Inside the $74 Million Restored 1917 Montecito Estate, Far Afield

It has been called “a rare and extraordinary piece of art and antiquity.” Built in 1917 and designed by enduring Santa Barbara architect Francis T. Underhill, Far Afield lives up to that description in every way. The rare prestige estate recently hit the market for $74 million following a 15-year restoration and expansion. Timothy DiPrizito and Joyce Rey with Coldwell Banker Realty in Beverly Hills hold the listing. One of two significant historic estates remaining in Montecito's prime Golden Quadrangle, Far Afield resides on approximately 10.5 acres. A masterful renovation, completed in 2015, brought the 20,000-square-foot residence back to its original glory while also modernizing it for contemporary lifestyles. Hand-crafted custom details throughout using 17th and 18th century reclaimed building materials speak to the time and tremendous cost investment involved in a project of this stature. French Oak parquet floor patterns were custom hand-cut and imported from historic chateaus. A curated collection of Dutch, Italian and Spanish antique tiles were attentively integrated throughout the estate's interior and exterior. The elegance of the villa’s architecture and finishes is enhanced by unparalleled and completely updated infrastructure, including a structural and mechanical engineering overhaul rivaling the modern hotel resorts of today. Seven bedrooms and 14 baths accommodate multiple generations, allowing each person to have their own private quarters. The scenic surroundings and grounds are equally alluring. The residence boasts views of the ocean, stretching to the south and Santa Ynez Mountains to the north. A pool is nestled among magnificent manicured gardens, citrus groves, hiking paths, a chicken coop and a peacock aviary, creating an undeniable ambiance of privacy and serenity. "Far Afield is a legacy estate for the ages impossible to replicate today," says DiPrizito.