Guide ·
Buying a historic Montecito estate
What to look for — and what to ask — before buying a 1920s Spanish Revival house in Montecito.
By Margaux Ellery, Estate Advisor
A historic Montecito house rewards the buyer who asks the right questions early. Here is where we begin.
Know what is original
The value of a 1920s estate lies in what survives: tile, plaster, ironwork, the plan itself. A good inspection distinguishes original fabric from later additions, and a conservation architect can tell you what a sensitive restoration would cost.
Water, fire and insurance
These three questions now shape almost every Montecito purchase. Confirm the water meter allocation and any well rights; review the property’s fire-zone mapping; and obtain insurance quotes before removing contingencies.
The county and the past
Some estates are designated or eligible historic resources. That can limit alterations — and it can also protect the qualities that made you want the house.
