Nick Churton of Village Properties Realtors’ London office is floored by a Montecito house that packs a very powerful punch.

The Property: 808 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito, California

The Broker: Village Properties Realtors

The Team: Riskin Partners Estate Group

You could visit a hundred houses in Montecito – all much larger and certainly more expensive than 808 San Ysidro Lane – but I doubt you will find, among them, a more agreeable one.

It is the relationship between the charming house, the delightful garden and the sensational mountain views that make this home so special.

The interior is full of architectural interest. The walls are painted in lovely earthy tones that suit the house perfectly – although I am sure the interior would be just as well dressed in the correct shade of white.

There is a strong feel of an Arts and Crafts house from the English Cotswolds about the interior rooms and the exterior elevations. But that is where any similarity ends, as the view with its dramatic mountain backdrop could only be Santa Barbara.

It’s always difficult to put into words the feeling one gets when everything about a house feels right somehow; when the sense of belonging is palpable, and the soothing embrace provides instant comfort, support, shelter and even succour. However you choose to describe it, this home fosters all those feelings.

You could find bigger and more expensive homes in Montecito, but I am confident you could never find anything that packs a bigger or better succour punch.