Estate of the Day: Santa Ynez

perkins_eotd.jpg

Sitting atop a spectacular ridge with endless views over the Santa Ynez Valley is a stunning contemporary home designed by Frederick Fisher. This 2007 AIA award winning design set on over twenty acres is an oasis of tranquility and calm. The entire structure is clad in corrugated Cor-Ten steel and is punctuated by vast expanses of glass to take advantage of the 360 degree views. One enters the grand, yet intimate central courtyard through a perforated steel gate. A linear reflecting pool borders the gravel and rock Zen garden with a magnificent specimen oak as its focal point. Concrete walkways encircle the courtyard and offer several intimate settings that invite contemplation and introspection.

The massive front door opens to the expansive living room, dining room and kitchen. Grand in proportions, with high ceilings and large south facing sliding glass doors, this spectacular room is the center for gracious entertaining and relaxed dining. The counter tops in the kitchen and wine bar are made of grey Zodiac stone that complement the rift-sawn white oak plank floor. From the 60″ Wolf range to separate Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, and Miele dishwasher, this kitchen is a true chef’s paradise. Every possible culinary appliance (Miele steam oven, Gaggenau deep fryer, Sharp carousel microwave, Dacor warming drawer and U-line under-counter refrigerator drawer) is within easy reach. A large walk-in pantry is just steps away. The living area features a floor to ceiling steel fireplace surround and a black granite hearth that faces out to the terrace and views beyond. Custom sliding glass pocket doors open to the terrace and shaded outdoor sitting areas. Pamela Burton designed the oriental inspired dry gravel river bed that is flanked by four indigenous grasses. Concrete walkways and terraces lead around to the covered outdoor dining area that features a wood burning pizza oven, fireplace and BBQ. Overhead heating units allow for year- round alfresco dining. A few steps down from this area is the dramatic dark bottomed 70 foot lap pool and spa that juts out into the natural landscape.

From the ‘Living Pavilion’, a hallway with views onto the courtyard leads down several steps to the Master bedroom. The room is on axis with the lap pool and therefore enjoys equally magnificent views. The Master suite is comprised of a glass walled luxurious master bath complete with an oversized ceramic tile double shower, traditional Japanese teak soaking tub and a striking hanging double mirror. Cabinets and floors sheathed in teak help create a sanctuary setting. Large walk-in closets and laundry room complete this master suite. A library-study with fireplace that features corner walls in glass, leads to two beautifully proportioned bedrooms, each with private bath. The ‘Working Pavilion’ consists of a North facing double storied artist’s studio of remarkable proportions. A separate painting or sculpture storage area is also featured. The large in-home office with built-in walnut bookshelves has sliding doors that open onto the serene Zen courtyard. A gym studio also enjoys views out to the garden. Adjacent to the Artist’s studio is a wide sliding gate that is opened when entertaining to greet guests and offers immediate access to the courtyard. All heating, air conditioning, lighting, audio-video, pool, spa and security systems are electronically controlled through keypads or touch-panels. There is also a large three-car garage with a workbench area.

The inspiration for the home’s design came from a desire to create three distinct areas: living, sleeping and working, all under one roof structure. Thus, each pavilion would enjoy its privacy, yet be connected to the whole through a strong and cohesive design thesis.

This truly unique, modern masterpiece graces the landscape with its dramatic design and reflective soul, and is a striking example of the essence of subtle sophistication.

Offered @ $8,000,000

Contact Suzanne Perkins @ 805.565.8643 or suzanne@suzanneperkins.com. Or visit www.suzanneperkins.com