It’s time for another Real Estate Sampler. Here are 3 beautiful properties for sale in California that exude a sense of romance, but in very different ways. Take a look and then tell us which style is your favorite!
#1: Restored Victorian
Built in 1902, this restored Victorian home in Oceanside, California, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s on the market for about $675,000.
It’s known as the Libby-Rush House because it was built by Charles Libby and later owned by the famous burlesque entertainer Goldie Rush.
This is a little too much like stepping back into Victorian times for me, but their attention to detail is pretty impressive. And if you love Victorian style, this could be perfect for you. {Listing Photos & Info.}
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#2: A Little French Country in California
The listing describes this $2.65-million home in the charming Saint Malo neighborhood as an “enchanted cottage.” It was built in 1965 and updated in 1998.
I think the beamed and vaulted ceilings, painted white, are what give this house so much of its charm.
There’s even a seashell-encrusted tub–perfect for a house so close to the beach:
I first spotted this house on the blog Marie’s Maison. Thanks, Marie! {Listing Photos & Info.}
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#3: A Spanish Colonial Revival
Even though I’m usually not big on the Spanish Revival style, I’m swooning over this one in Montecito.
From the beamed ceilings to the arched doorways, what’s not to love?
It’s on the market for $8.9 million and features “breathtaking ocean views.” {Listing Photos & Info.}
Which style of romantic home is your favorite? Did you fall in love with any of them?
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The architecture in all three are fabulous. I love the look of #2.
.-= Strictly Simple Style´s last blog ..Finding the Perfect Accent Chair =-.
#3! Love it!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Luke Joseph Born June 3rd 6 lbs 1 oz =-.
Ooh – I am torn between Victorian and French Country. I think in these two though I have to go with the French Country – did you see those beams??? Heaven!!
.-= Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish´s last blog ..Seven Projects with Plates =-.
Wow! What distinct design styles!
I pick two, too.
.-= Miz Booshay´s last blog .. =-.
I would choose #2. I love the kitchen!
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Highlights from our trip to the USA =-.
WOW. I don’t like any of them… but I guess if I had to chose it’d be the Victorian because it’s on the National Register of Historic Places and it’d be fun to be a part of!
.-= MissCaron´s last blog ..Waiting for Superman =-.
Okay, I actually am not drawn to any of them. If I had to choose one it would be the Spanish, but they are all so detailed to the extent they feel nearly overdone to me. BUT, if you are giving one away I’ll take it, sell it and buy myself something a bit more clean lined.
Janell
.-= Janell Beals´s last blog ..Max Asks- When You Were A Kid- What Did You Want To Be When You Grew Up =-.
I’d have to say I didn’t LOVE any of them. The first two were two “cluttered” for my taste. The Spanish Revival was lovely, and the views were incredible, so I would take that one if they were giving it away, I guess…:)
Karin
I really liked #2. The kitchen is wonderful and the ceilings-oh my goodness, just beautiful. I really didn’t like the bathroom though. Too much detail. Thanks for showing us these houses!
Tell me the truth, you’re trying to know our personality, here, huh? lol
If that’s the case, I am more like a french chateau.. at least that’s my mood today!
Maybe I am feeling romantiiiiic today 
Have a good one, Julia!!!
Luciane at HOMEBUNCH.COM
2 . thanks for the tours! mishelle
.-= mishelle´s last blog ..Rounding out =-.
I’m with you, Julia. Generally, Spanish style does not excite me, but out of all the three, the Spanish Colonial is the most architecturally interesting. I would have to modernize it though for it to be more appealing.
Well, each one has some great features. Would definitely have to redecorate 1 and 2. Wish #3′s listing had more photos — no kitchen, bath or bedrooms pics?! If I had to pick, I’d probably pick #2 as more my style, but, hmm.. #3′s views might win out.
Julia you have given me a headache! This is a tough decision as there are parts of each that I like. It’s between 2 and 3.
But gotta go with 2. I like that it’s mainly all on 1 floor and the french country look.
The courtyard, the leaded windows, the beamed ceiling are all great.
But the way it’s decorated it’s too white, it needs some color.
I’m quite enchanted with the enchanting French Country cottage. At first glance I imagined lingering over a good red wine and a fruit & cheese board in the comfy lovely dining room, only at second look with a micro wave & sink apparent to me, did I realize this was a kitchen! Because of the white they seemed built- ins. Those ceilings are a labor of love and the pictures of this home exude comfort, friendly and loving surroundings to me. Seashell tub is less appealing to me though original. I do like dresser sink.
