Inside a Serene $18,500,000 California Estate by Architect Gordon Kaufmann
Overview
Perched in the lush, wooded hills above Carpinteria, Villa Colafia sits on 16 acres of preserved California wild oak, untouched since the days of the Chumash people. This rare estate was designed by celebrated architect Gordon Kaufmann, whose portfolio includes Greystone Mansion, the Los Angeles Times Building, and Santa Anita Park. Completed between 1927 and 1930, Villa Colafia reflects Kaufmann’s mastery of Tuscan Revival architecture, a style he admired deeply and refined throughout his career.
Agent
DPP | Compass
Type
Family Residence
Location
California
Services
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Presented by
Kate Blackwood
“This is almost 16 acres of pristine California wild oak that’s never been cut,” explains Kate Blackwood, the estate’s guide for the day. “In essence, when the Chumash came, this is what they saw.”
A set of original wrought iron gates marks the main entrance, leading to a motor court large enough for ten cars. The approach reveals the Tower House, with its sweeping views of the ocean and mountains. Original cast pillars, hand-forged ironwork, and coveted aged roof tiles, covered in moss and patina, tell the story of nearly a century of California history. “These are the kind of roof tiles everyone covets, you can’t replicate this sort of age and texture,” Kate points out.
The main residence unfolds through a series of grand archways, marble floors, and French doors that draw the gardens into daily life. Kaufmann’s hallmark design element, the arch, is celebrated throughout. Interiors retain their original hardware, coffered ceilings, and intricate detailing, with many rooms opening to terraces framed by aged rooflines and climbing greenery.
The primary suite occupies an elevated position, offering panoramic ocean views. Folding windows blur the boundary between inside and out, a defining characteristic of the property. The suite includes a fireplace, a sunlit bathroom with both tub and shower, and a private study that opens to a secluded porch.
Beyond the main house, the estate’s grounds reveal a tapestry of curated experiences. Meandering stone paths lead to seasonal gardens, a bocce court, citrus groves, and a river that runs through the property in winter, complete with small waterfalls. The Serenity House, inspired by the work of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, offers a tranquil retreat with its own kitchen, fireplace, and views over the stables and forest. “It’s definitely a serene place to be,” Kate says. “I can imagine it being used for massage, yoga, or just quiet reflection.”
The stables, built by the current owners in the same style as the main house, feature room for six horses and meticulous craftsmanship. Nearby, a sculptural stone fire pit offers a gathering place for evenings outdoors. The estate also includes greenhouses, a chicken coop, and space for sustainable agriculture, from vineyards to orchards.
A tennis court, set within a meadow, offers flexibility for other uses, from an Olympic-sized pool to a pickleball court. Throughout the grounds, collected artworks and architectural pieces appear unexpectedly, each with its own story. “It feels like an Easter egg hunt,” Kate smiles. “Everywhere you turn, you stumble upon another treasure.”
With three guest houses, multiple garages, and its unmatched acreage, Villa Colafia is ideal for extended family living or equestrian pursuits. Its proximity to Santa Barbara’s beaches, polo grounds, and renowned schools enhances its appeal, while the ocean breezes and mild climate remove the need for air conditioning.
Kate Blackwood, part of the Historic & Architecture Division at DPP/Compass, specializes in architectural and historic properties across Los Angeles, Ojai, Carpinteria, Montecito, and Santa Barbara. With a background in film production and a passion for design, she draws on her expertise in remodeling and estate management to help clients find and create homes that reflect their vision.
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