12.16.2016 | DIGS.NET 145
F
or nearly a century, a bright white home has presided
over the glowing green grounds of Constantia, an estate
nestled between the mountains and the sea in Montecito,
California. Built in 1930, the building is as dignified, yet breezily
inviting, today as the day it was built.
The residence was designed by famed architect Ambrose
Cramer as a summer home for his father-in-law, Arthur Meeker,
executive vice president of Chicago's Armour meat packing
company, who was of the belief that Santa Barbara and Cape
Town shared similar appeals in climate and scenery. As such,
Meeker commissioned the home in Dutch South African style,
marked by great gables and half-shuttered wide windows, as
well as a high-pitched roof and gently curving Dutch archways.
The bold, graceful lines of the façade obscure the peaked
second story roof, serving the dual purpose of creating a
commanding entryway.
The grounds, designed by illustrious landscape architect
Lockwood de Forest, are a further testament to enduring style.
De Forest was tasked with making the relatively small area
appear larger, which he accomplished with an unapologetically
eye-catching reflecting pond in front of the home and a series
of stepped terraces to create a cohesive separation between
the house, with the largest garden in front, and the reflecting
pool. This also allowed for an outdoor living room space in the
terrace closest to the home, a popular California concept.
Constantia has been home to multiple noteworthy owners
since Meeker. Renowned architect Jack Warner adored
A R C H I T E C T | D E S I G N | B U I L D
(opposite page) Gently curving arched entries are a hallmark of the home.
(above) Constantia's imposing façade features half-shuttered windows and curving
Dutch archways, all reected against the expansive pond in front of the home.
