Search

Constantia’s Enduring Beauty: 1599 E Valley Road in Montecito

For nearly a century, a bright white Ambrose Cramer-designed home has presided over the glowing green grounds of Constantia, an estate nestled between the mountains and the sea in Montecito, California.

By

Share

1599 E Valley Road Named Constantia—A Classic of Cape Dutch Design—Makes for an Enduring Memory in Santa Barbara’s Montecito

Built in 1930, the building is as dignified, yet breezily inviting, today as the day it was built. The residence was designed by famed architect Ambrose Cramer as a summer home for his father-in-law, Arthur Meeker, executive vice president of Chicago’s Armour meatpacking company, who was of the belief that Santa Barbara and Cape Town shared similar appeals in climate and scenery.

As such, Arthur Meeker commissioned 1599 E Valley Road in Dutch South African style, marked by great gables and half-shuttered wide windows, as well as a high-pitched roof and gently curving Dutch archways. The bold, graceful lines of the façade obscure the peaked second-story roof, serving the dual purpose of creating a commanding entryway.

The grounds, designed by illustrious landscape architect Lockwood de Forest, are a further testament to an enduring style. Lockwood de Forest was tasked with making the relatively small area appear larger, which he accomplished with an unapologetically eye-catching reflecting pond in front of 1599 E Valley Road and a series of stepped terraces to create a cohesive separation between the house, with the largest garden in front, and the reflecting pool.

This also allowed for an outdoor living room space on the terrace closest to the home, a popular California concept. Constantia has been home to multiple noteworthy owners since Arthur Meeker. Renowned architect Jack Warner adored the home from afar for years before purchasing it in 1974.

Jack Warner designed the interior of 1599 E Valley Road himself, beginning with all-white walls and unadorned windows to open up the space—a technique still seen in the home today. Stewart and Katherine Abercrombie were the home’s next inhabitants.

Taking a similar “do-it-yourself” approach to the design, they added their own touches, such as hanging silk from the dining room walls and undertaking carpentry projects as a labor of love.

While the Abercrombies called Constantia home, it was known to play host to some of Montecito‘s swankiest soirées. In 2006, yet another owner purchased 1599 E Valley Road and began a thorough renovation, which included updates to its interior, exterior paint, and landscaping, as well as the building of an all-new media room and gourmet kitchen.

Far from taking away from the property’s history, these developments fit seamlessly with the home’s spirit, modernizing it while maintaining its original charm.

1599 E Valley Road was also previously owned by the author of Legally Blonde, Amanda Brown, and her husband, Justin Chang. Last sold in 2018 for $14,000,000 by Jeffrey Hyland of Hilton & Hyland, the home continues to attract noteworthy residents. And why not?

With an enduring sureness of its own style and an enviable location, the home’s storied Santa Barbara past provides a canvas that anyone would want to leave their mark on.

Images Courtesy of Jim Bartsch

RELATED TAGS

1505 Via Fernandez: Come Home to Palos Verdes Estates

Nestled in the serene Palos Verdes hillside, where the air is crisp and tranquility reigns supreme, 1505 Vía Fernandez emerges as a luxurious haven of grandeur and modern elegance. Surrounded by high-end residences, this 7,194-square-foot domestic masterpiece boasts 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a myriad of opulent amenities.
  • September 20, 2023
  • Constance Dunn

2160 Monterey Blvd: A Closer Look at Hermosa Beach’s Architectural Gem

Perched on a prime corner in Hermosa Beach, 2160 Monterey Blvd offers a unique blend of serene seclusion and beachfront convenience. Designed by renowned architect Earl Heitschmidt in 1938 and thoughtfully updated, the home seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a contemporary haven that defies its 85-year history
  • September 6, 2023
  • Constance Dunn

The Rebirth of Santa Monica’s Iconic Georgian Hotel

The iconic Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica reopened its doors in April, unveiling a stunning transformation led by Fettle Design. With a rich history that hosted Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe, the hotel's restoration, guided by BLVD Hospitality, gracefully balances its storied past with modern hospitality.
  • August 23, 2023
  • Karine Monié

Sterling-Huddleson Architecture’s the Edge Residence in Pebble Beach

The Edge, a stunning contemporary home located in the picturesque community of Pebble Beach, California, is a masterful creation by Sterling-Huddleson Architecture. The result is a breathtaking residence that seamlessly blends advanced building technology and timeless contemporary design.
  • August 23, 2023
  • Jenn Thornton

Of Possible Unveils Stunning Loft Living Concept in Williamsburg

Explore the soon-to-be-completed building at 103 Grand Street, Williamsburg, offering three units designed to capture the spirit of this historic area. Led by Rise Development and architect Vincent Appel of Of Possible, each unit boasts its own outdoor space and a seamless connection between interior and exterior.
  • July 13, 2023
  • Karine Monié

Elevating Tropical Modernism: Evan Edward’s Stunning Biscayne Bay House

This sleek tropical masterpiece in Biscayne Bay, Florida by architecture and interior design practice Evan Edward seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, embracing the warm climate and scenic surroundings. With a focus on fluidity and functionality, the 5,000 square foot home combining midcentury tropical modernism with European art deco influences, the interior design features a harmonious blend of materials and textures.
  • July 13, 2023
  • Karine Monié
Sign Up for DIGS Newsletters