A MONTECITO HOME

February 28, 2025 45 Comments

Saturday, I received a text from a READER of MY BLOG here telling me ;MY FRIEND PENELOPE BIANCHI was selling her home in Montecito,California.

I was ASTOUNDED!

As it is the PERFECT HOME!

The floor plan is laid out so well.

SHE DESIGNED IT AFTER ALL!

A FEW of you will recognize this GEM of a HOME built by PENNY AND ADAM BIANCHI in 1997-1999.

There is a table to the left of this photo that she uses as her desk which looks straight into the garden.

NO WINDOW PANES!

What you see below is the GUEST HOUSE with the doors and bench.The main house is to the left under that Morning Glory vine.Between the guest house and the main house there is a gate to get to the garden.Beyond those tall trees and a little to the LEFT is OPRAH’s HOUSE!

Yes, they are neighbors!

Penny is an Interior Decorator.

The middle photo shows her living room/dinning room.

The blue door to the right leads to the kitchen.

The blue door to the left leads to the Master Bedroom and laundry room.

This is the only home I have ever been in where the laundry room was right off the master bedroom and down the hall so the clothing that needs to be washed does not have to be carried across the house!

SMART IDEA RIGHT?

I am totally ENVIOUS!

Another GRAND IDEA SHE HAD was to change the slipcovers on her living room chairs EVERY SEASON!

So, there are four fabric slipcovers that come out seasonally to change up the AMBIANCE A BIT!

I cried when I got the news of this house going on the market as I have such fond memories of visiting Penelope and Adam there.I think I stayed in the guest house three times and another time down the road at the country club.I am very partial to the area because my AUNT KATHERINE lived down the road as well.Penelope will tell you THAT WAS MY FAVORITE HOUSE EVER!It was a bit more GRAND with white swans floating in a 90 foot reflecting pond as you drove up the long tree lined driveway.But this house is a bit MORE REALISTIC and has a duck pond which resides in a natural preserve.Both homes I would BE HAPPY IN!I’m a bit like Marie Antoinette………VERSAILLE will do but bottom line a smaller farmhouse is my ideal!

ABOVE MASTER BEDROOM and MASTER BATHROOM.

SEE the long thin box at the foot of the bed?

Behind the red loveseat.

Guess what’s in there?

THE GARDEN TUNNEL TO THE CHICKEN COOP…………………

Well, that was a fun visit to a House that will not be on the market for very long!

I hope you enjoyed that SPOT OF SUNSHINE TODAY!

BACK TO MY CASA and the CREATURES WHO LIVE HERE!

“WHAT ARE OUR CHANCES THEODORE?”SAYS FAMILY DOG BETTY!

“WE MUST WAIT PATIENTLY BETTY!”PURRS THEODORE.

MANNERS AND PATIENCE IN LIFE IS KEY TO AN ABUNDANCE OF HAPPINESS………………

“Who said that?”

I just MADE IT UP LIKE EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO DO!

SPRING is coming.

The Wild Cherry trees are blooming here and these WALLFLOWERS are popping up like crazy.

I LOVE SPRING.It is my favorite season.

This was GOOD NEWS as I waited to see my CARDIOLOGIST!

MADE ME HAPPY!

NUMBER ONE IN THE STATE!

I could give you an update on where I stand for MY TICKER……………

That heart monitor I wore for two weeks showed lots of AFIB and low, low blood pressure readings.

I found out I failed the stress test BIG TIME and the FOUR MEDICINES I’ve been taking are not WORKING!I’ve been in heart failure for two years come MARCH!

Now I have been sent to a different cardiologist who’s field is ELECTRICAL HEART CARDIOLOGY.

He wants to insert in surgery under my left collarbone a CRT or an BICD which mean the same.

Mine will have THREE wires touching my HEART through a blood vessel making sure I don’t DIE from ARRHYTHMIA!The devise works for 75% of the population.It does NOT make your heart stronger, but hopefully I can feel better…………with the time I have left.

I have to tell you I had a LUIGI MANGIONE moment talking to this doctor last week as my EJECTION FRACTION has to be 35% or BELOW.Two years ago when we started all this it had been 35% then got a bit better in July of 2024.INSURANCE WILL NOT APPROVE ABOVE 35% for this CRT DEVICE!Even if the Heart medicine is not working!

I stormed around the KITCHEN and made the youngest SON a BAKED RIGATONI to take home.

Then I got the CALL that they couldn’t take me for the ECHO.The test that needs to be done until

APRIL 7, 2025 for the procedure.

SO, I GOT ON THE PHONE AND WITH A BIT OF MANNERS AND KINDNESS I CALLED AND I AM GOING IN ON TUESDAY,MARCH 4th.

EVERYONE PLEASE WISH HARD FOR ME THAT MY EJECTION FRACTION IS 35 on TUESDAY!

It’s a SHITTY NUMBER for the HEART to have but its my ONLY OPTION NOW to get this DEVISE!

I THANK YOU IN ADVANCED!

By the way that long narrow box in Penelope’s bedroom holds the TELEVISION SET!

It rises up to view and glides slowly down to be OUT OF SIGHT!

BRILLIANT!

Best of Luck finding a smaller HOME PENELOPE.

We all will want to see BEFORE and AFTER PHOTOS!

