This Wallace Neff home, designed by the architect largely responsible for creating the classes Southern Californian distinct style, is now on the market. It is one of many homes designed by Neff in the Mediterranean Revival style, though not all of them boast such fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The home measures 14,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and five full bathrooms, as well as a number of other formal spaces and stunning outdoor landscaping and recreation.
This is a close look at the driveway from the vantage of the outer gate with dark flooring. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a view of the main entry archway from the driveway with white exterior walls and arched windows. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a nighttime view of the small courtyard of the entrance of the house with a shiny dark floor and warm lighting on the landscaping. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a full view of the large and spacious living room with a tall cathedral ceiling and an open wall on the far side. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the living room’s white sofas flanking a small round coffee table. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The central living room area of the white sofas is surrounded by various sitting areas with an open-style plan. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This view of the living room showcases the sliding glass doors and exposed wooden beams of the tall ceiling. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the formal dining room with a large glass-top dining table surrounded by dark chairs that stand out against the bright walls brightened by the natural lights. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the kitchen with dark brown tones and dark modern appliances that match the exposed beams. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the home theater room with exposed beams at the ceiling and paneled walls with the wall-mounted TV across from the sofas. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the small den by the theater with dark brown chairs to match the walls. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a cozy family room with a shed beamed ceiling and comfortable sofas under decorative lights. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the den of the house with dark gray chairs, paneled walls and a wall-mounted TV on the far wall. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This bedroom has a bed with a large cushioned headboard by the large glass wall that shows the landscape outside. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a bedroom that has a large tufted and cushioned bed frame for the bed topped with a shed beamed ceiling with decorative lighting. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This other bedroom has white walls contrasted by the large colorful wall art beside the bed with bedside tables. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a close look at the bathroom with a large two-sink vanity topped with wall-mounted mirrors on dark walls that match the countertop. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the spacious and bright walk-in closet with matching white cushioned chairs. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the patio of the house with a dark flooring and outdoor sofas. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is another view of the swimming pool area that showcases the landscape and the view. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the modern fire pit and its chairs that stand out against the dark flooring. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a daytime view of the fire pit by the swimming pool area surrounded by comfortable outdoor chairs. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the swimming pool area of the back of the house with a alrge pool surrounded by a large lawn of grass. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a daytime view of the guest house shaded by a large tree and complemented by the large grass lawn. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a nighttime view of the guest house with a warm glow to its open walls and windows showcasing the interiors. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a side of the house that showcases the lush landscaping with concrete walkways and tall trees. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is an aerial of the house showcasing the sweeping view beyond the backyard along with tall trees of the landscape. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is an aerial view of the house showcasing its earthy clay roof tiles and bright exterior walls that contrast the dark floors of the patio. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is an aerial view of the full house showcasing the landscaping of the back of the house along with the large swimming pool. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Wallace Neff is considered the first architect to embody the desires and style of Hollywood stars. He designed a number of beautiful estates in Southern California before his death in 1982. His designs, evidenced by what we now consider typical and classic California style, draw from architectural styles of both Spain and the Mediterranean.
This estate — the Straus House — is in Santa Barbara and was designed at the height of his career. His other designs include the Pickfair Estate, the Libby Rance, and the Gillette Mansion, among many others.
The Straus House is a hacienda-style home, measuring 14,000 square feet and originally built in 1970. It is situated in an H-shape, with two wings splitting the five bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with a fully refurbished chef’s kitchen, formal dining room with sweeping ocean views, a home theater, full wine cellar, and a den. Outside, you’ll find a terrace facing the ocean, an elegant pool, 27 miles of riding trails, and a private guesthouse (that also faces directly towards the ocean).
The large living room features what becomes the standard tall cathedral ceilings, as well as an open glass wall. The full kitchen is sleek, with dark modern appliances matching the exposed beams of the cathedral ceiling.
Each room is beautifully and intentionally lit, and many maximize the natural light with extensive windows and often glass walls. Many of the bathrooms feature polished stone not just for the countertops, but for each wall as well.
The back patio of the house features dark stone flooring and a view out to the lawn, pool, and ocean. This space also hosts a large fire pit. The full guest house is obscured from the view of the main house but opens up entirely to the ocean. It also boasts its own outdoor patio space and fire pit.
The landscaping features lush trees and lawns. As it wraps around the buildings, you’ll find elegantly-placed concrete walkways and trees to filter the hot California sun. Farther from the building and lining the entry and black circular driveway, you see more of the Mediterranean influence, with its unique tall trees and vegetation.
The house is located in a small equestrian community in Santa Barbara’s Montecito neighborhood — dubbed “Beverly Hills North” for its rising popularity. It is quiet, with a mild climate and beautiful views from the ocean to the mountains. While many bigger stars have recently been attracted to the area, this Neff design, the Straus House, made it home more than 50 years ago.
The home is now on the market, listed for $32.75 million. It spans 14,000 square feet, with sweepingly elegant formal rooms, as well as five bedrooms and five bathrooms.
