Historic 3,500-Acre Ranch on Santa Barbara’s Gaviota Coast

Few things are more precious than a historic ranch on 3,500 acres of a largely undeveloped natural masterpiece. This is the promise of El Rancho Tajiguas, an unparalleled ranch property offering two of the finest ocean-facing hilltop estates on Santa Barbara's Gaviota Coast, where development is heavily regulated.

El Rancho Tajiguas represents the perfect marriage of luxury and natural beauty, where complete serenity and seclusion can be achieved with its treasured oceanfront acreage encompassing extensive cultivated agricultural land, hundreds of acres of orchards, active cattle range and vast areas of open space. Its history can be traced back to the King of Spain, Carlos III. The opportunity to create a compound on this storied land, awe-inspiring in its sheer scale while surprisingly close to the cultural center of Santa Barbara and Montecito, only comes along once in a lifetime. The two estates — Villa del Mare and Villa della Costa — combine the highest standards of design and quality with unmatched views and privacy. Villa del Mare was masterfully crafted, designed and envisioned as an homage to the Old California ranch with construction by Kitchell, architecture by J.M. Sewall & Associates, interiors by Mark Weaver & Associates and A. Fausset-Landscape Architect, Inc. Set on 287 magical acres, Villa del Mare enchants as its own compound with a five-bedroom main house, separate guest house, a cabana with a full kitchen and bedroom/massage area with full bathroom including a steam shower, plus a 7-car garage. The spirit of old California emanates throughout, as homages to Spanish Colonial history are expressed in authentic details like reclaimed roof tiles imported from Spain and Portugal, custom hand-scraped rustic French Oak wood floors, reclaimed barn wood beams and Tongue and Groove ceilings, hand-carved Santa Barbara sandstone fireplaces, antique fireplace mantels and more. A reclaimed brick ceiling in the wine lounge is another standout. Thoughtfully placed picture windows and doors create strong visual connections to the views while flooding each room with abundant natural light.  Modern-day appointments and luxury appliances elevate the daily living experience at Villa del Mare. Beyond, a private oasis exists with tiled outdoor patio spaces for entertaining, outdoor fireplaces, a pool with an auto cover, spa and fountains dotting the grounds, which include a meadow, herb garden and motor court. Also created by the same design and build team, Villa della Costa spans 106 acres and includes the main house, guest house and pool cabana on a hidden hilltop site. Similar attention to detail permeates the property — from imported antique roof tiles from Spain and Portugal to custom hand-hewn Walnut floors and “antiqued” ceiling beams throughout. Spectacular panorama views of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands and pastoral foothills define the property. A sprawling single-level floorplan further reflects rural ranch ambiance, as all rooms open through French doors to the garden, pool and view terraces. An elevator takes you to the lower level media/entertainment rooms. Outside, a sunny ultra-private pool terrace with an adjacent cabana invites you to enjoy the warm California climate. A total of five fireplaces (four interior and one exterior) add warmth both indoors and out. One unique feature of this residence is that it offers convenient access to a helipad. Perfect for the high-profile owner who wants (and demands) absolute privacy, Villa della Costa and Villa del Mare have set the new benchmark for luxury along California's ideal Pacific Coastline. View the complete listing by Randy Solakian and Deanna William of Coldwell Banker Realty in Montecito.