Montecito – The Zip Code of Wealth

Every year Forbes.com releases a list of the nation’s Most Expensive Zip Codes, and like clock work, Montecito’s 93108 makes the list in the top 20. Home to not just millionaires, but a healthy number of billionaires and celebrities who either call Montecito home or their favorite place to keep their vacation home. In 2013, Montecito ranked #17 on the Forbes list, with a median home price of $3,740,091. This year, with property values across the state of California slowly inching upward, Montecito comes in at #14 and $4,236,951.

Other than exceptional year-round weather in an incredible coastal location, what defines a wealthy zip code. Firstly, the neighbors. Montecito is a mingling of staggering mega-mansions, distinctive historic houses, expertly designed new constructions and quaint cottages. A cozy 2 bedroom home may rest adjacent to a 10,000sf manse. These large estates tend to rest on acres of superbly manicured grounds with lavish outdoor entertaining spaces – perfect for lounging in warm, Montecito sun. These large properties affect the values of every property in their vicinity – driving up the value regardless of size – and increasing the average property value.

Secondly, that million dollar view. Montecito can be found between the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. These higher elevations afford stunning views of both the mountains and the ocean. Some homes boast views so expansive, you can see the Santa Barbara harbor and the coastline to Ventura.

Next, the schools. Montecito is home to many of California’s finest primary schools. Montecito Union and Cold Springs schools regularly rank as two of California’s best public schools. Crane Country Day School, All Saints by the Sea, Music Academy of the West and Westmont College are all excellent private schools in the area. Being within the Montecito Union School district directly affects the price of a home when compared to homes which sit in neighboring districts.

Below, enjoy a few of the fantastic properties which have helped land Montecito’s 93108 make the Forbes list once again. For more information on each property, simply click the image…

This exceptional Standford White home circa 1895 is offered at $11,900,000.

Expansive ocean views, a pool with lavish pool house and approximately 8,000sf of living space command a $13,650,000 price tag for this Montecito estate.

$9,250,000 will buy you a historic English Manor with ocean views and a location that allows for walking to restaurants, shops, luxury resorts and beaches.

In a private, gated community, $2,195,000 will buy you a beautiful, flat 1.5 acre lot to build your dream home.

LIVE! The Riskin Associates Mobile App

  Introducing the Riskin Associates mobile application 

  We are pleased to announce the availability of the Riskin Associates mobile application. Based in Montecito, CA, Riskin Associates has been the    top selling Santa Barbara real estate team for the past decade. The award-winning team lists some of the most coveted estates on the south Santa  Barbara coast. We were engaged by them to create a mobile application that would add to the services they provide their buying and selling clients  that have made them a market leader.

  Goals and Approach

For the design of the application, we took queues from the Village Properties mobile website we developed since the Riskin Associates team is part of the brokerage. We decided to keep the overall flow of the application intact, but the branding, content and functionality needed customized for Riskin Associates. We wanted to accomplish a number of goals with the modified design:

• Produce a clean, elegant design that conveys the elegance and luxury of the properties they represent
• Provide a vehicle for them to highlight and market their distinctive properties
• Incorporate visual imagery that reflects the unique nature and beauty of their listings and the surrounding area
• Create a finished product that would further differentiate their brand and set them apart as a leader in the market

Key features of the application

In order to develop the key features of the application, we evaluated their online presence which uses vivid photos and imagery to highlight their property listings. We wanted to provide a similar visual experience on mobile and give Riskin Associates the flexibility to highlight the different properties they represent. In addition to the essential features such as property search (both by location and by criteria), methods to contact the team, and an about us section, we incorporated the following:

• A vivid home page focused on a full width image that can be dynamically changed by Riskin Associates
• A featured listing section that allows them to highlight the properties they represent – each listing is its own interactive photo gallery that can be compiled and controlled by the Riskin Associates marketing team
• Links to custom content created by the marketing team such as property brochures that are hosted through Calaméo

You can access the application via any iPhone or Android device by opening the browser (or Safari) on your phone and going to www.montecito-realestate.com. You will be automatically redirected to the mobile application where you can learn more about the Riskin Associates team and explore their featured listings.