Julia, The cottage (house #2) is beautiful, the first house a little too period for me, and the Spanish house is really lovely, but again, not for me. You know, after looking at so many houses on your blog, I have really started to figure out exactly what my style is! Thank you.
.-= black eyed susans kitchen´s last blog ..THE SHUTTERS EXPERIENCE…AS PROMISED =-.
OMG! House #2 is my dream house. If I ever win the lottery that is what I will build!
It’s odd that the Victorian has no telling exterior features that one usually sees on homes from this period. Too bad the way it’s staged leaves you feeling like you have just left a museum rather than a home. I adore the enchanted cottage. Stunning.
Deborah
.-= FairfieldHouse´s last blog ..Seance =-.
Spanish Revival my favorite, always! Spanish Revival in Montecito, my favorite style and my favorite place in CA. <3 <3 <3
.-= Janet´s last blog ..Martha Loooves Halloween =-.
The Spanish Revival!!! Since I’m from Florida (originally) I love that style of home.
The cottage is pretty too but I don’t like that tub. The ceiling is wonderful though. It’s just a little too girlie for me
And the Victorian…I’m just not into it. It’s really nice to look at though.
.-= Amy Button´s last blog ..Thoughts =-.
Numbers one and two are a little too precious for my taste. But number three? Wowsa. SOLD!
.-= Alison Agnew´s last blog ..What Toot Lost =-.
I’m not loving the interiors of any of them but if I had to choose it would be the Spanish Revival.
.-= Vanessa@Decor Happy´s last blog ..Work in Progress: Updating Traditional =-.
All of them are a bit to pure in their design for my taste. I would rather mash them altogether into something fabulous! I like the clean lines and uncluttered sensibility of the spanish style home the best though.
.-= jana´s last blog ..Friday’s Child Hup =-.
…3…
Definitely #3. Love the Spanish Revival.
I’m torn between #2 and #3…both are so beautiful!!! At those prices though I don’t think I’ll have to choose between the two anytime soon!
~Des
I pick #3. Recently I had the pleasure of remodeling (in my mind only) this home I found for sale and went to the open house. I have a whole file of ideas and no intention of buying it. Is anyone else that nutty? I would turn it into a meditteranean villa with my mind’s unlimited budget.
http://www.bettyandjuhee.com/listing_detail.php?Listing_ID=206
My pick is number 2. All but the bath tub. The tub was a little over the top for me.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Mornings =-.
I loved the kitchen in blue and white and the bath in #2 but over all I liked #3 The Spanish house the best. And usually that is not my style at all but it had a nice understated look to it.
.-= Teacup Lane´s last blog ..Orange n’ Black =-.
The third one did it for me
Looooove that one….
.-= Deb´s last blog ..Oh Yeah. Thaaat’s gonna leave a mark. =-.
Such pretty houses! My favourite would have to be the first. I love the exterior of the Victorian and the actual features of the house, like the wooden stairs and the floors, but the superficial details (the decoration and furnishings) really aren’t my style. With its location, I’d love to see a house like that given a breath of fresh air. Lighter colours on the walls and furnishings and giving it more of a beachy, airy feel would totally make it my perfect house! (:
I would go for #3. I am saving up my $8.9 mil now!!!
.-= LuxuriousLife´s last blog ..Dining on a Settee…… =-.
With out a doubt it would be #2.
don’t care for #1 at all, but #3 is also a contender.
Love the kitchen in #2 and the appearance outside. It may be a bit over done, but it still has great appeal to me. Of course my husband would not survive in this house, his recliner alone would have to go!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Where Im From To Where I Am Now =-.
I love the French Country…, the courtyard is divine, and it feels private. Just would have to shrink it down a bit. An a shell encrusted tub!! Why am I surprised!? Me of all people should know by now that there is nothing one cannot encrust with shells!!
House #3. Beautiful architecture, location, views and you can have horses too!
The third one really, really reminds me of the house in the old Parent Trap. My favorite movie!
.-= Brandy´s last blog ..Awesomly Beautiful =-.
Number 3! Although, I must say, it is far too big a home for me. And I’m completely disappointed that the listing does not provide more interior photos. But that view!
