1920s Montecito Estate La Macarena Listed for $35 Million After Xorin Balbes Renovation
La Macarena, a Spanish Colonial Revival estate from the 1920s located in Montecito, California, is now available for nearly $35 million following renovations by Xorin Balbes. Previously known as Slater House I, the property was designed by architect Mary McLaughlin Craig. Balbes acquired the two-acre estate for $9.5 million in 2024, working alongside Blue Studio. The main house spans 7,000 square feet and includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms, terracotta flooring, and nine fireplaces. Additional amenities comprise a detached office suite, a two-bedroom pool house, and a guest cottage. The estate also boasts a pickleball court, a large swimming pool, and a motor court accommodating 15 vehicles. The Kogevinas Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is managing the listing.
Key facts
- La Macarena estate in Montecito, California listed for just under $35 million
- Originally built in late 1920s by architect Mary McLaughlin Craig as Slater House I
- Xorin Balbes purchased property for $9.5 million in 2024 and led renovation
- Two-acre hillside property overlooks Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez Mountains
- Main residence has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms across roughly 7,000 square feet
- Property includes pool house, guest cottage, office suite, and entertainment pavilion
- Renovation collaboration with Blue Studio focused on historic integrity
- Balbes has renovated other significant properties including Lloyd Wright's Sowden House
Entities
Artists
- Mary McLaughlin Craig
- Xorin Balbes
- Lloyd Wright
- Norma Talmadge
Institutions
- Kogevinas Group
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
- Blue Studio
- Robb Report
- Modern Luxury
Locations
- Montecito
- California
- United States
- Pacific Ocean
- Channel Islands
- Santa Ynez Mountains
- Los Feliz
- Los Angeles
- Southern California
- Santa Barbara