‘Avatar’ star Zoe Saldana buys lavish Montecito mansion for $17.5M
There’s no doubt about it: 2023 was a blockbuster year Zoe Saldana. As if landing on the Time 100 list of the world’s most influential people and reprising her role in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” weren’t enough, the A-list actress also scored a great deal on some seriously gorgeous real estate.
Saldana was recently announced as the buyer of a historic, Spanish Colonial-style estate in Montecito, CA, a celebrity-studded enclave in Santa Barbara County.
Even better, the “Avatar” star was able to trim $1.4 million off the home’s original price of $18.9 million. Property records show the deal closed in February 2023 for $17.5 million.
Built in 1930 by George Washington SmithThe 9,670-square-foot residence known as Casa de Buena Vista is an architectural treasure, with period details preserved throughout.
The epitome of a classic Montecito residence, the five-bedroom home is filled with valuable original features, including casement windows, mission tiling and intricate light fixtures.
Library – An addition built in 1933 and designed by Lutah Maria Riggs-Has a barrel-vaulted ceiling, a fireplace topped with one-of-a-kind millwork, and a formal dining room with decorative stained glass.
Located in Montecito’s exclusive Golden Quadrangle neighborhood, the home sits on nearly 5 acres with views of the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, according to the listing by Riskin Partners Estate Group, which also represented the buyer.
Other on-site amenities include tennis courts; pool/spa and cabana; attached two-bed, two-bath apartment; Guest cottage with ocean view; art studio with kitchen and bathroom; and a pair of three-car garages.
Live like Zoe Saldana
In October 2023, it was reported that Saldana was also ready to part with her Beverly Hills, CA, property for $16.5 million. The traditional tennis court estate is currently available for lease for $47,500 per month. The 6,400-square-foot home, which can be rented furnished or unfurnished, is within the prestigious, guard-gated Hidden Valley Estates community.
Situated on half an acre of land, the property features a custom chef’s kitchen, spacious primary suite with large double-closet dressing room, home theater, outdoor kitchen and dining area, pool and spa, and lighting. Tennis court.
Randy White contributed research to this report.