Raising the bar for service and performance

It was a pleasure working with the Riskin Associates team on the development of their mobile application. The energy and enthusiasm they brought to the project is evident in the finished product. It is a reflection of the time and personal attention that they give each of their clients. It shows in all aspects of their business, particularly in the level of service they provide their clients and the attention-to-detail they put into their marketing materials. With the availability of their mobile application, they have another tool that reinforces this high level of service, whether it is used for marketing properties or helping prospective buyers identify properties to purchase.

The Riskin Associates mobile application is another example of how leading brokerages and agent teams are embracing mobile to raise the bar on the services the provide their clients, differentiate themselves in the market, and further reinforce their leadership position in the market.

The Riskin Associates mobile website was created by Aumnia.

Enchanting Hope Ranch Equestrian Estate with Access to Private Beaches!

Offered at $18,200,000

Click here for more information.

Picture This – Spotlight on Real Estate Photography

Martha at the Market

Martha Stewart enjoys Santa Barbara’s bounty of Farmer’s Market offerings.

Home and lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart recently made a trip to sunny Santa Barbara to experience one of the area’s most charming offerings – the daily farmer’s market. Popping up six days a week throughout Santa Barbara County, local farmers, growers and culinary artisans converge to offer the best of the area’s local harvest. Martha spent a Santa Barbara morning perusing the market, delighting in multi-colored carrots, okra, bounties of berries, freshly baked artisan breads and fromage accompaniments and a plethora of other eye-catching and mouthwatering finds. In Montecito, the Friday spot to do your farmer’s market shopping, the market travels along scenic Coast Village Road, sprouting in front of iconic Montecito eatery, Jeanine’s Bakery one week and in the Montecito Country Mart the next. On Tuesday afternoons, several blocks of Santa Barbara‘s famous State Street shut down to traffic so locals and visitors can mix and mingle in the market. On a warm summer afternoon, break from the market to pop into one of the shops or restaurants on either side of the street for a refreshing glass of local sangria or to find a unique Santa Barbara treasure.

Summer Fun in Santa Barbara! Downtown Art and Wine Tour

Everyone knows that summer is everyone’s favorite season, and in Santa Barbara summer seems to last all year. But come the month of May, a shift can be felt in our fresh coastal air and there is a distinctive feeling that summer fun is about to be kicked into high gear. Summer events seem to happen weekly in Santa Barbara from cultural celebrations such as the Solstice Festival and the Old Spanish Days to beer tasting at the Santa Barbara Zoo’s ZooBrew! event and everything in between, there is no shortage of opportunities for casual family fun and upscale socializing.

The long weekend kicks off this Thursday with the annual Downtown Art and Wine Tour. The self-guided tour, which begins at 5:30, invites participants to meander through retailers, galleries and restaurants experiencing the works of local artists, vintners and chefs, on their way to the tour’s Final Party at the Santa Barbara Club. Feasting on hors d’oeuvres and sipping wine or beer, party goers will eat, drink and dance the night away in celebration of all that Santa Barbara’s Downtown District has to offer.

Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online, at the Downtown Organization office or at the box office of the Arlington Theater.

Arlington Theatre Box Office
1317 State Street
Monday – Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm
(805) 963-4408
(credit card or cash + $2.50 surcharge per ticket)

Downtown Santa Barbara Office
27-B East de la Guerra Street
Monday – Friday: 9am-4pm
(cash, check, Visa and Master Card)

Village Properties’ Carpinteria and Summerland Artists Studio Tour

The 8th Annual Carpinteria and Summerland Artists Studio Tour generously presented by Village Properties takes place on Mother’s Day weekend, the 10th and 11th of May from 10am – 5pm. This event is FREE and open to the community. A map and Art Studio Directory will be available both online at www.artscarp.org and from the Carpinteria Arts Center and will guide you through some of the diverse fine artists studios of Carpinteria & Summerland.

