CASA SERENA: Hillsborough's Bespoke Homage to Santa Barbara Luxe

Casa Serena dazzles with authentic quality and the romance of Riviera retreats, yet delivers its new owner a platform of thoroughly modern livability. The estate you see today was meticulously re-imagined, expanded, and re-built to the highest standards throughout every inch. Spanning 5,600 sq. ft., you are invited to marvel at the "composition within the composition." Designer details cascade in vignettes such as the artistically crafted fireplace tiles and backsplashes, works of art unto themselves. Top flight luxury design elements include Venetian plaster walls, vaulted ceilings of 14-15 feet, Brazilian cherrywood floors, mahogany doors and carved mahogany cabinetry, and furniture-quality built-in millwork. With unabashed inspiration drawn from the great homes of Southern California, where the Spanish Colonial Revival celebrates its indoor/outdoor joie de vivre, this estate lavishes in sun from south and east. More than a house, this is an experience, a lifestyle, a feeling. Like a timeless book or a classic wine, this is an experience to become immersed within.

The current owners spared no expense, with no detail overlooked inside or out. Approaching the home from this prestigious cul-de-sac, the architecture stands prominent, sheltered beyond gates, impeccable hardscape, and colorful gardens. Note the organic feel of the facade with its color-infused smooth stucco, iconic arches, and wooden carriage doors. Stepping inside, soaring ceilings up to 15 feetare a signature motif that continue down a dramatic hallway. Made-to-order iron chandeliers by Steven Handelman of Santa Barbara add to the lyrical warmth, while morning sun from the east floods the ambiance with brilliant light. The sunken living room captures all the home's strengths in one stunning space: infused light, artisan woodwork, green vistas, Roman-esque archways, and European tilework. It's an Architectural Digest moment, and there's more rooms to come!

The through-composed nature of this renovation means the flow from space to space is seamless. The dining room (9 ft. ceilings) takes advantage of a front courtyard patio for extended entertaining. In the kitchen, 10 ft. ceilings with a spectacular skylight grid rise above a 10 ft. center island. Appliances by Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele appoint custom cabinetry. The island countertop is another work of art, composed of exotic Lemurian Blue granite with its abalone and cerulean tones. A built-in banquette flanks an access to a handy side barbecue patio. Adjacent to the kitchen, the family media room (vaulted ceiling peak 15+ feet) brings the outdoors in. French sliders reveal the huge expanse of resort-like grounds on this .63 acre view parcel.

Four bedroom retreats line the hallway, offering flexibility for office, guests, and family. Note the mahogany doors that bring richness and classic integrity. At the end of the hallway, the Primary Suite (10 ft. cathedral ceiling) is a dream escape, perched strategically at the home's upper southeast wing. Luminosity streams in abundance, with canyon, hillside, and ridgeline vistas all around. A private terrace is a panoramic  crow's nest overlooking and leading down to your private poolside resort. The primary suite also hosts an enormous walk-in closet and a decadent double shower with rainforest head and body spray.

Not to be forgotten, the lower level truly puts this home over the top! Enjoy over 1500 sq. ft. of "destination space" including a huge custom mud room, temperature-controlled wine cellar, and full apartment wing with kitchen, gym (or possible 5th bedroom), full bath, and 16 x 29 view-wrapped media room. Imagine the perfect auxiliary space for teenagers, recreation room, billiards, theater, or in-law wing. Direct pool access elevates weekend leisure mode.

Outside, your luxury resort again pays homage to a Santa Barbara ethos. Waterfall features accent the pool and spa. The current owners totally re-designed the yard to include an expansive lawn and irrigated vegetable beds. Secret walkways lead to a lower orchard and picnic site for your touch of Napa...enjoy your harvest of apricots, plums, lemon, lime, and two types of oranges. Best of all, your scenic hideaway is purely curated: every detail hand-selected of the highest caliber less than 9 years ago, and turn-key with modern amenities such as backup generator, low voltage garden lighting, pro wine cellar, security alarm, and massive 3-car garage of nearly 1,000 feet. Casa Serena, your palette of sun and sophistication, a testament to Hillsborough at its finest...