The historic Santa Barbara estate, once owned by the late actor and winemaker Fess Parker, has come onto the market for US$21.95 million. The property boasts a remarkable history, which also includes culinary icon Julia Child. Parker, known for his starring roles as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, was friends with Child, who used the estate in the 1980s as a filming location for her 13-part PBS series, 'Dinner at Julia's'.
Known as 'Four Oaks' due to the eponymous trees that still stand on the grounds today, the nearly three-hectare estate in Hope Ranch was commissioned in 1934 by the family of a prominent Chicago banking heir. The renowned firm Edwards & Plunkett was entrusted with the design, underlining the property's exclusivity and historical value.
The estate spans 9,662 square feet of living space on a 2.89-hectare plot. It features six bedrooms and eleven bathrooms. The interior is characterised by a large living room that opens onto a covered terrace and the surrounding nature. An adjoining wood-panelled library offers views of the lawn. The layout leads from the living area through a formal dining room and a butler's pantry to a bright chef's kitchen with two cooking islands and a professional range. From the kitchen, one enters a family room and a covered outdoor terrace with a dining area.
A separate wing houses four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a gym. Upstairs, the master suite features its own sitting area, two large wardrobes, a spacious bathroom, and a covered terrace overlooking the gardens. The 2.89-hectare outdoor area is unusually flat for Hope Ranch and extends with a sprawling lawn from the house to a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a detached guest house.
Stone pathways wind through rose gardens, a citrus alley, and tall trees, which gave the estate its name, leading to the various recreational facilities. This unique combination of historical elements and expansive outdoor areas creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and tranquillity.
'Four Oaks' has accumulated a history that few estates in Santa Barbara can boast – from ownership by Fess Parker to its use as a television cooking studio by Julia Child. These are two historical chapters in a residence that has existed in Hope Ranch for over 90 years. This history is undoubtedly part of the property's allure, complemented by the nearly three hectares of land, expansive living areas, and numerous bedrooms.
Overall, this offering provides a buyer with the opportunity to acquire a home with a remarkable history, ample space, privacy, and tranquillity near the water. It represents a rare chance to own a piece of Californian history in a sought-after location.
