A peaceful, easy feeling permeates this California masterpiece whose Spanish soul seamlessly merges with exotic Asian, European, and Middle Eastern accents.
A rare 1873 Steinway Grand Piano complements early Californian white plaster walls and romantic wrought iron accents. The crossbeam wood ceiling is accented by cornices and features multiple layers of washes, stains, stenciling, and colors for an aged patina finish.
Reverential art in a lighted alcove honors a sense of universal spirituality.
Formal gardens include this secluded pond with a view of the sea. The matured landscaping also includes large Eucalyptus and Italian Cypress trees.
An original painting by Stanley Boydston adds contemporary flair and artfully balances the traditional, more ornate elements of the study.
An audacious mix of elements including an antique Bakhtiari Persian rug, a Moroccan-inspired lantern, and a regal French tapestry looks elegant against unadorned walls. A pop of color provided by symmetrical bedside lamps perfectly finishes this master bedroom befitting royalty.
Natural light floods the master bath, where an upholstered chaise rests upon a heated floor of Moorish Gold travertine. Hand-wrought iron sconces lead to combination shower/steam room and a large spa tub with a view of the gardens.
The sunny breakfast room’s refined personality is softened by tropical foliage and windows that open to welcome warm California breezes.
The subterranean wine cave/cellar is almost 400 square feet and naturally maintains a constant cool temperature. Months of work by a team of artisan masons recreated an authentic European experience. Antique furnishings, medieval-looking sconces, and a dramatic stone arch complete the old-world feeling.
Modern interpretations of traditional Japanese brush strokes are the only art in a Zen-like enclave, a brilliant contrast to classic 1920’s California style. The glass door leads to the expansive lawns and bathes the room in natural light.
In the foothills of the American Riviera, Paraiso is perched upon 12.8 acres overlooking the Santa Barbara harbor and coastline.
In addition to the 11,000 square foot main residence, Paraiso includes a Cannes-style freestanding pool cabana, a 1,200 square feet orchid greenhouse furnished with Indonesian teak, an Italianate alfresco fireplace, a private guest house surrounded by citrus and lavender, and a ten car garage
COWGIRL would like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr. Kevin Frampton and Coldwell Banker for making Paraiso available for this editorial feature.
Photography by Everett Finton Gidley.
(Originally published in the July/August 2010 issue of Cowgirl Magazine).