The Artists Studio Tour is a unique opportunity to view 35 participating local artist studios, some of whom have shown in well-known galleries internationally and in the U.S. from Los Angeles to New York. It is also a chance to see and buy work of established artists as well as budding emerging talent who live in the beautiful Summerland and Carpinteria Valley. Some of this year’s highlights include new works by well-known local artist, Cayetana (Tani) Conrad, daughter of famed author, Barnaby Conrad. Tani is well known for her paintings of figures and landscapes distinctly featuring California colors and light. Her Toro Canyon studio has been featured in a number of magazines and will be open both Saturday and Sunday of the tour.

Originally a native of Carpinteria and just returning back to the area from a career in Santa Monica where she was working as an award-winning network TV producer, Danielle Methmann will be showcasing her latest work at Café Luna. Danielle’s photographs exude laid back So Cal lifestyle and beautifully capture the inspiration she gets from her surrounding environments. Danielle’s photographs will be on display at Café Luna both Saturday and Sunday.

Open Sunday only studio tour goers seeking an adventurous art studio visit are urged to visit local painter, Thomas Mace’s art studio. Perched atop Shepherds Mesa, Tom built the studio that is his wood shop, idea factory and home for his current projects. Situated in the mountains above Carpinteria, Thomas’ studio is the converted lathe house and a must see.

For a full list of participating artists please visit Carpinteria Arts Center website at www.artscarp.org or on Facebook @CarpinteriaArtistsStudioTour. This weekend long opportunity to tour and visit local artist studios is FREE and open to the public. A small percentage of art sales will benefit CVAC’s missions to promote, support our local artists in their studios and galleries, Bellas Artes program, Art by the Sea kids camp, Art in Public Places, Flicks film club and more. In the belief that the arts are vital to a healthy community, the Carpinteria Arts Center is committed to providing challenging exhibitions, innovative learning opportunities, and cultural enrichment for people of all ages, interests, and abilities.

The Carpinteria Valley Arts Council would also like to thank Village Properties that generously donated at the Presenting Sponsorship level for this year’s 8th Annual Artist Studio Tour. Visit their website atwww.villagesite.com.

Local Showcase: Santa Barbara Artist Lisa Pedersen

Artist Lisa Pedersen’s home studio in the Santa Barbara Riviera.

As Santa Barbara’s top real estate team for over a decade, Riskin Associates has the pleasure of representing many fabulous clients. Currently, local Santa Barbara artist Lisa Pedersen, happens to be one of them. Pedersen, who lives in a quintessential andalusian estate in Santa Barbara’s Riveira, has been an artist her entire life and began painting professionally at the encouragement of friend and fellow painter John Brosio. Living on the Southern California coast offers endless opportunity for inspiration. Using water based oil paint, Lisa paints landscapes, architecture and cityscapes up and down the central coast.

Aside from painting, Lisa indulges her artistic and creative energies through other forms of design. After graduating from USC, Lisa went on to UCLA to study architectural and interior design. Lisa lives in one of her most impressive endeavors. The exceptional residence in Santa Barbara’s Riviera is an incredible example of Lisa’s finely tuned creativity. Together with her father, Harlan Pedersen and builder Ken Rideout, Lisa restored a magical estate, circa 1939, to perfection.

Lisa’s romantic vision, realized in 2004, includes custom designed kitchen tiles designed to emulate those in the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse, rich wood floors and beamed ceilings. Ocean and mountain views have been captured throughout via French doors, Juliette balconies and intimate patios. A jewel among jewels, a fantastic space has been utilized as an inspiring artists’ studio. A south-facing ocean view terrace is matched by French doors framing mountain views to the north.

As enchanting as the residence is, the estate grounds are an idyllic complement. Pathways wind through blooming rose gardens, lush lawns and vine-covered pergolas. A bocce ball court, hidden tree house and sensational Mediterranean pool garden await discovery and take thorough enjoyment of Santa Barbara’s enviable year round climate.

Artist Lisa Pedersen and Riskin Associates Partner Sarah Kelly at Porch.

To experience Lisa’s repertoire of work, visit Porch in nearby Carpinteria where an exhibition features Lisa’s work throughout the month of May. Riskin Associates Partner joined Pedersen at Porch for the exhibition opening.For further information of Lisa’s romantic and enchanting estate, contact Riskin Associates.

