Bel Air Knolls Real Estate

Bel Air Knolls Real Estate

Welcome to Bel Air Knolls, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque hills of Santa Barbara, California. This charming neighborhood is known for its stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara foothills, offering residents a serene escape while remaining conveniently close to the vibrant city life.

Bel Air Knolls is characterized by its beautifully landscaped streets lined with elegant homes, each boasting unique architectural styles that reflect the area’s rich history and natural beauty. The neighborhood's tranquil atmosphere is perfect for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. With its well-maintained parks and walking trails, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore the scenic surroundings.

Convenience is a hallmark of Bel Air Knolls, as residents enjoy easy access to the best of Santa Barbara. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the bustling downtown area, filled with delightful shops, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions, including art galleries and theaters. The pristine beaches of Santa Barbara are also within reach, providing the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, surfing, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Education is a priority in this community, with highly-rated schools nearby, making it an ideal place for families. The warm, welcoming spirit of Bel Air Knolls, combined with its stunning natural beauty and convenient location, makes this neighborhood a truly desirable place to call home. Experience the best of Santa Barbara living in Bel Air Knolls—where tranquility meets convenience in a picturesque setting.

Newest Listings in Bel Air Knolls

5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths

Ideally situated in the coveted Bel Air Knolls neighborhood, within its prestigious enclave of larger estate homes, this Colonial Estate captures sweeping Mountain Views while combining timeless architectural character, exceptional craftsmanship & an effortless lifestyle, offering 3,500± SF w/5BD/3BA on over 1/3 acre. Surrounded by lush grounds that feel like your own private park, minutes from Santa Barbara's beaches & the Mesa, this exceptional property embraces the indoor-outdoor lifestyle in a quiet neighborhood, ideal for walking & bicycling, where mature gardens, expansive lawns & inviting gathering areas become a natural extension of the home. Designed for everyday living & entertaining, this spacious residence offers the flexibility of 1 or 2 private offices. French doors open to. magnificent, colorful gardens that create a beautiful backdrop from inside the home, while sidelights and a charming bay window with a cushioned window seat invite natural light into the living spaces, creating inviting places to relax and enjoy the gardens and surrounding mountain views. Fine quality is evident throughout, with beautifully proportioned rooms, custom built-ins, and a thoughtful floor plan designed for both everyday living and gracious entertaining. Recent improvements blend timeless character with today's modern comforts, including a gourmet kitchen featuring newer quality appliances, a double oven with warming drawer, new gas cooktop, filtered drinking water system, whole-house water softener, and a large walk-in pantry. Additional improvements include luxury plank flooring, all-new dual-pane windows with Argon-filled insulated glass, newly landscaped grounds, a designer concrete driveway, an expanded concrete patio, and an architectural dimensional shingle roof replaced by the current owners. Privately positioned, the generous Primary Suite enjoys stunning mountain views, two walk-in closets, and an elegantly remodeled ensuite bath featuring stone finishes, a custom-crafted dual vanity, and an enlarged glass shower with a built-in bench. The bedrooms each have windows that frame views of the surrounding gardens, mountains, and neighborhood while filling the home with natural light. Designed to bring people together, the formal living and dining rooms, the spacious family room and kitchen create an ideal setting for both gatherings and memorable occasions. French doors open to the private dining patio, where indoor and outdoor living blend seamlessly amid the surrounding gardens and expansive lawns. Accessed from inside the home by stairs, the attic features ocean and harbor views, windows, and privacy. While not included in the reported square footage, it offers versatile space with the potential for a home office, media room, hobby studio, or quiet retreat. Beautifully landscaped entry gardens welcome you home, while the expansive front and rear lawns provide exceptional space for recreation, entertaining, or relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. Mature landscaping is complemented by a spectacular garden arch draped in mature purple wisteria, colorful flowering gardens, succulents, and fruit trees including avocado, tangerine, orange, fig, and pomegranate. Organic raised garden beds with strawberries and room to grow artichokes, lettuces, herbs, and seasonal vegetables, invite a true farm-to-table lifestyle. Gather beneath the fragrant wisteria, relax around the fire pit on cool Santa Barbara evenings, or enjoy outdoor dining surrounded by lush gardens and mountain views. Multiple outdoor gathering areas create inviting spaces for entertaining, while the expansive grounds offer potential space for a future pool, providing even more opportunities to enjoy Santa Barbara's celebrated indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The oversized two-car garage offers custom built-in cabinetry and abundant storage, complemented by multiple storage closets and custom built-ins throughout the home, providing exceptional functionality for everyday living. Located just moments from the scenic trails of Elings Park, Hendry's Beach, the 70-acre Douglas Preserve, and exceptional walking and bicycling opportunities, this remarkable residence enjoys an exceptional location. Also, minutes from Lazy Acres Market, Whole Foods, Gelson's, Trader Joe's, Bristol Farms, Mesa Produce for locally grown farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, the Mesa neighborhood, local restaurants, shops, and Santa Barbara's vibrant downtown, it offers the perfect balance of privacy, convenience, outdoor recreation, and timeless appeal.

