Inside the Prancing Horse Estate

If the backdrop of the towering Santa Ynez Mountains and the majestic Pacific Ocean weren’t an immediate—and captivating—giveaway of this estate’s whereabouts, it might easily be mistaken for a secure, secluded resort or private compound in the Italian countryside. Rather, this lavish 10,999-square-foot palazzo on some 12.5 impeccably manicured and gated acres is a dazzling stateside example of Tuscan architecture that is the work of esteemed Southern California architect Don Nulty.

Carpinteria, California | Neyshia Go and Charlie Edgar, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

Impressive in style and scale, the residence offers a wealth of spectacular spaces for living and entertaining, each finished with superior details and elegant materials from afar. Theatrical coffered ceilings, august hallways, steel-framed French doors and arched windows, bespoke iron and millwork, custom marble surfaces, sturdy ceiling beams, ornate fireplaces, and reclaimed imported terra cotta and painted ceramic tiles contribute to the home’s distinctive ambience and panache.

The floor plan is effortlessly fluid, with a grand entry foyer giving way to a formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen with a tiled ceiling and a generous island, inviting living and family rooms, and a library. These public spaces are centered around a courtyard with a stone fireplace and a serene fountain. Breezy loggias with vaulted brick ceilings overlook the emerald backyard and a refreshing infinity-edge pool that, from a certain vantage point, seems to cascade into a fountained lake. Around the corner, an open-air brick patio hosts a dynamic statue representing the estate’s namesake.

A dramatic iron-railed stairway leads to the private quarters on the upper level, which include a primary suite with two spa-inspired baths, room-sized walk-in closets, and a private terrace that serves as a perfect perch for surveying the domain. Each of the five guest suites is a peaceful, restful retreat. A rooftop gym allows for at-home fitness, with panoramic views providing inspiration and motivation.

The property is a meticulously designed and created bastion of luxury, a veritable resort of one’s own with its lake, pool, equestrian facilities, and regionally appropriate basketball court—all enveloped by lush lawns, verdant flora, colorful formal gardens, koi ponds, citrus groves, and towering palms that sway gracefully in the wind. Fitting for its California locale, the property encompasses expanses of grenache and pinot noir vineyards. Visitors will appreciate the luxurious privacy of the detached guesthouse, which also includes an office or media room and, much like its Mediterranean cousins, is enchantingly draped in vibrant bougainvillea and mere minutes from a sunny, sandy seaside beach.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com