Press

January 27, 2022

DIRT: Hearst Heiress Quickly Sells Mountainside Montecito Estate

Publishing heiress Virginia Hearst Randt has made swift work of dispatching her trophy Montecito estate. First offered last November at nearly $9 million, the house sold in mid-January in a cash deal — albeit for a heavily discounted $7.5 million. Still, that sale price rings in at a hefty $2 million more than what Hearst paid for the property nearly a decade ago, way back in March 2012. Records indicate the buyer is veteran Broadway producer and philanthropist Thomas “Tom” Perakos, who is known for being the primary financial backer of “The Band’s Visit,” winner of 2018’s Tony Award for Best Musical.

By Dirt

January 26, 2022

UNIQUE HOMES: Life on the Water

Unique Homes interviewed Randy Solakian to learn about current market trends and buyer demand for waterfront properties.

By Unique Homes

January 2, 2022

ROBB REPORT: Forget Neutrals. This Colorful, One-of-a-Kind Montecito Home Just Sold for $10.5 Million.

Tired of the neutral decor trend? Not only is this mini-estate in the Sycamore Canyon area of Montecito swaddled both inside and out in every shade of the rainbow, but it also carries a colorful past. Once home to the late Santa Barbara artist Standish Backus—probably best known as the official civilian artist on Admiral Byrd’s landmark 1950s expedition to the South Pole—this one-of-a-kind spread was built in 1999 and designed by Tom Meaney, in what the local master architect has referred to as a “tropical plantation” style.

By Robb Report

December 27, 2021

SYV NEWS: 'Upscale’ Santa Ynez Valley ranch hits market at $16M

Amid a pandemic-driven rising demand for estates and vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley, a 56-acre ranch has hit the market with an asking price of $16 million, according to agents with Randy Solakian Estates Group, which has the listing. The Lieff Ranch estate, located at 3235 Roblar Ave., is owned by Robert Lieff, founder of the Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein law firm, and wife Susan Lieff, who own several large ranches and describe themselves as “ranchaholics.”

By Santa Ynez Valley News

December 22, 2021

DIRT: Colorfully Quirky Montecito House Sells for $10.5 Million

Tired of the neutral decor trend? Not only is this mini-estate in the Sycamore Canyon area of Montecito swaddled both inside and out in every shade of the rainbow, but it also carries a colorful past. Once home to the late Santa Barbara artist Standish Backus — probably best known as the official civilian artist on Admiral Byrd’s landmark 1950s expedition to the South Pole — this one-of-a-kind spread was built in 1999 and designed by Tom Meaney, in what the local master architect has referred to as a “tropical plantation” style.

By Dirt

December 22, 2021

ROBB REPORT: This $16 Million Santa Barbara Estate Has 26 Acres of Working Vineyards—and Room for Horses

Most million-dollar homes have wine cellars, but few come with a full-blown vineyard. Those who want a never-ending supply of Sauvignon Blanc would do well to invest in the latter, which is good timing, because a $16 million estate in Santa Barbara just listed with 26 acres of vines. The property is being shopped by lawyer Robert Lieff, who has owned many wineries over the years. Lieff Ranch represents the most recent entry in that portfolio, and the businessman sells Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and other wines from the vineyard via an online store. One of the more appealing aspects of buying the home off him is that you can do the same and perhaps turn a tidy profit from the venture. The ranch is located in Santa Ynez, an area rife with wineries, so you’ll certainly have some competition.

By The Robb Report

December 14, 2021

WSJ: Santa County Ranch with a Vineyard Asks $16 Million

Wine enthusiast Robert Lieff is listing a Santa Barbara County ranch with a vineyard for $16 million. Mr. Lieff, 85, is the founder of the law firm Lieff Cabraser as well as multiple wineries, including Far Niente and Vichon in Napa Valley. He and his wife, Susan Lieff, 66, a real-estate investor, bought this roughly 56-acre ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley in 2018 for about $7 million, then planted a 26-acre vineyard on it.

By Wall Street Journal

October 21, 2021

SHOUTOUT LA: Interview with Jessica McLernon of Randy Solakian Estates Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica McLernon and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi Jessica, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most? Integrity has always been a core value of mine and is a central tenet of my business. During my own home search before I became a realtor, I found the process to be frustrating and confusing. When I decided to transition into real estate, I vowed to operate with honesty and transparency. Developing trust and long-term relationships with my clients and colleagues is always the prevailing priority.

By ShoutOut LA

May 27, 2021

CALIFORNIA LISTINGS: Meet Our Agents: Montecito Expert Randy Solakian

Randy Solakian Estates Group is a multi-generational collaborative comprised of Randy, his daughter and protégé Deanna Solakian Williams, and Jessica McLernon. Together, the three realtors are a tour de force, elevating the buying and selling experience to an art form. Every element — from staging to advertising — is tailored to clients and their individual needs.

By California Listings

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