Meg Ryan Lists Montecito Retreat for $19.5M After Price Adjustment

Meg Ryan Lists Montecito Retreat for $19.5M After Price Adjustment.

Meg Ryan is once again courting the high-end real estate market, reintroducing her elegant Montecito estate with a revised asking price of $19.5 million. The actress initially listed the coastal California property for $22.5 million earlier this year, but after limited traction, it’s now back with a $3 million markdown. Ryan originally acquired the secluded estate in summer 2021 for $9.5 million and has since executed extensive renovations, both structural and aesthetic, that have transformed the property into a refined and modern retreat.

Image: Blake Bronstad - Riskin Partners Estate Group/Luxury Portfolio International

Nestled along Picacho Lane—one of Montecito’s most exclusive and celebrity-favored streets—the estate spans just over two manicured acres. The neighborhood is famously home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Gwyneth Paltrow. The residence itself has a colorful history: it was once owned by author Sue Grafton and her husband Steve Humphrey, and in 2020, it changed hands to Alicia McFarlane, granddaughter of Hollywood legend John Wayne, for $5.4 million before Ryan purchased it.

Image: Blake Bronstad - Riskin Partners Estate Group/Luxury Portfolio International

Since taking ownership, Ryan has expanded the property’s footprint by 279 square meters and enhanced its functionality and style. The compound now comprises three separate structures totaling approximately 776 square meters of living space. The main house, clad in gray and white wood shingles, dominates the property with about 660 square meters spread across three levels, accessible via a private elevator.

Image: Blake Bronstad - Riskin Partners Estate Group/Luxury Portfolio International

Inside, the design reflects Ryan’s eye for understated luxury. Rich dark hardwood floors contrast gently with lime-washed plaster walls and white-painted beams, while arched doorways add architectural interest. Glass room dividers encourage an open, light-filled ambiance throughout the house. The kitchen includes a marble island, high-end appliances, a walk-in pantry, a coffee station, and a dedicated workstation. A nearby dining area flows into a cozy seating zone, perfect for entertaining.

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A statement chandelier anchors the fireside living room, while a second, open-air porch designed for sleeping offers a tranquil spot for unwinding. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary of calm, decorated with botanical mural wallpaper and featuring a marble soaking tub, floating vanity, fireplace, walk-in closet, and a private balcony.

Image: Blake Bronstad - Riskin Partners Estate Group/Luxury Portfolio International

Additional structures on the property include a guesthouse above the garage and a one-bedroom cottage tucked at the rear of the estate. The guesthouse offers about 74 square meters of living space, while the cottage spans 42 square meters. Each is surrounded by mature landscaping, ensuring privacy and a serene environment.

Image: Blake Bronstad - Riskin Partners Estate Group/Luxury Portfolio International

The grounds are a highlight in their own right—lush gardens, a bubbling fountain, and several outdoor dining areas create a resort-like atmosphere. Stone pathways connect each building, while a winding driveway, shrouded in greenery, leads up from the road, providing both drama and discretion. From its elevated perch, the estate offers sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Pacific coastline, and the surrounding Montecito hills.

Ryan has demonstrated a longstanding interest in real estate and design. In late 2023, she acquired a home in the Hamptons for $13.5 million and previously sold another Montecito property for a notable $8.3 million profit. Her track record suggests a passion not just for beautiful homes, but for their thoughtful reinvention.

Image: Blake Bronstad - Riskin Partners Estate Group/Luxury Portfolio International

Meg Ryan, once affectionately dubbed “America’s Sweetheart,” rose to fame through a string of beloved romantic comedies in the 1990s, and her box office hits have earned over $3 billion worldwide. After taking a break from the spotlight, she returned in 2023 with What Happens Later, a romantic comedy she also directed. With a net worth of around $85 million, Ryan continues to impress both onscreen and in her ventures beyond Hollywood.

Meg Ryan’s Montecito estate is a masterclass in tasteful renovation, combining timeless architecture with modern sophistication. Her ability to breathe new life into historic homes underscores her creative instincts and deep appreciation for design. With its pristine setting, luxurious finishes, and celebrity pedigree, this property stands as a crown jewel in Montecito’s elite real estate market—reflecting Ryan’s enduring charm and artistic flair.