Historic Neoclassical Estate
Grace, grandeur, and belle époque elegance meets technical expertise
Project Type Residential, Remodel, Historic Restoration
Location Montecito, CA
Size 7,129 Living Sq.Ft.
Role Designer, Planner, General Contractor, Finish Carpentry and Millwork
Status Complete
Located on the storied 200-acre Arcady parcel in Montecito, purchased by industrialist and philanthropist George Owen Knapp in 1912, this piece of history was reimagined and restored through a three-year collaboration between Clear Architecture, Clear Construction, and Clear Millwork. The property required navigating complex structural and historical challenges while preserving its architectural integrity and updating spaces with modern amenities.
Noble landscape and hardscape details honor the property’s 200-year old oak and eucalyptus trees.
This portion of the Knapp estate included sprawling gardens, an elegant music pavilion and underground ballroom below an extraordinary terrace. In the early 1950s, an elegant mansion was built atop the terrace, which has since been transformed over the past 75 years. For this project, Clear Group carefully restored exterior fountains and staircases original to the Arcady parcel.
Intentional design was the goal here—the client’s wish was for each room to have a distinct purpose. Through thoughtful space planning and rich materials, we balanced the grandeur of such a legendary property with modern luxuries.
Exacting craftsmanship quietly commands this space. Clear Millwork’s custom cabinetry, storage and fine finish details beautifully complement the design and represent the impressive technical skill of its team. Precision, passion, and fervent attention to detail fueled Clear Construction’s execution of this project, ensuring that each piece of our design came to life seamlessly.
Artwork mounted on custom built structures obscure TVs ensuring the room retains its time-capsule feel.
Our clients envisioned a bar worthy of their legendary estate. Custom cabinetry, arched temperature-controlled wine displays and brass accents shine.
The kids suite is a testament to creativity, imagination, and flawless execution. The expansive space is anchored by luxurious yet highly functional custom Clear Millwork bunks with built-in shelving, concealed lighting, tailored drapery panels, and cleverly integrated stair access.
The room’s impeccable coffered ceilings and arched floor-to-ceiling windows give this large room a cozy, yet sculptural, and playful feel—textures and warmth abound.
Smart sconces, carefully integrated with upholstered headboards, provide a comfortable glow.
The home’s lower level, which served as a music pavilion and ballroom space in the 1910s and 1920s, was built entirely of concrete, which required careful navigation and technical solutions. For example, the Clear team developed an underground HVAC system to support the longevity of the concrete pavilion that was previously without heat or air conditioning. In this level, coffered ceilings not only provide architectural richness and depth—they also expertly conceal concrete girders that interfered with the flow of the room.
The arch pictured was hand sculpted out of plaster to match the existing concrete columns.
The great lawn, gardens, and pool contain both century-old and new hardscape. Extensive research into the original materials as well as expert consultation from a local historian equipped the Clear Group team with the knowledge and specifications to restore the magic of Arcady’s landscape while performing significant waterproofing measures to ensure the structure continues to endure the elements.
Hand-laid Italian glass tiles give the pool an aquamarine sparkle. Carefully restored lion head fountain features add to the terrace’s classic allure.
