The Soul Stirring Legacy of Rancho Monte Alegre
Sold - Lot 4: 1835 Santa Monica Road
$5,750,000
Steeped in a rich history of agriculture, Parcel 4 is a 20 acre ranch compound that was the very heart of the original 19th century Rancho. While still producing lemons and avocados today, it also has the potential to be an amazing horse property.
As the gateway to Rancho Monte Alegre’s 2,800 acre conservation preserve, Parcel 4 is a horse lover’s dream come true. The preserve offers endless miles of scenic backcountry trails for exploration as well as access to the Los Padres Wilderness. With its two barns and ample flat acreage for pastures and rings, this ranch offers a rare opportunity for a full spectrum equestrian experience like no other.
The storybook charm of this heritage property is absolutely captivating. From the red barn with its original bell and bell tower to the delightful Lemon House with its sweeping lawns and ocean views, this was a working ranch in a picture perfect setting.
Originally a packing warehouse and the largest of the current residences, the Lemon House retains many of its original appointments such as the large wooden sliding doors used for unloading lemons. The lower floor consists of 3 great rooms, with the central room hosting the kitchen and a full bath. Upstairs, an open family room sits between two large bedrooms, another full bath and walk-in closets. This is a well-loved old house with great potential.
Completing the collection of vintage buildings is the Guest House, the Gate House, and the Bunk House. Additional original living quarters exist in both the Bell Tower Barn and the Equipment Barn.
While it is sited at the lower elevation of the Rancho, ocean views still abound. Heirloom vegetation surrounds the residences with towering cypress and stately oaks framing magnificent views in all directions. A 150-year-old Dragon Tree, believed to be one of the largest in existence, graces the front yard of the Gate House.
Included in this offering of extensive flat, usable, acreage is a beautiful ocean view home site for a new residence. Parcel 4 is an ideal opportunity to look to the future while paying homage to the glorious past that is Rancho Monte Alegre.
The Soul Stirring Legacy of Rancho Monte Alegre
Sold - Lot 8: 1915 Santa Monica Road
$4,900,000
In the glow of the Santa Barbara sun, Rancho Monte Alegre sits nestled between the blue Pacific and the splendor of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
This historical 19th century California ranch reaches across more than 3,000 soul stirring acres. Majestic mountains give way to lush canyons, creek beds, streams, and waterfalls; and then rise again to powerful white water and big sky views.
As the Rancho nears the Ocean, the mountains subside, gently cascading into rolling coastal foothills and their fertile slopes. It is on these fertile stands that the rich agricultural history of the Rancho played out as tuberose, avocado, citrus and fruit were cultivated over the many years.
Located a few short minutes from the heart of the vibrant Santa Barbara community, life on the edge of the wilderness is perfectly balanced with the comforts and pleasures of civilization. Beneath her veil of breathtaking beauty, Santa Barbara is a thriving mecca of business, technology, medicine, education, art and culture. With all these amenities close at hand, life at Rancho Monte Alegre allows for full enjoyment of both worlds.
Much of the Rancho sits as it has for hundreds of years: a teaming wildlife habitat of oak woodlands, coastal sage, chaparral, and riparian forests. A vast network of hiking and riding trails runs through the Rancho and connects to the thousands of additional acres that is the wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest.
Through the noble vision of Rancho Monte Alegre's current owners, 2,800 acres have been dedicated to a permanent conservation easement and will continue to exist untouched. The magnitude of what has been gifted back to nature is even more stunning given that this natural setting is forever preserved in conjunction with the Los Padres Wilderness and its many thousands of acres. It is nothing short of a miracle that such a vast, pristine expanse of coastal land will now live on as nature intended.
Vision begets dreams, and 25 new dream seekers will have the opportunity to share in this remarkable legacy. Only 25 home sites have been designated on parcels ranging in size from 20 to 720 acres. Homes will be carefully sited and constructed to blend with the natural setting and each owner will have access to the extensive trail system.
It is a rare privilege to embrace and celebrate the wonder of the great outdoors in the pristine setting that is Rancho Monte Alegre. All who are fortunate enough to experience this great treasure and the immense sense of cheer (alegre) it bestows will forever be part of this great legacy.
Maps
Architectural Guidelines 
Click here for an Adobe Acrobat PDF of Architectural Guidelines for this property.
Contact Suzanne
You can reach Suzanne by conventional means, or you can use the e-mail form below.
Phone: (805) 565-8643
Cell Phone: (805) 895-2138
E-mail: suzanne@suzanneperkins.com
Fax: (805) 565-1214
Address:
Sotheby's International Realty
1106 Coast Village Road, Suite C
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
