Ravenscroft
United States / California / Montecito
Located in the heart of Montecito, Ravenscroft is a George Washington Smith estate that poetically balances heritage and contemporary elegance.
Overview
Originally commissioned by Peggy Ravenscroft in 1922, the villa continues to evoke the spirit of its namesake—her imprint and spirit indelibly woven into every corner of the estate. In the last century, Ravenscroft has had just three owners. As its current stewards, we have lovingly restored the estate over 18 years, using original plans, authentic materials, and master craftspeople—including the grandson of the original ironworker. The result is a rare intersection of historic integrity and modern refinement, where the past lives beautifully in the present. Today, Ravenscroft pays homage to Peggy’s legacy—a sanctuary of enchantment, aristocratic allure, and artistry that invites every guest to share in its unfolding story.
Location
A winding driveway reveals a landscape of manicured lawns, towering palms and rose gardens, revealing a stately Spanish façade draped in ivy and history. Celebrated for its theatrical proportions, enduring romance, and architectural pedigree, the 10,000 square foot home in Montecito stands as one of California’s most exceptional and soulful properties.. Ravenscroft also captured the heart of Academy Award–winner Diane Keaton, who featured named it one of her favorite homes— a place she ‘fell in love with’ for its architecture and astonishing beauty. Adjacent to Lotusland, the two-acre gated estate offers a rare balance of privacy and convenience: just moments from Butterfly and Hammonds beaches, the iconic Rosewood Miramar Hotel, the boutiques and restaurants of Coast Village Road, San Ysidro Ranch, and the Hot Springs Trailhead. Complementing Ravenscroft’s location are its suite of amenities: pool & spa, home theatre, full guest house, 3 guest cottages, wine cellar & tasting room, billiards room, and courts for bocce, pickle-ball and tennis.
The Great Room
The heart of the estate is the 52-foot living room — a space as storied as it is striking. Modeled after a London stage production, the room was built large enough to accommodate Peggy's beloved horse, Jack, who would warm himself by the fire. Though reimagined with contemporary sensibilities, the living room retains the dramatic flair of the 1920s and the grandeur of a vanished age. A palette of sand and caramel tones grounds the space, while sumptuous statement sofas and the grand fireplace bring a sense of intimacy to its expansive scale. Every detail —from the mahogany finishes and the sculptured silhouettes to the romantic archways and oversized proportions —lend rich layers of depth and texture, enveloping the space in timeless sophistication. This room, like much of the home, stands as a homage to its muse, Peggy — a place where memory, myth, and magic intertwine.
The Loggia
Beyond a garden-lined foyer lies the loggia, sunlight spills through, casting soft light across marble floors and framing views of the pool. Cascading vines shroud the walls, weaving a tapestry of green, and wrought-iron doors open into the rose gardens, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The loggia reveals three distinct moments: an intimate nook for reading, a spacious lounge centered around a fireplace and TV, and a dining area for candle-lit dinners and soirées. Each corner is steeped in a sense of the ethereal and dreamlike, as if lifted from the pages of a storybook.
Dining
Thoughtfully appointed for both elegance and ease, the kitchen features a butler’s pantry, top-tier appliances, and a bespoke La Cornue stove. French doors open onto a courtyard, where a mosaic fountain, fire pit, and inviting seating inspire inspire starlit evenings, chef-prepared dinners, and fireside conversation. A cozy breakfast nook with a crackling fireplace, infuses the space with warmth and charm. The formal dining room, anchored by a Carrara marble table, flows effortlessly into another courtyard leading to the Billiard’s room and and guest cottages. Tucked discreetly behind a bookshelf, a hidden wine cellar awaits — a touch of enchantment ensuring every meal is paired with the perfect vintage.
