of Lights (Harbor Boat Parade + Fireworks) - Sunday, December 14, 2025 | Harbor Winter Wonderland ~3 PM; Boat Parade ~5:30 PM; Fireworks ~7 PM.

• Goleta Holiday Parade - Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 6:00–9:00 PM | Floats, bands, and festive fun along Hollister Avenue.

• Trolley of Lights (Holiday Light Tour) - 
December 8–21, 2025 | A seasonal favorite — touring the city’s best holiday lights.

• La Arcada Christmas Walk - Wednesday, December 3, 2025 — 5:00–8:00 PM | Caroling, lights, storefront treats, and Santa appearances.

• The Christmas Revels – Lobero Theatre
- December 20 - 21 |A classic holiday performance filled with music, storytelling & tradition.

• Christmas at the Old Mission - 
Mid-December | Candlelight, live music, nativity scenes, and a beautifully decorated historic setting.

• Holiday Markets at El Paseo & Local Artisan Pop-Ups - December (multiple dates) | Rotating local makers and festive shopping events.

That sums it up for last week!

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