A landmark Santa Barbara estate associated with actor Fess Parker and chef Julia Child has entered the market with a $21.95 million asking price. Known as Four Oaks, the property combines celebrity history with resort-style amenities, including five bedrooms, a tennis court, a swimming pool, formal gardens, and citrus-lined grounds.
Key takeaways
- Four Oaks is listed for $21.95 million.
- Actor Fess Parker once lived at the Santa Barbara property.
- Julia Child filmed her 1980s PBS series Dinner at Julia’s there.
- The estate includes five bedrooms, a pool, tennis court, rose gardens, and citrus trees.
The listing places the estate among Santa Barbara’s most notable celebrity-connected properties. Its appeal rests not only on its size and amenities but also on the distinct legacies of two former residents who shaped American entertainment and food culture.
A home tied to Fess Parker’s screen career
Parker, best known for portraying frontier heroes Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, lived at the estate during his long career in film and television. His connection gives the property a strong link to classic Hollywood and to the Western roles that made him a household name.
The home’s setting also reflects the lifestyle associated with Santa Barbara’s most prestigious residential enclaves: privacy, expansive outdoor space, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere within reach of the city’s cultural and commercial amenities.
Julia Child’s television kitchen
The property gained another layer of fame when Julia Child used it as a filming location for Dinner at Julia’s, her PBS cooking series from the 1980s. The program brought Child’s energetic teaching style and approachable culinary expertise to viewers across the country.
Her association with the home makes Four Oaks particularly distinctive. Few luxury properties can claim a direct connection to both a major television actor and one of the most influential figures in modern American cooking.
What the estate offers
Four Oaks takes its name from four mature oak trees that anchor the property. The grounds are designed for both recreation and entertaining, with a private tennis court, swimming pool, rose gardens, and a citrus allée creating a succession of landscaped outdoor spaces.
The five-bedroom layout provides room for a household and guests, while the estate’s gardens and leisure facilities extend the living area beyond the main residence. Together, these features position the property as a private retreat rather than simply a historic home.
A rare blend of history and luxury
At $21.95 million, the estate is being marketed as more than a conventional high-end Santa Barbara residence. Its celebrity provenance, recognizable architectural setting, and extensive grounds give it a story that may appeal to buyers seeking both privacy and a tangible connection to American cultural history.
For its next owner, Four Oaks offers the chance to preserve a property linked to two enduring public figures while enjoying the amenities of a modern luxury compound in one of California’s most sought-after communities.