FORBES ESTATE | MONTECITO

Historic Montecito estate by Reginald Johnson with courtyard and formal gardens

Montecito estate exterior with pool cabana guest house and traditional architecture

Montecito estate courtyard with limestone fireplace and central fountain

Historic Montecito estate with formal gardens and tennis court setting

Interior living space in restored Montecito estate with open kitchen and courtyard connection

Historic Montecito home interior with traditional detailing and preserved architecture

Restored 1920s Montecito residence with preserved massing and new additions

Wine cellar and media room in restored Montecito estate with traditional detailing

This Montecito estate is a restored 1920s residence designed for indoor-outdoor living, centered around a formal courtyard and shaped by its historic character. Located just above the Montecito Country Club, the property builds upon its legacy as a former Forbes family home, originally designed by Reginald Johnson.

The restoration was approached with a focus on preserving the original massing and architectural intent, while introducing carefully integrated new elements that support contemporary living. The 7,200 square-foot main residence is organized around a central courtyard anchored by a carved limestone fireplace and fountain, creating a natural gathering space that connects the home’s primary living areas. Interior spaces include an open kitchen and living room, formal dining, a master suite, five guest suites, a media room, and a wine cellar.

New additions—including a pool house, cabana, and a separate two-bedroom guest house—extend the living environment into the surrounding landscape. Overlooking formal gardens and a tennis court, these elements are composed to feel consistent with the original architecture, reinforcing a cohesive estate that is both historically grounded and thoughtfully expanded.