Hitchcock in the Sunken Garden

The beautiful Sunken Garden at the Santa Barbara Court House

Here at Riskin Associates, we feel so lucky to live and work in the beautiful cities of Montecito and Santa Barbara. One of the many wonderful qualities of our lovely town is the community's regular efforts to come together for fun (and often free!) gatherings. Be it the daily local farmer's markets, the Sunday Art walk at Chase Palm Park or the Downtown Organization's First Thursday events, it seems there is always an opportunity to grab your friends and get outside to enjoy this incredible area. Although events take place year round, summer events seem to take place daily. Recently, The Santa Barbara Conference and Visitor's Bureau has released the schedule for this summer's Movies in the Sunken Garden event which takes place on weekend evenings at the beautiful Santa Barbara Court House's sunken garden in July and August. This year, legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock will be featured, with an exciting Hitchcock film being played every week. Community members are invited to bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the sweet summer air and a fun film with friends. Entry to the garden is free, for more information on these and other fabulous Santa Barbara county events, visit the Visitors Bureau's Calendar of Events.

Celebrity and Summer Camp!

Deer Lodge's Pool and Terrace

It's a beautiful 75 degrees and the sun is shining in Montecito and Santa Barbara, summer is definitely underway! In honor of graduations and great weather, let's tour an incredible compound built by the John Deere family in the early 20th century and once owned by legendary actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, which just so happens to be the ideal location for a kid (or adult!) summer camp.

The compound is nestled between lush mature landscape of wildflowers and oak tree canopies.

Nestled between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, the original adobe hacienda has been restored and elaborated upon to what is now an incredible wonderland. With multiple residences and 180 acres of spectacular grounds, the  property is absolutely ideal for summer gatherings and weekend getaways for the whole family.

The main residence boasts almost 6,000 square feet of living space and four additional guest houses with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms provide private quarters for your closest friends and family. An expansive entertaining terrace boasting an outdoor kitchen can host over thirty for dinner.

The kids won't be disappointed by the plethora of playful amenities the property offers. An infinity pool with pool house, media area and game room are just the beginning. A tree house and fort, bocce ball court, lighted sport court and 3 miles of walking trails are waiting to be explored. Oh, did we mention the 150 foot long zip-line?

Adults won't be missing out on the fun, the property offers a wine cellar and a 300-vine syrah and grenache vineyard. Don't worry - you won't have to maintain this vineyard yourself, the famous Beckmen Estate tends the vines.

An outdoor fireplaces at Deer Lodge.

Views of the Santa Ynez Valley

Deer Lodge pool house, Montecito CA

Deer Lodge Living room

Deer Lodge's incredible grounds.

The infinity pool overlooks the Santa Ynez Valley and Deer Lodge's Bocce Ball Court.

The expansive kitchen is warm and wonderful gathering area.

Deer Lodge is one of Santa Barbara's most incredible and serene properties.

Discover this most unique treasure trove of amenities offered at $10,900,000.

For more information, please contact Montecito's number one real estate team, Riskin Associates.

Happy Birthday Rebecca!

Sarah Kelly and Rebecca Riskin at Via Vai

The Riskin Associates team would like wish Rebecca a very happy birthday! Yesterday the team, Sarah Kelly, Dina Landi, Phoenix Smith and Sara Freberg treated Rebecca to an early celebration lunch at one of our regular lunch spots, Via Vai in Montecito's Upper Village. Happy Birthday Rebecca! 

Christie's Fine Estates & Fine Wine: A Perfect Pairing

A Santa Ynez Valley vineyard

Riskin Associates is a proud affiliate of luxury real estate giant, Christie's International Real Estate.  With our office in such close proximity to one of the world's finest wine regions, the Santa Ynez Valley, we are excited to announce the newest branch of the Christie's empire: Vineyards by Christie's. The new program will pair leading wine experts and first-class luxury real estate specialists with participants to provide the knowledge of industry authorities to assist in the accession of wine and wine-producing estates. Other services included with the program are in line with the five-star service Christie's and Christie's affiliates provide, and include personalized travel arrangements and language translation services. The Riskin Associates team is excited for Christie's newest endeavor and supports the ideal pairing of luxury real estate with fine wines! Cheers!

