A Rainy Day at Bellosguardo

Some houses have history—Bellosguardo is history. Perched on the Montecito bluff, it has spent decades as one of the most mysterious estates on the California coast, its gates closed, its story paused in time. Built in 1937 and left untouched for half a century, it feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved past, where every room holds a secret and the ocean view hasn’t changed a bit.

Touring it on a rainy day only added to the nostalgia—raindrops on the terrace, mist rolling in over the cliffs, and that unmistakable feeling of walking through a place where time decided to take a breath.

Montecito is full of homes like this—places with stories, character, and a deep connection to the land and sea. Whether a grand estate or a quiet cottage under the oaks, the magic of Montecito is how every home, in its own way, feels like a piece of history.

Small, docent-led tours of Bellosguardo are now available, with tickets released every few months—and they tend to go fast. Find more details here.