Actress Meg Ryan, best known for her roles in iconic romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail, has a well-documented passion for real estate and interior design. Over the years, she’s bought and beautifully renovated several high-profile properties, each showcasing her refined, personal aesthetic. Her latest real estate move takes her to the upscale enclave of Montecito, California, where she’s purchased a newly renovated estate with sweeping ocean views.
Located on the exclusive Picacho Lane, her home is 8,352 square feet of living space. It features 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, with interiors that blend modern comfort and timeless design. Built in 2010, the house offers a flexible floor plan, sophisticated finishes, and thoughtful spaces that work for everyday living and entertaining alike.
Set on a generous parcel with lush grounds and distant sea views, the $19,500,000 estate includes not only the main house but also a guest house and a cozy cabin—ideal for visitors or creative retreats. Designed to evolve with its owner, the property includes an elevator for convenience and function. From the entry porch to the tailored gardens, this Montecito retreat feels as refined as it is relaxed.
Listing agent: Riskin Partners Estate Group @ Village Properties via Coldwell Banker Realty
Where is Montecito, CA?
Montecito is an unincorporated community in Santa Barbara County, California, located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to luxury estates and several historic landmarks, including the San Ysidro Ranch. Coast Village Road serves as a central hub for local shopping and dining. Montecito lies just east of the city of Santa Barbara.
Front Exterior
Perched on a gentle rise beneath the Santa Ynez Mountains, the home makes a stunning first impression. A wide stone stairway curves up through native plantings to meet the soft-gray facade, flanked by twin chimneys and classic white trim. The circular water feature below adds a touch of calm to the structured landscaping, hinting at the serene spaces inside.
Front Entry
This charming front porch feels both grand and grounded. Set beneath the sweeping limbs of a mature oak, the wide steps lead to a classic railing and column design that feels lifted from a timeless countryside estate. Natural stone and greenery soften the architecture, giving the entrance warmth and personality.
Covered Porch
In the evening, the covered porch glows warmly from inside out. Hanging swings, classic lanterns, and checkered tile flooring keep the space inviting. It wraps around the home like an outdoor living room.
Front Porch
With a fireplace, plush seating, and coastal views beyond the trees, this outdoor lounge invites slow mornings and sunset chats. Light pours in from every angle, and the soft palette keeps the focus on the landscape. It’s an ideal space to relax without ever stepping indoors.
Front Porch
This corner of the porch is made for long afternoons. A wooden swing floats beside a round table set for easy conversation or outdoor dining. Checkerboard flooring adds a playful, polished touch to the shaded, breezy setting.
Living Room
Inside, the living room is calm and curated. A wide window centers the space around a postcard-perfect ocean scene, while neutral tones, marble accents, and soft textures create a sense of relaxed elegance. It’s equal parts cozy and refined.
Living Room
This cozy corner of the living room offers front-row seats to the Pacific. A crisp white sofa faces a marble fireplace and large-screen TV, all set beneath a sculptural light fixture. The scene feels calm and elevated, with soft grays and natural light pulling it all together.
Lounge
Surrounded by windows on every wall, this serene sitting area feels like it’s floating in the treetops. Muted wallpaper adds texture while cushy armchairs invite long talks or quiet reading. It’s tucked away just enough to feel like a hideout.
Dining Area
This dining space sits at the heart of the home, linking the kitchen to the leafy lounge beyond. A long marble table anchors the room, surrounded by a mix of velvet seating and tufted benches for a casual-yet-sophisticated feel. The arched opening frames a picturesque view of the trees, almost like a living mural. Tall, black-framed windows on the side wall bring in even more natural light, making the whole area feel open and airy.
Kitchen and Dining Area
This bold, open kitchen blends form and function. Black cabinetry contrasts with marble counters, while sleek lighting ties it all together. There’s space to cook, dine, and gather—everything flows with effortless style.
Kitchen
Up close, the large kitchen island anchors the space with dark stone, natural wood, and clean lines. Bar stools tuck neatly under the counter, and decorative objects add just enough warmth. It’s both a prep zone and a casual hangout.
Bedroom
The bedroom feels like a luxury suite, with ocean views, arched ceilings, and soft, mural-style walls. French doors open to the breeze, and a seating area near the marble fireplace makes it more than just a place to sleep. Everything’s placed with care.
Bedroom
From the edge of the bed, you get a clear sightline out to sea. The arched glass doors, open wide, bring in the fresh air and natural light. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to stay under the covers just a little longer.
Fireplace Nook
Here’s a closer look at the bedroom’s fireplace wall. The marble hearth and quiet wallpaper set a moody, modern tone. Books, ceramics, and soft chairs turn it into a private reading spot just steps from bed.
Bathroom
The main bathroom is designed like a spa—dual sinks, sculptural lighting, and wide marble countertops. The wallpaper continues the nature-inspired theme from the bedroom, creating one seamless suite.
Bathroom
Tucked into its own alcove, the soaking tub feels like a hidden retreat. Marble wraps the walls and windows overlook green trees, offering peace and privacy. A tufted bench completes the comfort.
Bedroom
This light-filled guest room is tailored for comfort. The canopy bed, draped in flowing curtains, adds drama and softness, while French doors open to a private sitting porch. A surfboard in the corner adds a playful coastal touch to the otherwise serene setup.
Bedroom
With soft wallpaper, warm light, and simple furnishings, this bedroom feels quietly luxurious. A tufted bench adds charm at the foot of the bed, while a full-length mirror and writing desk make the room practical for longer stays.
Media Room
The media room brings in a sense of nature with a bold mural of a deer standing in a misty forest. The earthy tones in the artwork set a calm, cinematic atmosphere. A low-profile daybed stretches across one side of the room for lounging, while a classic wooden rocker adds rustic charm. With tall ceilings, transom windows, and a large built-in screen, it’s a space made for unwinding in style.
Work and Lounge Space
Natural light fills this home office lounge, where a curved arch leads into a tucked-away writing nook. Sculptural lighting and mid-century-style furniture give the space a cool, artistic energy. It’s a spot for both focus and downtime.
Backyard
This wide view of the home shows how it settles into the landscape. Wraparound porches, palm trees, and layered plantings surround the house in quiet luxury. As lights come on, it feels peaceful and alive at once.
Guest House Living Area
The guest house offers a complete living space with a relaxed feel. Neutral tones and layered seating create a cozy hangout, while the compact kitchen and dining area make it feel like a fully functioning home. It’s a perfect mix of comfort and independence.
Garden Cabin
Down a winding path, this secluded cabin offers a peaceful getaway just steps from the main home. Surrounded by trees and native grasses, it’s an ideal spot for writing, yoga, or quiet guests. The setting feels both wild and thoughtful.
Listing agent: Riskin Partners Estate Group @ Village Properties via Coldwell Banker Realty