Village Properties Celebrates 17 Years!

village properties at the canary hotel in santa barbara

This month marks the 17th anniversary of Riskin Associates parent company, Village Properties! Co-founded by agents Renee Grubb and Ed Edick, the company has grown to over 150 agents across three offices, Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. Village Properties is proudly affiliated with Christie's International Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio, which extends the outreach of marketing efforts for the area's most distinctive properties and provides an elaborate network of agents who represent affluent buyers all over the world. To celebrate the incredible accomplishments and strides Village Properties has made in the industry, a fantastic soiree at Santa Barbara's elegant Canary Hotel was thrown. Agents and staff were invited to enjoy the beautiful Spring evening atop the Canary's beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and mountains while honoring their efforts over the past 17 years. After an incredibly successful year in 2012 and an energetic first few months of 2013, the Riskin Associates team was excited to attend and mingle with fellow agents and staff!

Montecito Welcomes the Amgen Tour of California!

Amgen Tour of California

The 8th annual Amgen Tour of California is coming to Montecito and Santa Barbara! The eight day tour, in which sixteen of the top professional cycling teams will race, runs for 750 miles beginning in Escondido and finishing in San Francisco. The Tour benefits Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer, a nonprofit which aims to increase awareness about the resources available for cancer patients, from education and prevention to advocacy and financial support. Today the race will enter Montecito from Foothill, up to Toro Canyon Road and onto East Valley Road. It continues down to East Beach and through Santa Barbara up to Highway 154, where it will continue through Avila Beach and on through northern California.

Happy Mother's Day - Sunday, May 12th

mother's day gift ideas

Riskin Associates wishes everyone a very happy Mother's day! Montecito and Santa Barbara will be enjoying some beautiful weather this weekend, so get outside and celebrate mom! If you love these gift ideas and would like more information, click the links below.

Find Gouette de Rose Eau de Toilette ($121) at CosBar in Montecito's lower village.

Pressed Juicery offers a variety of cleanses to fit anyone's nutritional needs. Find it in the lower village.

Santa Barbara's Le Reve Organic Day Spa's Mind and Body facial ($150) will restore and rejuvenate!

Discover Dressed in Montecito's lower village and find Alexis Bittar's Bel Air earrings ($295).

Hope's Dream Home - $50M

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Hollywood icon Bob Hope and his wife Dolores have listed their desert dream home for a cool $50,000,000. Set in Palm Springs, an area that in its heyday was a glamorous playground for Hollywood's elite, the Hopes have collaborated with renowned modernist architect John Lautner to create a visionary property of unsurpassed contemporary design. The sprawling 23,000 square foot home overlooks the Coachella Valley with views of the surrounding mountains. Completed in 1980, the home is described by Luxury Portfolio International as a "stunning structural symphony blending concrete, steel, and glass crowed by a curving copper roof." Boasting a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, a putting green and a pond with a waterfall, the Hopes' imaginative dream home was designed for all aspects of a leisurely and relaxed lifestyle while expansive terraces rest beneath the stars to create the ultimate entertaining paradise. Love contemporary architecture? Is $50M just out of your budget?  Explore these listings offered by Riskin Associates:

Chic Sophistication: an ideal illustration of contemporary style, this entertainer's property enjoys two guest suites, two pools, fantastic entertaining patios and the perfect location for strolling to Montecito's Lower Village to enjoy a glass of sangria or warm cup of coffee.

Inspiring Architecture: a collaborative effort by acclaimed architects Pierre Gabrol and Steven Ehrlich, this contemporary home is an artistic juxtaposition of clean, modern lines surrounded by timeless mature oaks, lush gardens and commanding mountain peaks.

What's for sale in Montecito for $4M?

Four Montecito homes for sale

Montecito's residential real estate market is buzzing! As the market picks up, we are seeing increased interest in distinctive homes for sale in the $4 million price range. A historically low inventory, currently listed in the MLS are 23 homes listed between $4M and $5M. Here are four Montecito homes for sale in the $4 millions. Below, get to know these unique properties and for further information, click the provided links. Enjoy these distinctive properties!

Clockwise from top left:

Mediterranean Country Villa.  This superbly designed home lies in the exclusive community of Montecito Valley Ranch and enjoys a quiet cul-de-sac location and incredible mountain views. The expansive kitchen and adjoining family room provide incredible entertaining spaces and boast  breathtaking mountain views, while the main floor master is privately tucked down a hall just off the library. A one bedroom guest cottage provides additional privacy for guests or extended family. For more information on this property, visit Riskin Associates' website. MLS #13-1001

Charming California Country. Tucked at the end of quiet and charming Live Oaks road, just a short ways from Montecito's upper village, every room of this freshly updated home takes full advantage of sweeping mountain views. The elegant formal living and dining rooms, as well as the kitchen, family room, and master bedroom each invite in natural sunlight and mountain vistas through a wall of French doors and windows. To view more photos of this home, click here. MLS #13-798

