Hot Property: Montecito mansion from ‘Scarface’ priced at $35 million
The Montecito mansion used as the backdrop in the memorable film “Scarface” is for sale at $35 million.
Called El Fureidis, meaning “tropical paradise,” the estate was created in 1906 by world traveler James Waldron Gillespie, who came from New York in search of a spot on par with the Mediterranean climate and landscape.
The Mediterranean Revival mansion was designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, known for such buildings as the Los Angeles Central Library and the Nebraska State Capitol.
Evoking a Roman villa, the Neoclassical main house has been renovated and updated while preserving many of its original fixtures.
Features include a center atrium, a Byzantine-style alcove topped with an 18-foot-high dome, a musician’s balcony overlooking the dining room and a rooftop lounge with 360-degree views. There are four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, five half-baths and nearly 10,000 square feet of living space.
The 10 acres of grounds contain a variety of palm and other trees, some more than 100 years old. Pools, terraces and walking paths complete the grounds.
The estate, once owned by Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann, was a location for the wedding scene in the 1983 film “Scarface.”
Emily McBride Kellenberger of Village Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate is the listing agent.
