Make Myself at Home: Convenient San Roque Condo

Address: 3639 San Remo Drive, #36

Status: On the market

Price: $539,000

There are plenty of mansions in the Santa Barbara area — stately homes set on multiple acres of rolling hills with pools, tennis courts, rooms aplenty, and outbuildings galore. They’re lovely to look at and admire, and for some folks, they represent a lifelong goal. I’m glad for our economy that we have some residents whose income and lifestyle allow them to live in such estates. I look at all of those zeros on their price tags and remind myself that people who can live anywhere in the world choose to live in our corner of paradise.

But not everyone needs or wants a mansion. Whether downsizing as life goes on, just starting out, or perfectly happy with “just enough,” a cozy cottage or cute condominium is plenty for most. So when I saw a notice touting 3639 San Remo Road, #36, as the lowest-priced open house on one recent weekday afternoon, I decided to go take a peek.

Before I even walked through the red front door, I realized the advantages of this condo’s location. First, being upstairs has obvious perks for safety, privacy, and views. This unit is also on a corner, so you’ve got fewer shared walls and even more privacy. There is not another building across from it, so it is enhanced by more open space. Finally, it’s located near both the visitor parking and its own carport, so unloading after a trip to the grocery store is a breeze.

Stepping inside, I found myself in a large, bright living room with hardwood floors, white walls, a fireplace, and huge sliding doors looking out to a deck with trees beyond. The deck is big enough for a table and four chairs, providing the perfect spot for outdoor dining, entertaining, and enjoying morning coffee or nighttime stargazing.

The living room is open to the adjacent kitchen, with a cozy dining room in between. The kitchen is compact and sports all stainless-steel appliances, plenty of storage behind shiny white cabinets, and a mountain view from the window above the sink.

Down a hallway lie two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Both of the bathrooms have been remodeled with a sleek minimalist style, providing state-of-the-art fixtures and a clean palette for the new owner. The brand new master bath has a big glass-enclosed bathtub with a rainfall showerhead and a double-sink vanity.

One of the nicest things about this home is its views. In addition to the kitchen, both of the bedrooms have multiple windows with gorgeous views of the mountains. On this particular day, the sunshine streamed in, and the bright green foliage from the trees and bushes on every side of the house made the entire home feel like a lush tree house floating above the ground.

As open and airy as this home is, all of the windows are double-paned, creating a nice, quiet haven when you want to shut out the rest of the world. The entire complex is owner-occupied, ensuring a pride-of-ownership atmosphere. I’ve never lived in a condominium before, but the affordability, mid-town location, upgrades throughout, and beautiful vistas make this one a very attractive option.

I’m sure that the lucky new owner of 3639 San Remo #36 will feel like they’ve just moved into a mansion. Home sweet home can come in many shapes and sizes, and it’s always sweetest when it’s all yours.

3639 San Remo Drive, #36, is currently for sale in Santa Barbara, listed by Cimme Eordanidis of Village Properties Realtors. Reach Cimme at 722-8480 or cimme@villagesite.com.