Inspiring Architecture. Nestled among mature native oak trees and wildflower gardens, an impressive four bedroom contemporary home is a pleasing juxtaposition between timeless natural beauty and modern aesthetics. Designed in collaboration by famed architects Steven Ehrlich and Pierre Cabrol, gallery walls and soaring ceilings provide an idyllic environment for showcasing art. To see this masterpiece in detail, view the e-brochure here. MLS #13-1318

Historic Hedgerow Estate. Historic Boscobel, meaning in the midst of the beautiful woods, is a gorgeous and meticulously updated 1916 estate by famed F.M. Edwards. Original, period details are waiting to be discovered among modern and luxurious finishes throughout this historical five bedroom home. The grounds are perfectly manicured with expansive lawns and beautiful gardens, while a swimmer's pool lined by period columns invite summer swim parties or elegant evening entertaining. Discover Boscobel. MLS #13-1374

Representing Montecito's most distinctive properties, Riskin Associates is Montecito's #1 real estate team. Visit the team's About Us page and get acquainted with Rebecca, Sarah, and Dina.

First Quarter Update for Santa Barbara's Real Estate Market

santa barbara real estate market activity chart

Fellow Village Properties agent Carol Kruckenberg recently wrote an article for the Santa Barbara News Press which discusses the current state of the Santa Barbara real estate market, as well as reviews the market over the first quester of 2013. Carol sites a resurgence in the market based on a number of compelling factors, including the median list price for homes, which has risen 12% to $940,000 over last year. Low inventory has created a seller's market, which according to the article means that listings should sell in approximately 2.2 months. Last year, there were 414 homes to sell, this year there is nearly half as many at 287 homes listed for sale. Going back to 2011, there were 511 homes for sale. More encouraging evidence of market recovery stems from a recovery financial arena as well; last year, 30% of homes for sale were "distressed," meaning bank-owned or short-sale properties, this year less than half as many listings (12%) are "distressed." Carol's article also highlights the final sale prices of listings as evidence for a recovery in the area's real estate market, the number of listing's sold to date is the highest it's been in the last five years, including last year's banner year.

Carol's article also provides a number of valuable tips to both buys and sellers entering into the Santa Barbara area real estate market. Below, an excerpt from the article highlights a few of Carol's tips:

Here are some practical tips whether you are a buyer or a seller in this very active real estate market. If you are a seller, it is recommended that you hire a real estate professional to assist you through the process of selling your house/condo/mobile home.  If your agent has suggestions for you regarding the condition of the property, you will want to listen with an open mind.  It is best that you do not purposely underprice your property hoping for multiple offers; this strategy has been known to backfire.  With your agent’s help, come up with a realistic price for your home.  The important factors that guide pricing are location and condition.

If you are a buyer and need to finance the property you will be buying, get pre-qualified first.  This will tell you if you are financially capable of buying and the amount you can finance. It is recommended that you enlist the services of a real estate professional.  The agent will be able to keep you informed of properties that fit your specific requirements and may have the inside track on properties that may not be in the Multiple Listing Service.  The agent will then be able to guide you through the purchasing process.

The article makes sense of the market activity during the first quarter of 2013 in Santa Barbara's residential real estate market while providing valuable information and recommendations for navigating one's way through this most interesting seller's market, and Santa Barbara's #1 realtor team, Riskin Associates, applauds Carol's insight into the market and her dedication to the industry.

Southern Santa Barbara County Market Holding Strong

4-6-2013 SourhCort

Sales of residential real estate in southern Santa Barbara county continue to provide evidence of a recovering market. Compared to February, there were 23% more sales in March 2013. The first quarter of the year yielded 477 closed transactions while the first three months of 2012 yielded 410, a 16% increase in sales. With an incredible amount of success in 2012, Montecito real estate agent team Riskin Associates closed over $220 million and with the positive upswing the luxury market of Montecito is experiencing this year, the team is working hard to see another successful year. Check out the graph above for a visual representation of the sales in southern Santa Barbara county of the past six years.