I don’t love any of them – they all seem too literal and too done. I’d choose something more simple and not so overworked – just my opinion though!
Hi Julia-
Beautiful, inspirational, informative Website!! Thank you so much for your post on my website….much appreciated. I’d love for you to check back often and be a follower !! Thanks Jenna @ SAS Interiors – Simple. Affordable. Stylish.
That French chateau is to die for! That courtyard entrance is enchanting! I will never be happy with another house again.
Although, if it were my house, I’d get rid of all that white. I would stain some of the ceiling beams to give a more authentic French look and take out some of the florals.
Loved the last house (Spanish Colonial). The other homes were pretty but a little too much foo..foo for me. Wonderful post.
Spanish Revival hands down. I loved the exteriors of all three but the interiors of number 1 and 2 were way too frilly and lacey for me.
What a surprise!! Not to me…but to anyone who knows me.
I pick #3!!
Normally, one would think I’d pick #1, the Victorian – cuz that’s just the kind of girl I am…OR…#2, because it’s girlie and frilly, also like me…………But…………no, not this time. LOL!! I love the wood, the doorframes, the substance of #3.
.-= Jan from Rose Haven´s last blog ..Dress Forms are Still the Rage… =-.
WOW! #2 without a doubt. I wish it was in the south of France, not California. But what the heck, I’ll just have it moved. The kitchen is amazing.
Oh the spanish revival! It’s gorgeous!
I love the simplicity of the design, and I am amazed by the different shapes used in the floor tiles.
#3 all the way. I love that spanish style. I would move to California just to live in that style house.
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..Suck it up =-.
I’m with my buds, Alison & Becky….the third one is most definitely my favorite. I’ve always been drawn to Spanish Revival. I do like Victorian…minus all the extra fuss in furnishings (think “Practical Magic”) and I love French Country too…but the second choice looks like a doll house to me and I was feelin’ a little claustrophobic just looking at the photos.
I hope you are having a fabulous week, Julia!
: )
Julie M.
.-= The Little Red Shop´s last blog ..The Ruffles amp Rust Ball… =-.
#3 just might be my dream house. Now, how to get my hands on $9 million…
Lovin’ the bones of all three. What fun I could have playing with them. Out with the furnishings and let me do it all myself! Now if I could just find a financial backer
The exterior of #2 is beautiful, but it’s just way too fussy inside. That bath actually freaked me out a little. #3 is perfect. Guess I’m goin go to have to put “find $8.9mil, get a green card, and convince my family to move across the ocean” on my To do List.
All three houses are lovely, but the French Country cottage is more my style. I love the romantic look of the house and the kitchen is wonderful! An “enchanted cottage” indeed.
Interesting homes! Thanks for sharing!
.-= Desiree´s last blog ..Casual Chic =-.
There are things I like about all 3 houses. Imagine what that would look like!! I really like the outside of #2
.-= Traci B´s last blog ..Another Met Monday =-.
Love, love, love the #2, French Country!!!! I could move in tomorrow!
I love number 2, I could so live there.
I love the french cottage. Everything about it looks so relaxing. This cottage would definitely make a perfect vacation home.
It’s interesting because I usually am a Victorian home person, but the interior felt so fragile and delicate. I would be afraid that I would break something.
I have never been a fan of spanish styled homes my entire life so not # 3.
Thanks for sharing these with us, Julia. Have a nice day!
I love 2 the best. But they are all gorgeous!
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com´s last blog ..Christian Fiction Sunday Cover-to-Covet- Roses =-.
I’ll take the gorgeous French Country Home, but without all the frou frou decorations.
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..It Was a Zoo =-.
Surprisingly, I think I’d pick the Spanish revival. It’s really beautiful.
Most of all, I just love the idea of this post. Julia, you’re so creative and fun.
Thanks as always for keeping us entertained!
.-= Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last blog ..Trend: Giraffes stretch into home decor =-.
Absolutely: the Spanish Revivial!
.-= Holley´s last blog ..Everything is new…. =-.
Oops. I meant Spanish Revival. Guess I was really, really enthralled by it.
.-= Holley´s last blog ..Everything is new…. =-.
Yep, #1 is pretty much my dream home – the house itself, not the frou-frou Victorian decor. Oh, the things I could do with a place like that. Then again, I love the wood and tile in #3. Oh, who am I kidding, I love them all!
