The Ancient Redwood Tree, both mysterious and beautiful, leaves one in awe of its grandeur and seemingly supernatural strength.Though its home is generally limited to the foggy coastal regions in Northern California, the robust and resilient redwood has been identified in places as far off and diverse as Florida and Arizona.
A most unique and special Redwood Grove can be found near Santa Barbara off Eucalyptus Hill Drive located in prestigious Montecito, California. Here, at 229 Eucalyptus Hill Drive – dozens of redwood trees stand majestically above a serene estate, set against Santa Barbara’s distinctive mountain range, a most magnificent backdrop.
Modern Redwoods are descended from an ancient lineage over a hundred million years ago, dating back to the age of the dinosaurs and surviving the Ice Age. Redwoods were the predominant forests of the earth until they retreated to more mild climates and regions dominated by coastal fog. Back then and even today, redwoods found in preferred regions can reach heights of up to 360 feet (100+ meters) and are known to live for 500 – 1000 years, some for more than 2000 years.
The contemporary Coast Redwood, like those found at 229 Eucalyptus Hill Drive, is called “Sequoia sempervirens,” a Latin name meaning “forever living” or “forever green” – a name that certainly befits this heavenly estate. Here, dozens of redwoods were planted along with other “exotic” trees in the early 1900s when the former grounds of “Solana”, or “sunny place,” was developed by Santa Barbara Benefactor Frederick F. Peabody. Solana was a grand 79 acre estate that encompassed all of what is now known as Eucalyptus Hill which is adjacent to Arcady Road and just across from Lotusland and the significant estates of Cold Spring and Ashley Roads.
The redwood grove at 229 Eucalyptus Hill Drive was believed to have been the meditation garden for Mrs. Peabody. And as you wander through this magical spot, the redwood seems most befitting of the site: the sense of privacy without ever feeling alone. Next to these majestic creatures, you are certainly humbled. But though they stand tall, their scale is far less than their northern counterparts –due to Santa Barbara’s warmer, sunnier climate. As you make your way through the meandering grove along a granite path, stop to read, meditate, but be sure to make a wish as you come upon the antique limestone wishing well! Wishing you a “long life” at 229 Eucalyptus Hill Road.
Romantically situated among a majestic assemblage of 100+ year-old redwood trees, oak and sycamore trees, 229 Eucalyptus Hill Drive, immediately beckons you. Indeed, meandering paths through the grove proposes several areas to relax, luncheon, read, contemplate or meditate. Featuring an open floor plan with soaring ceilings and spacious, bright living spaces, one can also find several private spaces suitable for reading or relaxing. Intersecting entry, living and dining rooms flow to outdoor terraces with mountain views, offering the ideal setting for entertaining. A gourmet kitchen, replete with two of everything, Wolf, Mile, and Sub-Zero, all in a central location, open to light and garden views, will leave even the most demanding chef wanting for nothing. A generous master suite at the east wing has a private deck with morning sun and views towards Santa Barbara’s distinctive coastal mountains. Two Guest rooms and a den are retreated in the west wing for privacy and convenience. Read more about this property for sale at www.229EucalyptusHillDrive.com.