
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
This Iconic Mid-century Modern Estate, known as "The Erving House," is listed at $14,995,000, aligning perfectly with its $14,995,000 Fair Market Value. Boasting a Pristine Condition Rating following a museum-quality restoration, this architectural "glass tent" features unobstructed mountain views, a Poggenpohl chef’s kitchen, and a creekside guest house. The 2.7-acre sanctuary, originally landscaped by Thomas Church, offers a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle in the heart of Montecito. This rare historical gem is a premier acquisition for Architectural Collectors or Luxury Lifestyle Seekers.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 650 San Ysidro Road Subject | $14,995,000* List Price | 3 | 4 | 2,951 | $5,081 | - |
A 650 San Ysidro Road Active | $14,995,000 List Price | 3 | 4 | 2,951 | $5,081 | - |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is new construction or fully renovated.
This iconic mid-century modern estate has undergone an extensive, museum-quality renovation that perfectly blends historical preservation with modern luxury. The property features a high-end European kitchen with Poggenpohl cabinetry and top-tier appliances, pristine polished stone flooring, and updated systems including a full power backup generator and a reverse osmosis system. Every component, from the architectural glass walls to the spa-like bathrooms and curated landscaping, reflects recent high-standard updates with no signs of deferred maintenance.
The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 118048, living area = 2951.
Designed by Lutah Maria Riggs and featured in Time magazine, this iconic midcentury modern 'glass tent' offers immense historical significance and rare architectural value.
The 2.7-acre estate features masterfully curated landscapes by Thomas Church and Susan Van Atta, offering unparalleled privacy, a creekside guest house, and native flora.
At under 3,000 square feet, the main residence may feel small for buyers seeking a large-scale estate at this premium price point.
The extensive use of glass and the complex, artfully curated 2.7-acre grounds require specialized and potentially costly ongoing maintenance to preserve their integrity.
A rare midcentury modern architectural offering in the heart of Montecito, The Erving House, described as a "glass tent" by Time magazine in 1951,is a singular expression of architectural and landscape mastery, gracefully nestled on 2.7 acres of private, artfully curated grounds. Designed in 1950 by renowned architect Lutah Maria Riggs during her iconic modernist phase, and complemented by the legendary California landscape architect Thomas Church, this estate exemplifies the essence of indoor-outdoor living.Enter through private gates, where a meandering driveway weaves beneath a canopy of majestic oaks, setting a serene, cinematic approach to the residence. It culminates in a spacious motor court, where the home's striking flat-roof carport seamlessly marries form and function with timeless elegance.A covered walkway leads to the home's entrance, where a dramatic double-height foyer with floor-to-ceiling glass walls flood the space with natural light and frame expansive views of the surrounding landscape and mountains. This breathtaking entrance sets the tone for a home in constant dialogue with nature.The main living space unfolds with a soaring pitched ceiling, its apex seemingly reaching toward Montecito Peak, and a sculptural, biomorphic Santa Barbara stone fireplace, a subtle homage to Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, Riggs' contemporary and collaborator. Walls of glass, both fixed and sliding, span the length of the room, opening to terraces and gardens and dissolving the boundaries between inside and out.The primary suite is a private retreat, featuring a spa-like bath, dual large dressing rooms, and tranquil views of the gardens and the coastal range. The home office offers inspiring solitude, framed by vistas of mature landscape and mountain ridgelines.The European-style kitchen is outfitted with custom Poggenpohl cabinetry and top-tier appliances, crafted with the serious chef in mind. The adjoining formal dining area also enjoys views of both the northern mountains and the home's terraced gardens and native flora beyond.Adjacent to the main house is a detached studio, providing flexible use, as a guest bedroom, creative workspace, or private retreat, its large windows revealing the natural beauty of mature oaks. Across the property is a serene 1-bedroom, 1-bath creekside guest house offering peaceful accommodations far enough from the main home to feel entirely its own.The grounds, once altered by previous owners,have been thoughtfully revived by landscape architect Susan Van Atta, who honored much of Church's original vision while adding her own artistry through native plantings. Wander through fruit orchards, lavender fields, and raised vegetable gardens, or enjoy a game at the bocce ball court, each element curated for both beauty, sustainability, and enjoyment.The Erving House is more than a residence, it is a living piece of architectural history and one of Montecito's most important homes. It offers unparalleled privacy, serenity, and a lifestyle that celebrates the seamless interplay between nature and design. Additional features include a high- functioning well with RO system for landscaping and a full power backup generator.
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 4.0 | 47% |
| Baths | 4.0 | 4.0 | 50% |
| Square foot | 2,951 | 3,601 | 41% |
| Lot Size | 118,048 | 40,293.1 | 95% |
| Price | $14.99M | $5.31M | 98% |
| Price per sq ft | $5.1K | $1.7K | 99% |
| Built year | 1951 | 1980 | 13% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 303 | 240 | 72% |
Feb 28, 2026
$14,995,000
$16,975,000
-12% Price Drop
Initial Listing
Jun 24, 2025
$16,975,000
Initial Listing
Aug 27, 2020
$3,900,000
Public Record
Mar 15, 2011
$6,250,000
Public Record