After selling his $13.8 million Beverly Hills project to music superstar Rihanna, tech entrepreneur Daniel Starr has turned his attention to Montecito, where he’s bolstered his growing U.S. and European real estate portfolio with the $13.3 million purchase of a sublime Montecito estate. (The design/build developer’s current repertoire also includes two Malibu estates in Point Dume and along Pacific Coast Highway worth $8.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively.)
The GameMine founder and CEO’s most recent acquisition? A Robert Stern-inspired manse in the Upper Village neighborhood of Montecito. He plans to reside in the massive Cape Cod-style house — where his nearby neighbors include the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey — while giving it a complete makeover. That is, until “someone gives him an offer he can’t refuse,” says Eric Haskell of The Agency, who represented him in the purchase of the home.
Starr was initially attracted to the property’s eye-catching views and prime locale (it’s a mere five minutes from popular restaurants, top schools and pristine beaches), along with its pool, sport courts, volume and square footage. Originally listed for $13.5 million, it was sold previously to Dragoneer investor Mark Stad in September 2020 for $12.2 million. Stad reportedly never moved into the property.
“It’s incredibly well-built, with endless potential,” says Haskell. “To have this much square footage, garage spaces, outbuildings and amenities is rare in the area. The views also are incredible from all angles, and now with its fresh remodel, updating and new landscaping, it will be one of the premier estate homes in the area.”
Found on a secluded street, the five-bedroom dwelling was built by architect Don Nulty in 2008, and features 12,000-plus square feet of living space on two levels rife with exquisite millwork, designer lighting and hardwood flooring throughout.
Among the highlights: formal living and dining rooms; an eat-in gourmet kitchen equipped with high-end appliances; sumptuous master retreat outfitted with a designer showroom closet and spa-like bath; 10-seat movie theater; wood-paneled library; office; sunroom; music space; crafts/home school area; game room; and mirror-walled gym.
There’s also plenty of room to spread out in the property’s 700-square-foot guest house and one-bedroom pool house, along with two three-car garages. The real star of the show, however, is the lavish resort-style grounds, which hold a 65-foot pool with inset spa and Baja shelf, pickle-ball/basketball court and putting green.
“In the ‘New World,’ to have an all-encompassing estate with a gym, pool, multiple guest houses, a sports court and views is rare, and the setting is pure magic,” says Haskell. “The home is made for the full Montecito experience, with every amenity imaginable in one of the most ideal of settings.”
Gregg Leach of Village Properties held the listing.