Splendid SoCal Estate Built by Dame Judith Anderson Lists for $16.5M

Just south of Santa Barbara in the calm California city of Carpinteria, a stately coastal estate has hit the market. Dubbed Primoya Farms, the sweeping property has rolling hills that give way to stunning ocean vistas on one side and jagged mountain horizons on the other. But the spread boasts more than pastoral allure. With orchards and vineyards and a star-filled backstory, the residence seems to breathe on its own. To nab this 14.7-acre slice of the beautiful coastline, a buyer will need to splash out $16.5 million.

Dame Judith Anderson, an early and highly influential American theater actress, purchased what was then known as Rancho Verde in 1949. The Tony award-winner had a road created to the highest point on the estate, a towering 900 feet above sea level, where she constructed the Palladian-style home of her dreams. Spanning 3,926 square feet, this main villa includes 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms within its tastefully-apportioned floorplan. The deed later changed hands to another famous figure, acclaimed author Harvey Wheeler.

Imbued with creative energy as Primoya Farms has been, it comes as no surprise that its sprawling acreage grows lush with vibrant greenery. The pesticide-free farm counts 1,600 mature cherimoya trees and a vineyard with approximately 500 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines. A small population of avocado trees is then poised for making the most delicious morning toasts.

The current owners have added to the property’s value with a two-bedroom guest house and a wine grotto with a 1,500-bottle wine cellar. Nancy Kogevinas of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties holds the listing.