At this romantic hideaway in the Montecito foothills—where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon and Oprah sends her out-of-town guests—guest cottages are scattered among groves of orange trees and flower beds. All have down comforters and fireplaces; most have private outdoor spas, and one has its own pool. Seventeen miles of hiking trails crisscross 500 acres of open space surrounding the property. The Stonehouse Restaurant ($$-$$$$) and Plow & Angel Bistro ($-$$$) are Santa Barbara institutions. At this writing, the property was undergoing a major renovation; the project was scheduled to be completed by early 2008. Pros: Ultimate privacy, surrounded by nature, celebrity hangout, pet-friendly. Cons: Very expensive, some ongoing construction.
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