Birnam Wood Estates

Marketing of Birnam Wood properties is a specialty. One needs to understand and to appreciate the dynamics not only of the particular residence, its lot, location, water issues, and its relationship to other properties in Birnam Wood, but the community’s appeal to prospective buyers. Montecito Village Realty Group owners Bill and Nanette Vaughan provide an inside track to Birnam Wood with their knowledge as homeowners in the community and members since 1985.

The Vaughan’s moved from Pacific Palisades to Montecito in 1993 to raise their children, and recently purchased a home in Birnam Wood. They know first hand that living in Birnam Wood’s gated community affords a truly remarkable lifestyle — secure and private, yet active and friendly. In addition to the challenging Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, corporate members also enjoy tennis, croquet, fitness center, club delivered meals, a casual dining grill, 19th Hole bar, dog park, and numerous social activities.

Bill’s career in real estate spans over 30 years. His wealth of experience in up and down markets and in sophisticated commercial and residential deals sets him apart from his competitors. Together with Nanette, a former educator and licensed real estate salesperson, they provide clients an insight into Birnam Wood and its wonderful amenities. Bill and Nanette are active members in the Birnam Wood community. Nanette served on the Homeowner’s Committee from 2016-2020. As Chairman of the Homeowner’s Committee, she initiated programs to help bring the community together, an effort that was especially important in the aftermath of the 2017 Thomas Fire and 2018 Debris Flow. Nanette also served as Fitness Chairman from 2009-2015, bringing professional trainers Joy DuMay and Liz Parrish to Birnam as Co-Directors of Fitness, and watching usage soar under their leadership. Nanette returned to the Fitness Committee in 2020 and is its current Chairman. Bill has served on both the Homeowner’s Committee and Tennis Committee.

A home represents one of the largest and most important business decisions you will ever make. Entrust this most important investment to professionals who know the Birnam Wood Community.

Tour Birnam Wood Home Sales represented by Bill Vaughan

Birnam Wood’s History: — From Ranch to Residencies:

Robert McLean, former owner of the Santa Barbara News-Press, transformed the landscape of Las Fuentes Rancho into what is now one of the most exclusive residential golf communities in the world: Birnam Wood, located in the sheltered eastern valley of Montecito, between the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Santa Barbara coastline, about 1-1/2 hours north of Los Angeles by car.

McLean purchased the 223.6 acre lemon orchard in 1964 that had been processing lemons from central coast groves. He and his business partners, including realtor William W. “Pete” Sears, landscape architect Thomas D. Church, and golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., created what Jones considered as the toughest short course in the United States.

The architectural firm of Warner, Morris and Wilson undertook the task of preserving and remodeling the old lemon packing house that Chinese stone masons hand built in 1892 from native quarried rocks. It stands as the centerpiece of the development, and is now an historical landmark.

Today, as in the past, parties from all regions of the United States have chosen Santa Barbara for its Southern California coastal location and mild climate, and have found common interests of relaxation, recreation, comfort, and security inside the gates of Montecito’ s Birnam Wood community. Many of the residences were built in the 1970s and 1980s and subsequently have become dated. Some have been extensively remodeled. Others are newly built. Because of the property profile, many of these homes sell quickly at a premium, especially if remodeled and updated to current construction standards, with professionally designed interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Presently, the Birnam Wood Community consists of 140 homes, all built around the 80-acre, 18-hole golf course. Contact Bill or Nanette for further information about Birnam Wood Estates.