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A touch of old Italy in Santa Barbara

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Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

AT first glance, the setting of this house may conjure up the Italian countryside. It was designed to capture the feeling of Villa d’Este, a fine old hotel near Lake Como.

The hotel was built as a private residence in 1568. This house, Terra Bella, was built four years ago, yet much of it -- with its many handcrafted details -- looks as if it was built more than four centuries ago. Interiors were completed by Lory Johansson of Ergo Design Works. The grounds, behind gates, complement the interiors. There is a larger-than-life chessboard garden, a Versace-inspired blue-tile pool and Zen, herb and rose gardens. There are also some stables and riding trails.

About this house: If there is one thing that stands out and justifies the nearly $40-million price tag, it is the location. The Mediterranean-style house is on 3 oceanfront acres in Santa Barbara’s Hope Ranch area. The community, known for its hilltop views, equestrian trails and La Cumbre Country Club, sits between U.S. 101 and the ocean.

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Asking price: $39.5 million

Size: There are 10 bedrooms and 11 1/2 bathrooms in 13,909 square feet.

Additional features: A two-story entry with sweeping staircase, gourmet kitchen with breakfast area; media room and loggia are among the features. There are wood, tile and detailed parquet floors. The herb garden has fountains; the living room, a fireplace.

Where: Santa Barbara

Listing agent: Myra Nourmand, Nourmand & Associates, Beverly Hills, (310) 888-3333, and Peter Fleming, (310) 454-1373. The home can be viewed at www.TerraBellaEstate.com.

ruth.ryon@latimes.com

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