Amenities
8 Bedrooms, 11 Bathrooms
Sleeps 14 Guests
10000 Interior Square Ft.
- High Chair
- Wi-Fi
- Heated Pool
- Hot Tub
- Tennis Court
- Fitness Room
- 2 Step Machines
- Free Weights
- Weight Machines
- Bench Press
- Smith Machine
- Washer
- Dryer
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Towels
- Hair Dryer
- Shampoo
- Toiletries
- Linens
- Microwave
- Wine Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Stove
- Oven
- Coffee Maker
- Espresso Machine
- Burr Grinder
- Toaster
- Blender
- Coffee Grinder
- Ice Maker
- Pantry Items
- Spices
- Dishes & Utensils
- Kettle
- Dining Area
- Garage
- Heating
- Bicycles
- Wood Stove
- Fireplace
- Wine Cellar
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Fire Extinguisher
- Smoke Detector
- First Aid Kit
- Private Parking
- Outdoor Refrigerator
- Deck
- Patio
- Fire Pit
- Books
- Ping Pong Table
- TV
- Satellite TV
- DVD Player
- Game Room
- Music Library
- Pool Table
- Video Library
Details
Bedroom Details
Bedroom 1: King bed
Bedroom 2: Queen bed, in the main house on the ground floor, fire place
Bedroom 3: Queen bed, in the main house on the ground floor, fireplace
Bedroom 4: Queen bed, in the main house on the ground floor
Bedroom 5: Double bed
Bedroom 6: King bed + sleep sofa/futon (guest house with pull out couch in the grand living room)
Bedroom 7: Twin/ single bed, located in Abigail Cottage
Bathroom Details
Bathroom 1: Toilet, shower, jetted tub - One of two bathrooms off the master
Bathroom 2: Toilet, combination tub/shower, shower - One of two bathrooms in the Master Suite
Bathroom 3: Toilet, combination tub/shower, shower - In the main house accompanying the queen
Bathroom 4: Toilet, combination tub/shower, shower - In the main house accompanying the queen bedroom
Bathroom 5: Toilet, combination tub/shower, shower - In the main house accompanying the queen bedroom
Bathroom 6: Toilet, combination tub/shower, shower - In the guest house
Bathroom 7: Toilet, combination tub/shower - In the guest house bedroom
Bathroom 8: Toilet, shower - In Abigail Cottage
Bathroom 9: Toilet In the main house
Bathroom 10: Toilet, shower - Also has a sauna and is in Jacks Cottage
Beach Details
Less than 5 miles to downtown City of Santa Barbara and East Beach
Less than 3 miles to the Miramar Beach, 4 miles to East Beach and 7 miles to Santa Claus Lane
Located less than 2 miles to the nearest beach
Pool Details
Private heated pool and hot tub
Exclusive Offers
Executive Owners now receive up to $100 Destination Dollars when booking a Villas of Distinction property with Club Points.
Number of Nights | Destination Dollar Amount |
1-4 Nights | $50 |
5+ Nights | $100 |
You can use your Destination Dollars to enhance your stay. Once the property of your choice is booked, your personal Concierge will coordinate and schedule eligible experiences for your stay, giving you more time to spend with family.
Destination Dollars are Valid for select prepaid services only. Minimum night stay requirement may apply. Service offered is subject to availability. No cash value. The value of any unused Destination Dollars is nonrefundable. Destination Dollars cannot be applied toward booking value. Destination Dollars may not be combined with other offers. All offers are subject to availability and may not apply to all villas or travel dates. Other restrictions may apply. Access to the Vacation Homes is made available through the Abound by Marriot Vacations™ exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the applicable Abound by Marriot Vacations™ exchange program documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees. The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are subject to change.
Chairman's Club Owners now receive up to $250 Destination Dollars when booking a Villas of Distinction property with Club Points.
Number of Nights | Destination Dollar Amount |
1-4 Nights | $150 |
5+ Nights | $250 |
You can use your Destination Dollars to enhance your stay. Once the property of your choice is booked, your personal Concierge will coordinate and schedule eligible experiences for your stay, giving you more time to spend with family.
Destination Dollars are Valid for select prepaid services only. Minimum night stay requirement may apply. Service offered is subject to availability. No cash value. The value of any unused Destination Dollars is nonrefundable. Destination Dollars cannot be applied toward booking value. Destination Dollars may not be combined with other offers. All offers are subject to availability and may not apply to all villas or travel dates. Other restrictions may apply. Access to the Vacation Homes is made available through the Abound by Marriot Vacations™ exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the applicable Abound by Marriot Vacations™ exchange program documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees. The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are subject to change.
Presidential Owners now receive up to $175 Destination Dollars when booking a Villas of Distinction property with Club Points.
Number of Nights | Destination Dollar Amount |
1-4 Nights | $100 |
5+ Nights | $175 |
You can use your Destination Dollars to enhance your stay. Once the property of your choice is booked, your personal Concierge will coordinate and schedule eligible experiences for your stay, giving you more time to spend with family.
Destination Dollars are Valid for select prepaid services only. Minimum night stay requirement may apply. Service offered is subject to availability. No cash value. The value of any unused Destination Dollars is nonrefundable. Destination Dollars cannot be applied toward booking value. Destination Dollars may not be combined with other offers. All offers are subject to availability and may not apply to all villas or travel dates. Other restrictions may apply. Access to the Vacation Homes is made available through the Abound by Marriot Vacations™ exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the applicable Abound by Marriot Vacations™ exchange program documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees. The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are subject to change.
Villa information may change without notice and should be confirmed with our villa rental specialists.