$42.5 million Montecito estate on the market

A sumptuous reinterpretation of Southern vernacular architecture has been built on spec in the foothills of Montecito, California. Overlooking a wide swath of the Pacific on about 5 acres, stands the 10,797+/- sq.ft main residence, with a 56-foot pool, 2-bedroom guest house, and pool cabana with a full kitchen, encompassed by lush gardens of roses, lavendar, citrus, and magnolia trees.

The use of brick accent walls, wide and columned verandas, and circular windows are a subtle nod to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia and other Southern estates. Otherwise the colonial-inspired mansion exudes the relaxed and fresh feel of California with a touch of world-class elegance. French doors frame sea views, and premium amenities mix with luxurious design elements such as sable and dove gray marble floors, Austrian crystal chandeliers, and espresso-colored custom cabinetry in many of the estate's 12 bathrooms.

The main residence features six bedrooms including an ocean view master suite with a fireplace. A panelled library, huge theatre room, private bedroom wing, and grand entertaining spaces are enhanced with four carved wood and marble fireplaces, dentil and crown molding, and dark-stained rustic oak floors.

Two galleries flank the foyer providing the perfect place to showcase an art and antiques collection. A free-floating staircase, reflecting an architectural element found in the South's grandest antebellum homes, ascends to the upper floor balcony.

Listed at $42.5 million with Suzanne Perkins, Sotheby's International Realty, this brand new beauty presides over Montecito's famed enclave of estates, located ninety minutes north of Los Angeles. Nearby are Oprah Winfrey's Georgian style residence (which she paid upwards of $50 million for in 2001) and the Mediterranean style abode of Michael Douglas's ex-wife Diandra Douglas, currently on the market for $29 million.