Peek inside a Hollywood director's one of a kind Carpinteria compound

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Montecito and its surrounding coastal communities is known for its relaxed and luxurious California lifestyle, so it's no wonder that LA's elite flock to the casual oceanside towns to unwind. A stone's throw from our offices in Montecito, high in the hills of the seaside town of Carpinteria, Hollywood heavyweight Joel Schumacher, known for the Batman films of the 90s, and more recently for directing Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum in Phantom of the Opera, has collaborated with noted Santa Barbara architect, Don Nulty, to create a truly one of a kind compound. As if plucked from a forest in the snowy Sierras and gently placed in one of California's most desirable beach towns, the property beautifully marries rustic yet refined finishes with breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean. Upon stepping through the grand foyer, ocean views are the centerpiece to the expansive living room with soaring ceilings and furnished to the nines with plush couches and cozy blankets perfect for enjoying the impressive fireplace.  The home features three incredible bedrooms in the main house, a loft designed to take in the surrounding views, a masterpiece of a kitchen, and a spacious guest house just off the key-shaped pool with additional guests quarters. A gem of a hideaway, the entire home begs to entertain, relax, and recharge all who step onto its special property.

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7455ShepardMesa_Kitchen

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7455ShepardMesa_Master

7455ShepardMesa_Stairwell

Santa Barbara's Spring Seller's Market

beautiful montecito home

A seller's market has emerged in many parts of the country, and the Santa Barbara area is no exception! According to recent articles featured by Realtormag.com, low inventories have resulted in increasing asking prices across the country, but California has seen some of the most dramatic increases year-over-year. Santa Barbara, taking the #2 spot in rising list prices, has seen the median asking price increase 38% since February 2012 according to MLS data, with the current median asking price rising to $698,950.

As in several other cities in California, inventory in the areas of Santa Barbara and Montecito continues to sink and buyer traffic is picking up rapidly. Recently, Montecito real estate team Riskin Associates opened escrow on a charming country style home which was only on the market for 12 days. The Spring selling season is in full force!

Farmers Market Fun

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 The beautiful city of Santa Barbara, and its charming neighboring towns of Montecito, Carpinteria, and Goleta, offer residents a plethora of fun activities year round! Known for its love of all things epicurean, Santa Barbara fun often includes farm-to-table food. One of our favorite ways to enjoy this incredible seaside community is by exploring the farmers markets, which can be found seven days a week in various parts of town, to discover the fresh and delicious offerings from the area's local farmers, colorful flowers and delightful crafts! Here in Montecito, Friday fun usually begins with a trip to the travelling farmers market on Coast Village Road, which rotates locations along the quaint street each week. Families and friends in the area enjoy starting their weekend with a stroll through the market, sampling fresh fruits and veggies, gourmet artisan cheese selections, mouth-watering goodies like freshly made hummus and so much more, all while taking in the crisp ocean air and warm Santa Barbara sun!

Montecito is Marching Straight into Summer

We aren't officially into the Spring season for almost three more weeks, but in Montecito, it's feeling more like summer. With temperatures breaking 80 degrees, Riskin Associates invites you to imagine yourself cooling off in one of these luxurious pools.

Santa Barbara and Montecito are enjoying beautiful Summer-like weather. Are you?

Recognition for a Record Breaking Year!

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Riskin Associates  is breaking records, and people are taking notice. In 2012, Montecito real estate team Rebecca Riskin, Sarah Kelly and Dina Landi of Riskin Associates sold over $223 million in luxury real estate.  The team's success earned them national recognition when the Wall Street Journal named them the #3 agent in the US for metro-agent portfolio size. Not surprisingly, Riskin Associates also took home the #1 position in the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service, although the positon is not uncharted territory as the team as earned the top spot seven times in the past decade. Despite 2012's reputation as a "recovery year" in the real estate market, Riskin Associates found themselves with up to 30 listings at one time, representing 38 residential transactions in total, and a sales volume 60% higher than any other agent in the Santa Barbara MLS for that year. One of the team's most notable sales of 2012 was that of ‘La Pumada,’ Reginald Johnson’s expansive 1929 classic Montecito manor. Riskin Associates represented both the buyer and seller on each side of the transaction, which closed for nearly $20 million. An article in Santa Barbara periodical, Casa Magazine, also featured the team's success in which Riskin calls 2012 "exceptional" and "rewarding" and states her clients as part of that reward, "We are so grateful to our incredible clients" she says.

Local Indulgences for your Valentine

Valentines day gifts bouquet santa barbara montecito

Cupid's favorite holiday is already upon us and in Montecito romance is in the air! In case Valentine's Day snuck up on you, Riskin Associates can recommend a few ideas from local favorites to help you make the evening special.

