Iconic Modernism by Barton Myers

Created from steel and glass, with emphasis on space and ground, light and shadow, this amazing representation of High-tech Modernism is innovative in its design, and nothing short of stunning. Featuring huge wall-size multi-pane doors that retract -- not horizontally, but vertically – and integrate with the home’s ceiling, opening entire rooms to the property's enchanting Zen-like gardens. There are large sliding glass doors as well, and expanses of clerestory windows.

The industrial aesthetic can be found throughout the three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home. It rests on an acre lot surrounded by the best of Mother Nature with breathtaking views of the mountains and a peek of the ocean and the Channel Islands. In fact, the residence was given a Merit Award in the Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) program for sustainable design and the use of exposed structural steel by The American Institute of Steel Construction. Why? Because the structural steel used is manufactured mostly from scrap metal. That makes it a green material because it doesn't generate as much construction waste as a wood-frame structure.

In the main wing, a spectacular great room, with soaring 16 feet high ceiling, completely opens to an expansive terrace, through Myers' ingenious, glass walls, that, at the touch of a button, roll up out of sight. This seamless transition from inside out, day into night, is truly magical.

“So, you have a really big great room, and you have three sets of doors like a garage where they fold back. There's 36 panes of windows in each one of those doors, [and] you can open them all the way up or you can have them any length that you want,” listing agent Cristal Clarke told Realtor.com for a feature story on the property.

While the structure itself is given dominance, emphasizing the engineering, the industry feel is softened by natural light, custom cabinetry and a muted, monochromatic palette throughout.

“Even though you have really high ceilings and lots of glass, it's still very warm inside,” Clarke explains in the Realtor.com story. “Sometimes contemporary homes aren't. This one is. It's just pretty spectacular.”

The rooms, divided into two parallel wings, are linked together through a glass passageway, separating the estate’s public and private spaces in a totally unique way.

The Bulthaup kitchen hosts state-of-the-art appliances and other high-end accouterments including Miele and Gaggenau appliances. Featuring bleached limed oak cabinets that completely open to an expansive terrace, through Myers’ ingenious glass walls that, at the touch of a button, roll up out of sight. From the kitchen, they open to an expansive terrace that features a built-in fire pit and cozy seating area accessed through vertically retractable steel and glass walls.

The second wing features both bedrooms each with clerestory windows to capture the natural light in sunny Montecito and frame the magnificent views.

Each bedroom is complete with en-suite baths. Both include clerestory windows that capture the natural light and embrace the stunning views.

You’ve heard about the importance of curb appeal when it comes time to sell your home. This estate has curb appeal around every corner. The property's dazzling gardens – created through the guidance of Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA -- have been distinguished as an “Outstanding American Garden” by the Garden Club of America.

“Even architects who come and take a look at it, you see their mouths drop open. They are looking at all the details and are just mesmerized,” Clarke told Realtor.com. “It's pretty spectacular how it is built. It's like a work of art is the best way I can describe it. You know when you go to museums and just kind of stand and you take the time to look—that's what people do in this house.”

The surrounding landscaping adds a bit of warmth with paths that outline the grounds, framed by Buxus hedges, that meander through the lush, drought-tolerant gardens.

The mesmerizing approximately 50’ ozonated lap pool is located on one end of the grounds. Most of us are familiar with chlorine sanitizing systems, but the truth is that ozone for swimming pools has been in use for well over 50 years in Europe. It has only been over the past decade in which American pool owners are beginning to recognize this unique sanitizing system’s merits as concerns about chlorine continue to rise. When used properly, ozone will drastically cut back the need to add chemicals to your pool.

An Andy Neumann designed 1 bed, 1 bath guest house can be found on the other side of the property. The Santa Barbara architect is known for working with people who not only want a home designed around their own unique lifestyle but one that’s also sensitive to the local environment and connected to the beauty around it. And he hit the nail on the head with this guest house.

If you’re a qualified buyer, Cristal Clarke would be happy to arrange a tour of this property for you; or of any that may be of interest from her portfolio of fine homes in Montecito, Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch, Summerland or Carpinteria. Just call Cristal at 805.886.9378 or email her at Cristal@montecito-estate.com.