Los Olivitos – Quintessential Santa Barbara

An estate unlike any other, Los Olivitos captures the soul and romance long equated with Santa Barbara – The American Riviera. A short distance from the Orient Express’ luxurious El Encanto resort, a rare parcel hosts the captivating Riviera residence. Uniquely oriented, approximately 2.74 flat and usable acres take in ocean and harbor views to the south while the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains tower to the north.

At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, entry gates open to a whimsical motor court lined with mature olive trees and stone-lined wildflower beds. The Andalusian style residence pays homage to the area’s Spanish and Mediterranean heritage characterized by staggered Mission red roof tiles, ironwork and exposed balconies.

At the home’s center, the fantastic eat-in kitchen offers an ideal gathering place for family and friends. While fabulously spacious, the kitchen has been lovingly designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Created to emulate those found in the Santa Barbara Courthouse, custom painted tiles adorn the walls affording unique charm, luxuriously complemented by a tray ceiling and expansive marble island. A butler’s pantry, top of the line appliances and farmhouse sink create a chef’s kitchen. A mudroom, screened porch, office, powder room and spacious laundry facilities complete this wing of the home. Outside, a wrap around terrace provides an ocean-view dining area for enjoying Santa Barbara’s idyllic year round climate.

Accessed via the kitchen terrace, a large bedroom suite offers private guest quarters. Boasting a lounge, patio, spacious ensuite bath and generous storage the charming and private space provides an ideal guest retreat.

An incredible amenity befitting of such an inspiring property, the artist’s studio beckons the creative mind to take in both mountain and ocean views with a spacious veranda overlooking the Santa Barbara harbor. Cloaked in stained Pine, the studio’s pitched ceiling and abundant windows create a bright and airy ambiance. Off the motor court is a large three-car garage and exceptional additional multiuse space. Teak floors adorn the incredible expanse, ideal for a gym, games room or workshop.

To explore the estate’s magical grounds is to discover an enchanting facet of its most special character. Escape to the Mediterranean pool garden where a swimmers pool with grotto spa is the centerpiece to lush lawns, gardens and flagstone patios. The Pacific Ocean sparkles to the south while towering tropical foliage boarders the pool garden for a secluded feel. A spacious, fully tiled pool bath with shower is conveniently located near the main house.

A labyrinth of stone-lined pathways wind beneath mature oak and olive trees passed lush lawns and wildflower beds mingling alongside blooming rose, herb and succulent gardens. Uncover intimate patios resting beneath oak canopies enticing afternoon picnics, a tree house for the ultimate game of “hide and seek” and a bocce ball court lined by a galleria of olive trees. Entwined around an ocean view pergola, vine foliage rustles in a sweet summer breeze providing a stunning yet casual outdoor setting.

For those who appreciate a property rich in history, character and mystique, Los Olivitos combines authentic architecture and enchanting landscape with incomparable views to create the quintessential Santa Barbara estate.

Los Olivitos – Quintessential Santa Barbara

Offered at $7,350,000

Presented by Riskin Associates 

Curb Appeal is the Real Deal

Doing some remodeling?

Spring is just around the corner, as the season has gotten itself a reputation for being a great time to sell your home, many homeowners like to know where their home improvement investment should be spent. According to an article  by Realtor.com, exterior improvements are going to yeild the highest returns. The article references the 2014 Remodelings Costs vs. Value report, which compares the average costs of the 35 most popular home improvement projects.

For 2014, eight of the top ten most popular improvements were exterior upgrades. Exterior appeal is often the most important factor in a buyer’s opinion of a property as first impressions are known to have a heavy influence on overall feelings. To view the highest investment returns in Montecito’s neighboring Ventura County, click here. Below, enjoy three Montecito estates with incredible curb appeal.

A meandering drive introduces this historic Montecito estate. A sprawling lawn and majestic oaks are the ideal complement to the home’s stunning, traditional facade.

For additional information on this Montecito estate, click here.

This ocean-view Tuscan villa’s motor court gives an impressive first impression, just a hint of the sumptuous interiors awaiting inside.

To see more of this designer residence, click here.

A rustic beauty in the ocean-view hills of Carpinteria, this compound has been featured in Architectural Digest.

To see inside the estate, click here.