French Country Architecture
Montecito is unique not only geographically, but also architecturally and is home to stunning and grand estates, with a wide variety of architecture styles. A less common and highly desirable design style, French Country architecture stands out from Santa Barbara's famous Mediterranean homes.
French Country architecture is known for it's rustic yet comfortable designs with asymmetrical exteriors and delicate characteristics. Steep roof pitches at various heights are quite common, and estate-like French Country chateaus are most commonly 2-stories. Exterior stonework is typical, as exhibited at 871 Oak Grove Drive, as well as stone flooring throughout the interior of the estate. You will often find soft, curved arches, which add a luxury and grand touch to the overall feel of the architecture.
Another unique feature of French Country architecture is the roof often comes down to the window, either covering up the second story or attic. At 771 Garden Lane, the roof drops down to the second level, while an attic (in this case, the second level of the master closet) remains tucked away.
871 Oak Grove combines the best of old-world elegance with livable and comfortable interiors. It is host to the most beautiful gardens and located in one of the best school districts in California.
Oak Grove's interior and exterior living spaces have gorgeous stone floors throughout. The French doors open to incredible mountain views, a charming patio, and a bubbling, natural stone water element. The north patio provides a serene mountain view and overlooks the gardens, designed by the renowned San Ysidro Ranch landscape architect Laurie Lewis, giving a wonderful sense of arrival as you enter the home.
771 Garden Lane is an expansive estate, and home to the soft arches for which Fench Country architecture is known. Steeped roof pitches and stucco exteriors support the stunning roofline.
Pictured to the right is the guest house entrance with columned archways.
The expansive formal living room is ideal for entertaining. Three sets of arched French doors open to the ocean view terrace and magnificent gardens beyond. The living room walls are adorned with elegant moldings that create subtle shadows in the space, especially so when illuminated by the dancing glow from the fireplace. Varying width, wide-plank wood floors complete the elegant, yet comfortable space.
