Bunny Maxim

A rare midcentury modern architectural offering in the heart of Montecito, The Erving House, described as a "glass tent" by Time magazine in 1951,is a singular expression of architectural and landscape mastery, gracefully nestled on 2.7 acres of private, artfully curated grounds. Designed in 1950 by renowned architect Lutah Maria Riggs during her iconic modernist phase, and complemented by the legendary California landscape architect Thomas Church, this estate exemplifies the essence of indoor-outdoor living.Enter through private gates, where a meandering driveway weaves beneath a canopy of majestic oaks, setting a serene, cinematic approach to the residence. It culminates in a spacious motor court, where the home’s striking flat-roof carport seamlessly marries form and function with timeless elegance.A covered walkway leads to the home’s entrance, where a dramatic double-height foyer with floor-to-ceiling glass walls flood the space with natural light and frame expansive views of the surrounding landscape and mountains. This breathtaking entrance sets the tone for a home in constant dialogue with nature.The main living space unfolds with a soaring pitched ceiling, its apex seemingly reaching toward Montecito Peak, and a sculptural, biomorphic Santa Barbara stone fireplace, a subtle homage to Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, Riggs’ contemporary and collaborator. Walls of glass, both fixed and sliding, span the length of the room, opening to terraces and gardens and dissolving the boundaries between inside and out.The primary suite is a private retreat, featuring a spa-like bath, dual large dressing rooms, and tranquil views of the gardens and the coastal range. The home office offers inspiring solitude, framed by vistas of mature landscape and mountain ridgelines.The European-style kitchen is outfitted with custom Poggenpohl cabinetry and top-tier appliances, crafted with the serious chef in mind. The adjoining formal dining area also enjoys views of both the northern mountains and the home’s terraced gardens and native flora beyond.Adjacent to the main house is a detached studio, providing flexible use, as a guest bedroom, creative workspace, or private retreat, its large windows revealing the natural beauty of mature oaks. Across the property is a serene 1-bedroom, 1-bath creekside guest house offering peaceful accommodations far enough from the main home to feel entirely its own.The grounds, once altered by previous owners,have been thoughtfully revived by landscape architect Susan Van Atta, who honored much of Church’s original vision while adding her own artistry through native plantings. Wander through fruit orchards, lavender fields, and raised vegetable gardens, or enjoy a game at the bocce ball court, each element curated for both beauty, sustainability, and enjoyment.The Erving House is more than a residence, it is a living piece of architectural history and one of Montecito’s most important homes. It offers unparalleled privacy, serenity, and a lifestyle that celebrates the seamless interplay between nature and design.