By Kendrick Guehr
In Montecito, the distance between Coast Village Road, the Upper Village, and gated enclaves like Birnam Wood can be a short drive, while the lifestyle difference feels dramatic from one pocket to the next. This $5M–$10M range often includes choices like a guarded golf community residence, a creekside Spanish-influenced estate near the foothills, a walkable beach cottage close to Butterfly Beach, or an oceanfront condominium next to the Coral Casino.
The four properties covered here (available for purchase as of February 2026) show how this price bracket can feel like four entirely different versions of Montecito.
Key Takeaways
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Gated golf living: Birnam Wood and lake views
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Creekside acreage: Upper Village convenience
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Walk-to-coast: Lower Village and Butterfly Beach
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Oceanfront condo: Bonnymede and the Coral Casino
510 McLean Lane
List price: $7.75M
Square feet: 5,022
Location: Birnam Wood (golf course setting)
Inside the guarded gates of Birnam Wood, 510 McLean Lane pairs classic interiors with a prime setting near the Birnam Wood Golf Club and the community’s lake views.
Square feet: 5,022
Location: Birnam Wood (golf course setting)
Inside the guarded gates of Birnam Wood, 510 McLean Lane pairs classic interiors with a prime setting near the Birnam Wood Golf Club and the community’s lake views.
Why this home illustrates gated, legacy-style Montecito
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Birnam Wood location: A coveted pocket near the club with a quiet, established feel.
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Guest cottage: One bedroom and one bath with a private entrance for added independence.
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English-garden grounds: Mature oaks, roses, fruit trees, and trimmed hedges arranged with multiple seating areas.
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Lake and mountain backdrop: Views oriented toward the lake and the Santa Ynez Mountains near the fairways.
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Old-World interior detail: Crown molding, stained wood paneling, cathedral ceilings, and built-ins across major rooms.
This is the kind of setting where the neighborhood amenities and the home’s craftsmanship work together, which is a defining theme in Montecito luxury homes $5 million to $10 million.
601 San Ysidro Road
List price: $6.895M
Square feet: 3,399
Location: Near E. Valley Rd. (mountain setting)
601 San Ysidro Road sits on an approximately 1.40-acre parcel in a treed, foothill setting just north of East Valley Road, with seasonal Oak Creek curving through the landscape.
Square feet: 3,399
Location: Near E. Valley Rd. (mountain setting)
601 San Ysidro Road sits on an approximately 1.40-acre parcel in a treed, foothill setting just north of East Valley Road, with seasonal Oak Creek curving through the landscape.
Why this property defines “Upper Village meets nature”
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Upper Village proximity: Close to Montecito’s Upper Village for daily coffee runs, boutiques, and easy errands.
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Creekside setting: Seasonal Oak Creek and mature trees create a shaded, private feel on the parcel.
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Spanish-influenced design: A classic Montecito aesthetic that fits the foothill backdrop and garden setting.
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Library and living room focus: Natural light, view framing, and a fireplace-centered gathering space.
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Extra structures: An exterior-entry guest suite plus a rustic barn that works well as a creative studio.
The home blends Spanish-influenced character with a layout that includes four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and office space, plus an attached guest suite and a rustic barn used as an art studio.
1114 Hill Road
List price: $6.495M
Square feet: 2,772 SF
Location: Near Lower Village and Butterfly Beach (coastal cottage setting)
1114 Hill Road is positioned between Montecito’s Lower Village and Butterfly Beach, with Coast Village Road’s cafes, restaurants, and boutiques within an easy stroll.
Square feet: 2,772 SF
Location: Near Lower Village and Butterfly Beach (coastal cottage setting)
1114 Hill Road is positioned between Montecito’s Lower Village and Butterfly Beach, with Coast Village Road’s cafes, restaurants, and boutiques within an easy stroll.
Why this address captures the walkable coastal lifestyle
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Lower Village connection: Quick access to Coast Village Road for dining, coffee, and daily routines.
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Butterfly Beach proximity: A shoreline anchor that shapes morning walks and sunset plans.
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Oversized lot feel: Outdoor space potential that supports a true beach retreat setup.
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Coastal interior character: Beamed ceilings, paneled walls, and river rock fireplaces that fit the setting.
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Local luxury anchors nearby: Close to the Rosewood Miramar, the Coral Casino area, and Music Academy events.
This is the kind of home that wins on lifestyle efficiency, where errands, dining, and the beach align without a complicated drive plan. In Montecito luxury homes $5 million to $10 million, this “walk-to-everything” advantage can matter as much as square footage.
1301 Plaza Pacifica
List price: $8.45M
Square feet: 1,943 SF
Location: Bonnymede (ground-floor oceanfront condo)
At 1301 Plaza Pacifica, this ground-floor condo sits on the southwest corner of the Bonnymede community, directly adjacent to the iconic Coral Casino with walk-out access toward the beach.
Square feet: 1,943 SF
Location: Bonnymede (ground-floor oceanfront condo)
At 1301 Plaza Pacifica, this ground-floor condo sits on the southwest corner of the Bonnymede community, directly adjacent to the iconic Coral Casino with walk-out access toward the beach.
Why this condo represents rare, front-row Montecito
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Bonnymede oceanfront setting: A prized community position with direct coastal access and resort-style amenities.
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Southwest corner placement: A layout advantage that supports light, privacy, and expansive ocean views.
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Designer-led renovation: A remodeled, Cape Cod beach style associated with designer Dick Meyn.
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Open-concept living: A flowing plan with a fireplace and a gourmet kitchen designed for daily use and entertaining.
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Amenity package: Community pool, tennis court, beach access, and a private two-car garage.
This property delivers a lock-and-leave lifestyle with true oceanfront presence, which can be difficult to replicate even within Montecito.
FAQs
How should I compare a gated community home to a coastal cottage in this price range?
I start by mapping how often the week revolves around golf, village dining, and beach time, because that rhythm tends to choose the neighborhood quickly.
What makes an oceanfront condo feel truly premium in Montecito?
Corner placement, direct beach access, and protected sightlines toward the Pacific and Channel Islands usually define the experience.
Why can a smaller home outrank a larger one in Montecito?
Walkability to Coast Village Road, adjacency to landmarks like the Coral Casino, and a rare setting like a guarded golf enclave can carry a premium that goes beyond interior square footage.
Contact Kendrick Guehr Today
Montecito rewards hyper-local decisions, and I make sure the touring plan highlights how each address lives, including drive patterns to the Lower Village, the Upper Village, and the shoreline at Butterfly Beach.
If you’re exploring Montecito luxury homes, connect with me, Kendrick Guehr. I’ll help you compare what matters most in each pocket, from Birnam Wood’s guarded gates and lake views to Bonnymede’s oceanfront access beside the Coral Casino.
If you’re exploring Montecito luxury homes, connect with me, Kendrick Guehr. I’ll help you compare what matters most in each pocket, from Birnam Wood’s guarded gates and lake views to Bonnymede’s oceanfront access beside the Coral Casino.