1225 Bel Air Drive, Santa Barbara

Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ Bel Air Knolls BLDG.

Perched near the top of Portesuello Ave in coveted Bel Air Knolls, this single-level home commands panoramic mountain views from nearly every room -- just one mile from the world-class beaches of Santa Barbara. Fully remodeled in 2018, the open floor plan unfolds through gracious living and dining rooms into a large kitchen with a substantial island. The primary suite is a true retreat: walk-in closet, dual sinks, and a spa-inspired bath with a Jacuzzi tub and rain-style walk-in shower. The guest bedroom opens directly to the patio through a slider, and the laundry/closet space can convert back to a 3rd bedroom. A detached ~200 sf ADU adds rare flexibility -- complete with kitchenette, three-quarter bath, mountain views, and its own private deck. Ideal for guests, extended family, or income. Outside, the entertaining continues on a massive/ private 2,100 sf deck with a Bullfrog Stil spa, two firepits, and a full outdoor kitchen -- all framed by sweeping, unobstructed mountain views. The private patio offers the same, with mature fruit trees (lemon, blood orange, apricot, plum) and native landscaping front and back.

1440 Portesuello Avenue, Santa Barbara

Listing courtesy of eXp Realty of California Inc..

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths

This custom-built Santa Barbara home offers a rare combination of privacy, modern construction, and an exceptional indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Built in 1999 and thoughtfully designed with today's living in mind, the spacious 2,500+ sq. ft. floor plan is a standout in the highly desirable Bel Air Knolls neighborhood. This is one of very few newer homes in this established neighborhood offering contemporary amenities and infrastructure. The heart of the home is an expansive open-concept great room featuring vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, a fireplace, and easy access to the private outdoor spaces. The chef's kitchen is designed for gathering, complete with a large center island, Viking range, pantry, generous cabinetry, and ample workspace. The primary suite occupies its own wing with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, walk-in closet, spa-inspired bath, and direct access to the backyard. Two additional bedrooms and an updated bathroom provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office. A two-car garage with direct interior access is attached. The outdoor area features multiple patios, a pergola, hot tub, and beautifully mature grounds that create a peaceful, treehouse-like setting. Additional features include central air conditioning, owned Sunrun solar panels, a formal laundry room, built-in speakers, and abundant off-street parking. Ideally located just minutes from Hendry's Beach, the Mesa, Downtown Santa Barbara, Las Positas Golf Course, shopping, dining, and hiking trails, this is a rare opportunity to own a newer custom home in one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after neighborhoods.

1352 Manitou Road, Santa Barbara

Listing courtesy of Richardson Real Estate Services, Inc..

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths

Enjoy a seamless blend of design, comfort, and everyday ease in this beautifully remodeled mid-century modern home! Featured in Dwell Magazine, the single-level Bel Air Knolls residence combines striking architecture, private outdoor space, and substantial improvements to create a home that feels both refined and effortlessly livable. Recent seller upgrades include a new roof, new solar with a Tesla Powerwall and EV charger, fiber optic connectivity, and newly installed fencing for enhanced privacy and usability. Inside, vaulted ceilings in the main living areas create an open and airy ambiance, while wide-plank European oak floors throughout the home add elegance and durability. A 14-foot panoramic sliding door creates a natural indoor-outdoor flow from the living and dining spaces to the numerous patio areas and curated gardens beyond inviting quiet mornings in the sun or relaxed evenings under the stars. Surrounding the property are a variety of mature fruit trees and verdant landscaping. A gas fire pit and a cedar-plank spa offer irresistible opportunities for entertaining or simply unwinding in total privacy. The open and spacious chef's kitchen features custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, brass fixtures, and an oversized quartz waterfall island with counter seating -- perfect for casual breakfasts or gathering with friends over a gourmet meal. The primary suite is an alluring private retreat with a custom walk-in closet, direct patio access, and a spa-inspired bath finished in Italian terrazzo with dual vanities and a walk-in shower. Three additional bedrooms ensure ample room for family, guests, or an office. Additional amenities include a climate-controlled finished garage with new epoxy flooring -- well-suited for a gym, studio, or creative workspace. Conveniently located near the Mesa, Elings Park, the beach, Downtown, & more, this turnkey residence offers the ideal home base from which to enjoy carefree living and the everyday magic of coastal Santa Barbara.

1144 Portesuello Avenue, Santa Barbara

Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty.

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