El Fureidis, 631 Parra Grande Lane, Montecito, CA 93108 

Offered at $39,995,000 by Riskin Partners Estate Group, of Village Properties Brokerage 

Few properties capture the hearts and minds of visitors as El Fureidis, leaving in all an indelible memorable impression. This globally inspired noteworthy architectural achievement - ‘El Fureidis’ that literally translates to ‘tropical paradise’ - has ruled over a century of seasons in the heart of Montecito. Designed in 1906 by Bertram Goodhue for James Waldron Gillespie, El Fureidis' origins are as exceptional as its history. Layered gardens predate the residence by over a decade, giving the 10-acre grounds a remarkable range of ancient specimen trees and a romantic sense of time and place. Goodhue and Gillespie embarked on a yearlong international odyssey to gather inspiration for the design. This journey birthed the concept of a classic Roman villa set among Persian water gardens, beautifully blurring form and flora among the lush grounds. Throughout its history, El Fureidis has hosted many prominent figures and significant cultural events. Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and John F. Kennedy have all spent time at the property. El Fureidis was used as the location for multiple silent films and more recently, for the exterior scenes of  Tony Montana's estate in the iconic period movie, Scarface. Despite its history and celebrity, at its core, El Fureidis is a remarkably livable residence with beautiful spaces for everything from epic entertaining to everyday intimacies. What began as perfect architectural attainment in the early 1900s is now the perfect estate for the 21st century.