$18.5 Million California Estate With a Deliciously Scandalous Past Hits the Market for the First Time in 60 Years

An illustrious 16-acre California estate built by a legendary architect has come on the market for the first time in more than 60 years. It offers not just the chance to own a storied property with ocean views, tennis courts, and avocado groves, but also an opportunity to become a part of the home’s wildly juicy history.

The Carpinteria dwelling, known as Villa Calafia, made a bold entry onto the market on June 17, with an asking price of $18.5 million. Listing photos reveal a slice of paradise, complete with an architectural legacy that would impress even the most discerning of design fans.

However, those uninterested in that aspect of the home might be more intrigued to learn that the property also boasts a “Gossip Girl”-worthy backstory that would no doubt pique the interest of Netflix’s top producers.

The original owners, the prominent Wilbur family, had the Tuscan-inspired mansion built in 1927, in a lush area known today as the foothills of Carpinteria. It’s a few hours north of Los Angeles and a few minutes south of Santa Barbara, on the California coast.

Veteran oilman and entrepreneur Van Rensselaer Gideon Wilbur, who was involved in silver mining and railroads in Mexico before founding the Golden State Woolen Mills and investing in Signal Hill oil properties, christened the mansion Villa Calafia, after the mythical Amazon Queen Calafia, whose moniker inspired the name of the state of California.

Wilbur hired one of the most esteemed architects in the state at the time, Gordon Kaufmann, whose credits include Greystone Mansion, Santa Anita Park, the Hoover Dam, the Hollywood Palladium, and the Los Angeles Times Building.

Although the estate has been renovated and expanded over the years, the original design for both intimacy and grandeur remains.

The estate includes the four-bedroom main residence and several guesthouses, for a total of seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

The Wilburs were philanthropists and entertained frequently. Van Rensselaer’s wife, Marguerite Eyer Wilbur, was an author and historian and held degrees from Stanford and the University of Southern California.

The Wilburs were lifelong patrons of the arts and supported institutions such as the Opera Guild of Southern California. They also served on the boards of Scripps College, Harvey Mudd College, and the Southwest Museum.

The tranquil Villa Calafia hosted many philanthropical events and was the seat of much inspiration.

However, the next owner, Montecito heiress Lucy Dabney, who resided on the estate from the 1940s through the 1960s, added the dash of scandal. She was the third wife of landowner and lumber merchant Francis Dabney and made headlines with her notorious romance with an Italian mercenary who was often described as a would-be pirate.

That mercenary proved his nefarious ways when he reportedly held Lucy captive in Villa Calafia until her family intervened to set her free.

The current owners are art collectors and philanthropists Robert and Mary Looker, who purchased the estate in 1964. They’ve since taken meticulous care of the estate, which has been graced with works of art, some of which were later donated to art museums.

The elegant main house, with its four bedrooms and three baths, reflects architect Kaufmann’s historic vision, with arched thresholds, wood beamed and coffered ceilings, and tile and inlaid wood flooring. Generous windows allow for natural light and views of the lush, mature landscaping.

Additional accommodations include the Tower House, a one-bedroom cottage with ocean views; the Serenity House, a relaxing one-bedroom, one bath retreat; and the Woods House, a private two-bedroom residence.

At present, one of those structures is being used as a spa facility and could obviously be enhanced with more equipment.

There are also posh accommodations for horses, including a striking tile-roofed stable with custom-built wood stalls, a fenced riding arena, and acres of trails.

Additional amenities include an oak-lined tennis court, covered parking for eight cars, and established citrus and avocado groves, all bearing tasty fruit. Nature provides the incomparable luxury of a seasonal river.

There is no pool at this time, but the grounds are ready for future development. There’s plenty of space for a pool, pool house, and cabana; gardens; or even a boutique vineyard and winemaking facilities.

“This Tuscan-inspired retreat reflects the elegance and scale of California’s architectural heritage,” the listing notes.

“A true destination estate, Villa Calafia offers a rare escape nestled just minutes from Montecito and Santa Barbara. Far enough from Los Angeles to feel like a world away, yet close enough for a weekend commute or seamless relocation, it is a legacy property ready for its next chapter.”

Villa Calafia is located just minutes from Montecito, where super A-listers such as Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan Markel, Jennifer Aniston, Zoe Saldana, Adam Levine, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rob Lowe, and Ariana Grande have been known to dwell. It is less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, far enough to feel like a resort vacation, yet close enough to attend to business. Just think of the fun the next owner could have living in and writing about the estate’s next chapter.