For a while now, wellness has been a part of the home design conversation. From New York City high-rises with spas, gyms, and Turkish Hammams to Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop-tastic Montecito guest house, there are many aspects that contribute to a wellness-oriented home. Award-winning author and chef Janice Cook Knight is selling her Santa Barbara estate, which is perfectly fit for anyone looking to live a daily, farm-to-table lifestyle surrounded by nature and peaceful vistas.
This 2-acre property perched atop Santa Barbara—which is commonly referred to as the American Riviera for its Mediterranean-like climate, coastlines, and wineries—hosts a 5,721-square-foot home with seven bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two half-baths. The circa-1919 home was designed by architect Reginald Davis Johnson in his signature “California Architecture” style, which blends English, Anglo-Colonial, Craftsman, and Mediterranean elements.
The food-loving current owners have, of course, enhanced the kitchen and dining spaces. A true working chef’s kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, breakfast nook, and menu desk. Wellness and convenience are certainly front-of-mind here: The cookbook author grows “bananas, blood oranges, sapotes, pomegranates—about forty fruit trees in all, plus a changing array of vegetables, herbs and greens,” according to her website. She also has a chicken coop. It is easy to imagine heading to a local farmer’s market, picking produce in the backyard, and whipping up delicious creations in the kitchen. After all, the seller has tested recipes for Bon Apetit Magazine, probably in this very kitchen.
Relaxation is also key at this property. The landscaping includes a koi pond with a waterfall, oak trees, native plants, a rose garden, a cactus garden, and a swimming pool/spa with sweeping views of the city, harbor, and ocean. Is there a more peaceful way to end the day than to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of your own home?
Fal Oliver and Christine Oliver of Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage hold the $9,100,000 listing.