EL FUREIDIS

631 Parra Grande Lane, Montecito

PRICE UPON REQUEST

PROPERTY DETAILS

7 BD / 6 FULL BA / 6 HALF BA

 TOTAL GROSS SQ FT 11,547 APPROX.

ACRES 10.39 APPROX.

E-BROCHURE

STRUCTURES

MAIN HOUSE 

4 bd /  4 full ba / 5 half ba, 9,375 sq ft approx.

CARRIAGE HOUSE

3 bd /  2 full ba + kitchen, living and office, 2,172 sq ft approx.

AT A GLANCE

YEAR BUILT  1906

RESTORATION  2014

ORIGINAL ARCHITECT  Bertram Goodhue

RESTORATION ARCHITECT  Peter Becker

ORIGINAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT  Bertram Goodhue

SCHOOL DISTRICT  Cold Spring Elementary, SB Jr., SB Sr.

Few properties capture the hearts and minds of visitors as El Fureidis, leaving in all an indelible memorable impression. This globally inspired noteworthy architectural achievement ─ ‘El Fureidis’ that literally translates to ‘tropical paradise’ ─ has ruled over a century of seasons in the heart of Montecito.

 

Designed in 1906 by Bertram Goodhue for James Waldron Gillespie; El Fureidis’ origins are as exceptional as its history. Gillespie, a bon vivant hailing from New York, came to California to recreate a tropical landscape amid a climate that rivaled that of the idyllic Mediterranean. After visiting Montecito, he knew he had found his own piece of paradise on which to create the vision for his legacy.

In the early 1900s, Goodhue was primarily known for his gothic churches, museums, and monumental buildings.

 

Goodhue’s works include the Los Angeles Central Library, Saint Thomas Church in New York City, the Nebraska State Capitol, and the Chapel and Original Campus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. During his long career, Goodhue designed a limited five residences, with El Fureidis being the crown jewel of this exclusive collection.

 

Layered gardens, predating the residence by over a decade, give the 10-acre grounds a remarkable range of ancient specimen trees and a romantic sense of time and place. While planning and designing the residence, Gillespie sourced and established unique botanical specimens. These include over 100 different types of trees, several of which still stand today including Chilean wine palms, Montecito’s largest Moreton Bay fig tree, magnificent king palms, a grove of coast redwoods, citrus and walnut orchards, amongst many others.

 

Together, Gillespie and Goodhue embarked on a yearlong international odyssey to gather inspiration for the commissioned estate, which included an epic 500-mile journey on horseback from the Caspian Sea to the Gulf of Persia. This journey birthed the concept of a classic Roman villa set among Persian water gardens, beautifully blurring form and flora among the lush grounds.

The entrance features original tile work depicting Gillespie, Goodhue, and friends at one of the many infamous parties held at El Fureidis.

TIMELESS BEATUY

In addition to the timeless design of the residence, the construction of El Fureidis is equally enduring. Originally built of steel reinforced concrete, the home went through an extensive and sensitive historic restoration in order to ensure El Fureidis would be poised to thrive and shine into her second century and beyond.

 

Original fixtures and finishes pair beautifully with modern creature comforts to pen a new chapter in the estate’s lauded history. Recent updates include custom grand chandeliers and light fixtures in every room from Schonbek Lighting with Swarovski crystals; Belgian linen drapery; custom furniture replicating originals found in Buckingham Palace and Althorp Estate in the United Kingdom; magnificent silk and woolen carpets; amongst others.

 

The architecture of the residence is both simple and sophisticated. Strong lines create a rectangular structure which opens to the surrounding grounds as well as to a sunny central courtyard. Designed to foster Montecito’s iconic indoor/outdoor lifestyle, the thoughtfully designed residence allows for a beautiful interplay between light and shadow to fill the home throughout the year. 

The formal living room, bathed in natural light, features lovely blue paneled ceilings which are meant to both represent the heavens and the neoclassical origins of the estate.  The large rectangular skylight permits natural light to fall on the Swarovski crystals in the exquisite chandeliers, creating a spectrum of colors every afternoon.  The night lighting is just … beyond compare!

 
 

Guests’ first introduction to the essence of El Fureidis is undoubtedly the “conversation room.” Inspired by a Byzantine-style alcove and modeled after the church of St. John Lateran in Rome, this special space has hosted well over a century of secrets and soirees. Under an 18-foot celestial dome, hand painted walls shimmer in shades of gold and blue. A central fountain babbled softly for years, though should one prefer, it could easily take a vow of silence.  An ideal place for serene solitude and meditation!

From here, a series of spaces unfold and connect through the central atrium’s series of double doors.

From the living room, to a library, a sitting room, and finally a lounge, the flexible floor plan offers familiarity or formality, based on the occasion.

 

The formal dining room offers an unforgettable setting for events.

 

A unique, barreled ceiling depicts a scene of Alexander the Great conquering Persepolis painted over a foundation of 24k gold leaf applique. The original signature by the American artist, Henry Wadsworth Moore, remains intact today.

 

The primary bedroom suite is a sublime retreat that overlooks the south portico and water gardens. Dual wardrobes and a lavish bath make this a private oasis within the home.

 
 

Before reaching the private, second level of the home, French doors open to the vast rooftop terrace, views of the ocean, and one of the best places to experience the full beauty of the expansive grounds.

 
 

From morning sun salutations to evening events, brunch with your book club, or maybe an afternoon nap, the rooftop terrace is a magical place to be.

 
 
 
 

The second level of the residence is home to a trio of guest suites, each with its own unique attributes. The first features a beautiful terrace, the second includes dual wardrobes, and the third has a beautiful fireplace.

DELICATE DETAILS

Lee Lawrie, one of the United States’ most influential architectural sculptors and likely best known for the sculpture of Atlas at Rockefeller Center, was a frequent collaborator of Goodhue and contributed nine bas-reliefs to the grounds of El Fureidis. These pieces depict scenes from Arthurian legends and form a band between the tops of columns on the south side of the estate. Lawrie’s signature is etched in stone and forever entwined with the great history of this property.

 

The southern portico is dominated by an expansive terrace and the stunning Persian water gardens. Four, rectangular reflecting pools create a peaceful backdrop and inspire moments of meditation. Beyond the terrace, steps lead to the lower portion of the grounds, ending at a stately Roman temple. The geometric shape of the pools, terraces, and walking paths in the gardens provide a structural counterpart to the organic whimsy of the environment. The estate also includes numerous original brick pathways throughout the grounds offering endless opportunities to get lost in thought while taking in the beautiful natural environment. 

Throughout its history, El Fureidis has hosted many prominent figures and significant cultural events. Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and John F. Kennedy have all spent time at the property. El Fureidis was used as the location for multiple silent films and more recently, for the exterior scenes of Tony Montana’s estate in the iconic period movie, Scarface. Despite its history and celebrity, at its core, El Fureidis is a remarkably livable residence with beautiful spaces for everything from epic entertaining to every day intimacies. What began as perfect architectural attainment in the early 1900s is now the perfect estate for the 21st century.