1. No Valentine's Day is complete without a bursting bouquet of red roses. Show your affection with a "Love's Divine" arrangement from Gazebo Flowers. Love's Divine Bouquet, starting at $230

2.  Cloak her in colorful cashmere! This beautiful Franco Ferrari Barabba Air Paisley Colorblock Scarf  will keep her looking and feeling ready for Springtime ahead! Franco Ferrari Barabba Air Scarf, $298 at Dressed.

3. Is your man the king of the golf course (or does he think he is)? Treat him to a round at one of Santa Barbara's luxury golf courses. Sandpiper's championship course, which has been rated by Golf Digest as one of the Top 25 in the country, overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering a beautiful break from the boardroom. Sandpiper Gift Cards can be purchased in the online store.Rounds start at just $139. 

4. Indulge your special someone and yourself (bonus!) with a couple's massage at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. The Spa Ojai has been listed by Conde Nast Magazine as one of the Top 25 North American Spas. Spa Ojai's Customized Together Massage, 50 minutes $145, 100 minutes $290 (price per person).

5. Can't jet to Italy for the weekend? Visiting Olio e Limone for a romantic Italian dinner is the next best thing! Hand made pastas and an extensive wine list promise you and your date a Valentine's Day meal to remember.

christie's international real estate sets a record with its recent art auction

 

Christie's highly anticipated Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale on May 8 totaled $388.5 million (£240.9 million/ €299.1 million), marking the highest total ever in auction history for the category. Record after record fell throughout the night, as bidders from around the world convened in the saleroom to compete for the sale's exceptional roster of works by the top artists of the category, including Mark Rothko, Gerhard Richter, Jackson Pollock, Alexander Calder, Yves Klein, Richard Diebenkorn, Barnett Newman, and Willem de Kooning, among others. Fourteen new auction records were established, as well as a new record for the most expensive Post-War and Contemporary work sold at auction. The sale was 99% sold by value and 95% sold by lot.

"This was an historic event in the auction world, with three major records set in the space of a few short hours: a record for any Post-War and Contemporary art sale at $388.5 million, a record for any private collection of Post-War and Contemporary Art at $174.9 million for the Pincus Collection, and a new record for the most expensive work of the period, with Rothko's Orange, Red, Yellow sold for $86.9 million," said Brett Gorvy, Chairman and International Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art. "This was truly a season of icons, with the best works by Rothko, Newman, Richter, Pollock, Calder and Klein to come to market in many years. To see so many major records established in one evening was a tribute to the exceptional works on offer this season."

rebecca riskin & associates ranked top agent in santa barbara

We are incredibly thrilled to announce that the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has ranked Rebecca Riskin & Associates  Santa Barbara's top selling agent in 2011. This honor is such an inspiration to us, and one for which we can thank our exceptional clients and colleagues.

Here are some gorgeous listings whose sales allowed our success:

Edgecliff Beach Cottage

Italian Villa on the Prestigious Picacho Lane

Butterfly Beach Home

Sophisticated Santa Barbara Riviera Jewel

European Country Estate in Montecito

Parra Grande Creekside Home

Again, we can't thank the community enough for its support this past year. We wish a very prosperous 2012 to all!

Our Montecito Holiday Gift Guide

1. Lend some warmth to your loved ones with the Hermés lightweight jacquard blanket. The equestrian print fits perfectly in a Hope Ranch estate or a Montecito Country Estate, not to mention, the Hermés family are Montecito residents. Hermes Finish Blanket, $1850

2. This Jo Malone candle will turn a house into a home with one flick of a match. Bring one when you visit your favorite hostess. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Luxury Candle, $400

3. Look locally for the bottle of vino that will wow even the most discerning wine connoisseur. With Jonata's luxurious cab, you can bet you'll bring something new to the table (and to your friends' palates)-- the ultra exclusive winery is one of the best-kept secrets of the California wine industry. Jonata Wines 2008 El Desafio de Jonata, Cabernet Sauvignon, $125

4. Montecito's beaches wouldn't be the same without the its residents' ubiquitous, beloved pooches. A bed with graphics as appealing as luxury pet brand, Blueblood's, not only makes a great gift for Fido, but looks wonderful in a Montecito beach estate. Blueblood "Cardiff By The Sea" Trellis Bed, $105-210

5. Wrap an electronic gift as exquisitely as possible with Chloe's tablet case. The tassels add a touch of couture to the simply sleek design. Chloé Leather iPad Case, $600

6. Local jeweler Daniel Gibbings presents an African-style, gold-and-silver confection. The exotic look honors the bohemian-chic style Montecito has become known for. Daniel Gibbings Safari Five Strand Cross Gold and Silver Elephant Hair Bracelet, $245