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In a fitting twist of fate, the visionary director behind the iconic film Titanic, James Cameron, finds himself parting ways with his expansive Santa Barbara mansion. Listed at $33 million, this remarkable property, situated on 100 acres of land, presents a unique opportunity for potential buyers. However, what sets this estate apart is not just its grandeur, but also its embodiment of Cameron's commitment to environmental conservation.
Nestled within the exclusive Hollister Ranch community, a private residential neighborhood dedicated to preserving local wildlife, the main home stands at an impressive 8,000 square feet. Emily Kellenberger, the listing agent from Village Properties/Forbes Global Properties, told WSJ that the residence also features two offices, a gym, a game room, and a media room. The property underwent a year-long renovation project under Cameron's stewardship, where quartzite floors replaced excessive marble, restoring a connection to the natural surroundings. Upstairs, an ocean-view room served as his sanctuary for creativity, where portions of both Avatar and its recent sequel were penned.
Beyond the main house, a separate 2,000-square-foot guesthouse graces the grounds, accompanied by amenities such as a tennis court and a lagoon-style pool adorned by swaying palm trees. Notably, a colossal 24,000-square-foot equestrian barn doubled as a storage space for Cameron's vehicles, including a helicopter, which could conveniently land on the property.
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Cameron and his wife, staunch environmentalists, ensured their property aligned with their sustainable values. Throughout the estate, organic gardens flourish, supplying the couple with a significant portion of their food. Furthermore, a combination of solar and wind power generates up to 100 kilowatts of energy, with surplus storage allowing for indefinite off-grid living. The property's self-sufficiency extends to its water supply, with dedicated wells providing both agricultural and drinking water. In a bid to reduce their carbon footprint, the Camerons have made the difficult decision to part with this coastal retreat, joining their other eco-friendly investments worldwide. These include 5,000 acres in New Zealand, 10,000 acres in Saskatchewan, a residence in Crested Butte, Colorado, and frequent stays in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas.
Acknowledging the criticism often faced by high-profile individuals with multiple properties, Cameron expressed his determination to "walk the walk of sustainability." With this sentiment in mind, he embraces the opportunity to relinquish the coastal manse, allowing another fortunate individual to revel in the bountiful natural splendor it offers.