.-= Cheri@IHeartOldHouses´s last blog ..Haunted California Coast =-.
None, the first two are in Oceanside, and I do not stop in the O’side for anything. The third is not in Montecito (92108) but rather 10 miles up the coast and on the other side of Santa Barbra in Hope Ranch (92113), this is like saying that a house is in Beverly Hills (90210) and it is really in Pacific Palisades(90272)., and nothing save the Shaw of Iran sister’s estate is worth more than $5,000k in the Ranch; plus I wouldn’t want to encourage bad ethics in real estate agents.
Now what is this 4×4 doing back there?
Oooooooh, a little french country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could soooo move into it tonight!
.-= Nancy Hood´s last blog ..He’s Always There =-.
That sweet cottage, California, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh What a deal!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..My Grandparent’s Home =-.
I think I’ll just take one of each, please!
Very lovely homes! I think the middle one is my favorite.
.-= Josanne´s last blog ..10 Reasons I Think I’m Gonna Eat Worms =-.
You’re right – the Victorian is a little TOO Victorian, but still stunning. The outside is charmingly Anne of Green Gables meets California Dream’n!
-SF
.-= Sanity Fair´s last blog ..MARC JACOBS WINNER =-.
I’ll take one of each please !
Hi Julia you got with #1,2,and oh boy 3 I love Spanish Colonial I’m still playing lotto who knows maybe one day sigh……One can dream can’t they? Great post Julia thanks…. Regards Esther from Sydney
Number 3, number 3, number 3!!! I’ll start saving my change…
.-= lindsay´s last blog ..Should nature be calling… =-.
Oh Julie can I chosse #2 & #3 I love them both soooo much what gorgeous homes I hope my home can feel as cosy as those once I’m finished!!
) You always find such fab homes to share thanks soooo much!!
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..House Build =-.
Lovely! I love the color of the first house!!!
Kristin xx
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I would vote for #3. The Victorian and French Chateau are just trying “too hard”. They are too much of a theme for me. The Spanish Revival reveals the great architecture, but doesn’t go over the top with “decorating”. I think it is beautiful and would love to see more of it.
Number 1. I love Victorian architecture.
.-= Rowena Cross-Najafi´s last blog ..Talbots quotFinal Salequot in More Ways than One =-.
Oh man, I’ll take #2 (but I will have to get rid of some of the fake greenery!)
YAY! I’m from Oceanside
I know that house! We live in a house that was built in 1890, and we renovated it without making it too modern, but we didn’t decorate it like it was still 1890. haha! I prefer that approach, but I am sure that someone that loves the victorian era would love to live in the Oceanside house. The Montecito house is probably my favorite, but I’ve lived in Santa Barbara too….not worth the price tag, but it’s gorgeous.
#3 is my favorite. Leave it to me to love the most expensive one! Those stairs with the tiles are just awesome.
#2 comes next. I love the relaxed cottage feel (not the biggest fan of the tub, but the rest is really cool).
#1 is still a great house, but a little too stiff for me to feel romantic.
Thanks for sharing these awesome places!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Yet another walkway =-.
I could happily move in to #3. I love the doorways, the stairs, the woodward, the charm of it all. Beauty!
#2 for me. It’s dreamy! I am not wild about the tub or bathroom but I love the rest of it.
I did some research on house 2 its in a private gated community called St Malo Beach and the enclave consists of all French Country homes in Oceanside CA. The community is 80 years old and I found other homes for sale in that community I liked better. The second one is a bit too girly for my husband and he loves French design. I love the area though its charming do look it up
Sign me up for the enchanted cottage.
I could live happily-ever-after in that cottage.
you picked 3 of my favorite styles – how can i possibly choose one? i guess it depends on my mood for the day as to which one is my fav
I love # 2 and # 3 but I think I would pick #3. I love the clean white walls and the style of #3. I absolutley love the kitchen in #2. It is so bright open and airy and I just love the windows. I just love your blog thanks for sharing all of the great homes you post and also all of the information. I look forward to reading this blog daily.
I love #2 the French Country. I love the white and the colors used. Very beautiful.
I really enjoy your blog and visit it often. The info you post is very interesting and I love looking at houses! Greetings from Texas!
I wish they had to floorplans for #2 up! Trying to figure out the layout for where the bedrooms are. I never thought I’d fall in love with the French cottage type, but after seeing that house… I want to win the lottery just to buy it!
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