Erving House Montecito photos, Lutah Maria Riggs architect home, Santa Barbara real estate news

Erving House Montecito

July 13, 2025

Design: architect Lutah Maria Riggs

Location: 650 San Ysidro Road, Golden Quadrangle neighborhood, Montecito, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast of California, United States of America

A special, rare mid century modern architectural that just hit the market in the heart of Montecito in the coveted and exclusive Golden Quadrangle neighborhood, home to many notable celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Ariana Grande, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rob Lowe, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, and Zoe Saldana.

Photos by Gavin Cater

The home is the Erving House, an extraordinary $18 million estate designed by one of the industry’s pioneering architects, Lutah Maria Riggs — the first licensed female architect in Santa Barbara and longtime collaborator of Spanish Revival master George Washington Smith.

The rare retreat was built during her celebrated modernist phase and is complemented by the work of legendary landscape architect Thomas Church. Described by Time magazine in 1951 as a “glass tent,” The Erving House showcases all the hallmarks of Riggs’ distinctive vision including graceful proportions, abundant natural light, handcrafted details, and a deep sensitivity to the surrounding landscape.

Set on 2.7 private acres behind gates and under a canopy of oaks, the residence is introduced by a covered walkway leading to a dramatic double-height foyer with floor-to-ceiling glass that floods the space with light and frames stunning mountain and garden views. The main 1-bedroom living area features a soaring pitched ceiling that reaches toward Montecito Peak and a sculptural Santa Barbara stone fireplace inspired by Oscar Niemeyer, a contemporary and collaborator of Riggs.

Walls of glass — both fixed and sliding — open to outdoor terraces and gardens, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen is outfitted with custom Poggenpohl cabinetry and top-tier appliances, while the adjacent dining area enjoys sweeping views of the northern mountains and lush gardens.

A detached studio and a tranquil creekside guest house provide additional privacy and flexibility. The landscape is as powerful as the architecture — with lavender fields, fruit orchards, a bocce court, and gardens restored by Susan Van Atta, who worked to preserve and reinterpret Church’s original vision.

Montecito House, California

$17,975,000
650 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito, CA 93108

3 bed, 4 bath, 118,047 sq ft lot

Property Description:

The Erving House | A Rare Architectural Masterpiece in Montecito | A rare mid century modern architectural offering in the heart of Montecito, The Erving House, described as a “glass tent” by Time magazine in 1951, is a singular expression of architectural and landscape mastery, gracefully nestled on 2.7 acres of private, artfully curated grounds.

Designed in 1950 by renowned architect Lutah Maria Riggs during her iconic modernist phase, and complemented by the legendary California landscape architect Thomas Church, this estate exemplifies the essence of indoor-outdoor living. Enter through private gates, where a meandering driveway weaves beneath a canopy of majestic oaks, setting a serene, cinematic approach to the residence.

It culminates in a spacious motor court, where the home’s striking flat-roof carport seamlessly marries form and function with timeless elegance. A covered walkway leads to the home’s entrance, where a dramatic double-height foyer with floor-to-ceiling glass walls flood the space with natural light and frame expansive views of the surrounding landscape and mountains.

This breathtaking entrance sets the tone for a home in constant dialogue with nature. The main 1-bedroom living space unfolds with a soaring pitched ceiling, its apex seemingly reaching toward Montecito Peak, and a sculptural, biomorphic Santa Barbara stone fireplace, a subtle homage to Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, Riggs’ contemporary and collaborator.

Walls of glass, both fixed and sliding, span the length of the room, opening to terraces and gardens and dissolving the boundaries between inside and out. The primary suite is a private retreat, featuring a spa-like bath, dual large dressing rooms, and tranquil views of the gardens and the coastal range.

The home office offers inspiring solitude, framed by vistas of mature landscape and mountain ridgelines.The European-style kitchen is outfitted with custom Poggenpohl cabinetry and top-tier appliances, crafted with the serious chef in mind. The adjoining formal dining area also enjoys views of both the northern mountains and the home’s terraced gardens and native flora beyond.

Adjacent to the main house is a detached studio, providing flexible use, as a guest bedroom, creative workspace, or private retreat, its large windows revealing the natural beauty of mature oaks. Across the property is a serene 1-bedroom, 1-bath creekside guest house offering peaceful accommodations far enough from the main home to feel entirely its own.

The grounds, once altered by previous owners, have been thoughtfully revived by landscape architect Susan Van Atta, who honored much of Church’s original vision while adding her own artistry through native plantings. Wander through fruit orchards, lavender fields, and raised vegetable gardens, or enjoy a game at the bocce ball court, each element curated for both beauty, sustainability, and enjoyment.

The Erving House is more than a residence, it is a living piece of architectural history and one of Montecito’s most important homes. It offers unparalleled privacy, serenity, and a lifestyle that celebrates the seamless interplay between nature and design.

Photo Credit: Gavin Cater, Jim Bartsch, and Edward Clyne

Listing Agent: Luke Ebbin, The Ebbin Group, Compass

“The Erving House is a rare iconic masterpiece, uniting the vision of two California legends- renowned Santa Barbara architect Lutah Maria Riggs and celebrated landscape designer Thomas Church- in an unparalleled example of midcentury indoor-outdoor living. What makes this property truly special is the rare combination of privacy, notable architecture, and an unbeatable location. It sits on 2.7 beautifully landscaped acres with sweeping mountain views, just a short stroll from Montecito’s Upper Village. The home itself is architecturally significant- designed with a strong connection to the natural surroundings.

It offers that seamless indoor-outdoor living that defines the California lifestyle, all while feeling like a peaceful retreat just minutes from everything.There is nothing else like it on the market as there are very few mid century modern homes in the Montecito/Santa Barbara area- especially one of this provenance and flawless execution.” – Luke Ebbin, Compass

Erving House in Montecito, California – Lutah Maria Riggs architect home images / information received 120725

Location: 650 San Ysidro Road, Golden Quadrangle, Santa Barbara, California, USA
– north of Los Angeles, Southern California, United States of America