Montecito: One of the Three Villages of Rancho Santa Fe

Not to be confused with the CDP Montecito a bit to the north in unincorporated Santa Barbara County, this lovely ‘village’ within affluent Rancho Santa Fe is a small community which consists of only 36 homes. Considered to be among the smallest properties and homes within RSF, Montecito homes are perfect for singles, empty nesters and retired couples.

Parcels in Montecito truly are small by Rancho Santa Fe standards as they are only two-tenths of an acre. However, those 8,712 square feet are packed with some of the most elegant landscaping this side of heaven. The homes themselves are small Spanish Mediterranean designs and there are three unique floor plans which range in size from 2,200 to 3,000 square feet.

During the 1980’s, 1984 to be exact, Montecito was designed by builder Ray Watt and architect Buzzard-Henning. At the same time as construction was underway, equestrians from around the globe were visiting the Olympic Equestrian Endurance event at nearby Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course. While some homes are cantilevered on a bluff which overlooks training stables and the country club, all are two stories and widely acclaimed for the exquisite detail in their structural design.

Just a year or two ago, these homes were being listed anywhere from $900,000 to $1,400,000 and now you would be hard-pressed to find a home listed below $1 million. Perhaps on a short sale you would find a listing for that amount, but it is safe to say that most homes in Montecito, Rancho Santa Fe, are listed between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000.

If you should be one of the lucky ones to find a home listed on a short sale or at a recently reduced price, this would be the time to act. Prices within any of the coveted Rancho Santa Fe communities are projected to skyrocket as the economy rebounds from its recent downturn. There are monthly homeowner’s association dues in this gated community which cover an exercise facility and the community pool.