Nestled on a lush 1.36-acre parcel just minutes from Montecito, CA, is a verdant oasis with a fascinating Hollywood history.
The four-bedroom estate at 2934 Torito Road, which unfolds across multiple buildings, was once home to legendary actress Jane Russell, who is best known for her leading-lady roles in the 1940s and ’50s.
Russell, who died in 2011, captivated audiences while appearing in some of the era’s most-loved movies, including “The Outlaw” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” often starring alongside big names like Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe.
Now, a very personal piece of her legacy has hit the market in Santa Barbara for $8.25 million, 15 years after it last changed hands.
The property, which includes a 3,678-square-foot main residence, a one-bedroom guesthouse, and a studio apartment above the garage, delivers star-studded pedigree and midcentury modern charm in spades.
It was Russell’s husband who turned what was once a single dwelling into a picture-perfect compound with multiple structures, according to listing agent Katherine Blackwood of Compass, creating what would become a serene sanctuary for the actress.
“The original house is from the 1950s and was added onto by Jane Russell’s husband,” Blackwood revealed. “He expanded the whole upstairs, which was originally one master suite—which makes sense given the incredible views. He also built the studio above the garage, which is still intact.”
Since Russell’s era, the home has been reconfigured to include three upstairs bedrooms and a downstairs primary bedroom.
But the result is no less stunning. Modern amenities, sleek finishes, and sun-dappled spaces define nearly every corner of the home, an aesthetic that extends throughout the entire property.
The property, though filled with modern upgrades, still boasts all the hallmarks of a midcentury modern marvel, including huge windows that flood every room with natural light and blur the lines between the inside and the beautiful surroundings.
Wood-paneled ceilings and hardwood floors help to bring a natural element into each room, lending another layer to the indoor/outdoor feel.
Surrounded by fruit trees and “lush landscaping,” the collection of buildings feels like a private retreat—made all the more “magical” by a sky bridge that leads from one area to another, creating a layer of mystery and intrigue that makes the property feel that much more special.
“The original guesthouse is still on the property—it’s really beautiful, with a rounded exterior and vaulted ceilings,” Blackwood explained. “From there you can cross this magical bridge that connects to all the fun features—including a sports court and pool.”
But perhaps the best part of this property is the lush, mature plantings that create a cohesive oasis-like atmosphere across the landscape.
“There’s a runoff creek just under the bridge that’s active during the rainy season, and a recently planted fruit grove with a fountain and lanai,” Blackwood said.
These details—paired with sweeping canyon and mountain views—enhance the home’s appeal and create an idyllic, elevated California feel.
“The property lives like a small estate, featuring a sparkling pool and spa, outdoor sports court, pool house, and a seasonal creek meandering through the grounds,” the listing states.
Tucked away in the Toro Canyon and Montecito fringe area, the property offers privacy and seclusion while still being minutes from beaches, equestrian and racquet facilities, and Santa Barbara’s upscale dining and shopping. And those views, as Blackwood notes, are “really nice.”
For buyers seeking something beyond the ordinary, this midcentury estate delivers star-studded history, lush amenities, and a permanent sense of vacation—all without ever leaving home.