249 Lambert Rd, Carpinteria, CA, 93013

About This Home

PACIFICA ESTATE is a residential offering, currently used by Pacifica Graduate Institute with a Conditional Use Permit.This 12.22+/- acre landmark with rich coastal heritage is ideally-positioned as an exceptional asset on the Central Coast. Built in 1924 for philanthropist Max Fleischmann, heir to the yeast fortune, this rare estate of cultural, academic & architectural significance, designed by esteemed firm of Johnson, Kaufmann & Coate, reflects a timeless commitment to excellence. Since 1989, the estate flourished under the stewardship of Pacifica Graduate Institute, evolving into a dynamic campus of higher learning with five buildings, organic orchards, paths, gardens & rich history. With a storied legacy,the estate spans gracious land and generations, creating endless possibilities. Originally spanning over 1,200 acres, much of the original acreage was later subdivided. The remaining 12.22 +/- acres on Lambert Road still capture the essence of that luxurious, bygone era. 1989 the property was acquired as a campus and leased to Pacifica Graduate Institute. Through its caring custodianship, the Institute ensured the land's conservancy and the continuation of its cultural and educational legacy. FUTURE POSSIBILITIES: For a discerning residential buyer and investor, with five buildings, the property could be reimagined as a private luxury compound with expansive grounds providing ample space for a primary residence, guest homes, vineyards, orchards, and resort-style amenities such as pools, equestrian facilities, event pavilions, and wellness venues. Already existing as a school, the existing infrastructure could be adapted "as-is" or fully reimagined. Whether restored to its original residential glory or reinterpreted through a modern lens, this property presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a piece of California's coastal heritage poised for possibilities. BUILDING DESCRIPTIONS: MAIN HOUSE is home to adaptable rooms, offices, an expansive event space, a commercial kitchen, dining, terraces, fireplaces, and a basement ideal for an impressive wine cellar. Preserved are the original hardwood floors, a fireplace, generous interior volume, an expansive terrace, vast lawns, and garden views. SAGE WING / TOWNHOUSE (Adjacent to Main House) - Today, as administrative offices and a classroom, this wing was added onto the primary residence and features multiple rooms well-suited for quiet study, lectures, and collaborative gatherings. For future residential use, it offers the ability to transform into an ideal attached guest wing for multi-generational living. SOUTH HALL - Currently housing a grand hall, offices, and seminar rooms, South Hall is the largest of the academic-use buildings. Its scale and flexible floor plan make it an exceptional candidate for conversion into a fabulous multipurpose entertaining space, receptions, and large-scale events, with office space to manage it all from the wings. GUEST QUARTERS- These spaces could seamlessly return to their residential origins. They serve as charming guest suites for extended family or guests, work quarters for estate staff or private consultants, or reimagined as a multiple-bay garage. LIBRARY - Once the Fleischmann conservatory, Pacifica transformed the building into The Joseph/Campbell and Marija Gimbutas Archives and Library, preserving and showcasing scholarly collections in two distinct libraries. STUDIO-Ideal as a detached 2-bedroom guest house with attached redwood deck. with ultimate privacy.