I LOVED MY TIME THERE WITH YOU!

45 Comments

Leave your reply.

lisa thomson
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 7:47 PM

Best of luck and prayers for you tomorrow, LA CONTESSA!
Penelope’s house is gorgeous. Wish I could buy it but I’m Canadian and as such cannot live in your beautiful state 🙁
Theo and Betty—what a team!! Reminds me of my cat and dog back in the day. Neither are with me any longer and are in pet heaven but boy, I will never forget their joint antics.
Sending love and prayers for your test tomorrow and for the country in general. xoxo
D. A. Squires
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM

Just opened my emails having been with the newlyweds in Jacksonville for the weekend, but saw on Insta that your blog post was sent… after three days of not deleting had to scroll through what seemed like 100’s of spam to find you. Have thought of you-worried and praying-and now have the update. Well, it is once again so much red tape and crazy sounding rules that seem to be a big part of ‘medical care/insurance’ everywhere. How hard this is given the seriousness of the problem. You are amazing, intrepid, so strong… will be thinking of you tomorrow and chanting 35, the magic number, and very anxious to hear the result.

Watching our daughter and husband work in their garden, yard, adding a potting shed to an old one car garage and seeing their plans to build a coop, I thought of you and the Italian : ) Same love of home and garden… they have bluebirds nesting in a birdhouse and wrens nesting in a hanging plant and they are propagating milkweed and other plants. When we were not at home we were prowling the nurseries and came home with 3 gorgeous camilla japonica bushes (in the peony family, my all time favorite–we had a peony cutting garden in CT years ago). The simple joys are the best of all.

It is the circle of life… we are old now and realize we won’t see so much of their lives, but we have had so much to be thankful for, too. So, we go forward each day with hope and prayers and love. Sending all to you, dear Contessa…
Amanda Riley
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM

Good luck tomorrow. Seems strange to be keeping everything crossed for an EF of 35! A rather arbitrary figure.?
What a stunning house! Gorgeous pictures.xxx
Rachel
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 10:47 AM

I feel so much rage over your treatment. So little makes sense anymore. I will absolutely send all of the positive thoughts into the universe for you to get the care you so badly need and I agree with other commenters – we aren’t ready for a world without the vibrant Contessa.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
  
  RACHEL………………….I have rage too, but as I see it I have enjoyed a good LIFE with an adoring husband and TWO BEAUTIFUL BOYS.I got to work in FASHION.I traveled the WORLD.I lived in ITALY.I have had some WONDERFUL FRIENDS and I have met the most divine people on social media which I only did to stay in touch with the world moving forward!So, I have had a GOOD LIFE.No complaints.Well, maybe one!
  I really wanted a COW since childhood!AND A DONKEY and a few sheep!That DREAM will not come true now, but thats OKAY!I have one SON making that happen for his family.So, I will be able to ENJOY from a distance!
  How are you holding up and your husband?Send me an email or call if you still have my number!I am always up for a CHAT the old-fashioned way!
  IF you are the RACHEL I am thinking you are!
  XXX
Lisa
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 7:56 AM

Fingers crossed for your medical visit tomorrow. All the best!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:42 PM
  
  THANKS LISA…………………….hope things go my way!
  XXX
Trish
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 7:38 AM

Oh my love. Seems like a crazy thing to wish for, to have a low EF. But u asked, so I will.

Can’t help my ever optimistic nature from finding the silver lining in all of this… Perhaps your heart failure is a result of a life well lived. Your zest in living, your excitement to share the people u have known, the fearlessness to be eccentric and fully YOU has tuckered u out prematurely. I am not ready for a world without you in it.

And so I will pray. And call on whatever powers that be. Please take care of my friend. Make her whole. Give her comfort and more time to be here w ENERGY. This chaotic world needs ur voice now more than ever.

I love u and will be holding u close to my heart on Tuesday. You are not alone.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:41 PM
  
  WHAT A BeAUTIFUL COMMENT TRISH!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH……………….
  YOU ARE RIGHT I AM NOT DONE YET!I have MORE STORIES and ECCENTRIC LIVING TO DO!Lately I have been thinking about a MINI COW!Think BETTY will accept?AND I want to do MORE LUNCHES and just plain LAUGH OUT LOUD!
  XOXO
Judith Sharpe
· Reply

March 3, 2025 at 7:24 AM

Good luck tomorrow, Beth, I’ll be thinking of you with fingers crossed for a good outcome! ??????
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:37 PM
  
  AND A BIG WELCOME HOME TO YOU TOMORROW!
  GRAZIE!
  XXX
Jill James
· Reply

March 2, 2025 at 9:17 PM

Keeping everything crossed that you have the perfect number and you are able to have the device. I find it hard to understand that insurance dictates the health intervention you so surely need.
Your friends home is so beautiful , I am sure you enjoyed your visits.
Wishing you all the very best Elizabeth.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:36 PM
  
  Jill thank You so much all the way from TASMANIA!
  XXX
Ms. Mary
· Reply

March 2, 2025 at 6:08 PM

Sending you gentle hugs and happy thoughts for the test on Tuesday. <3
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
  
  THANKS MARY!
  XXX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

March 2, 2025 at 9:09 AM

Goodness I remember the first time I saw Penelope’s house. I just gasped. Gorgeous. I’m sure she’ll create a gorgeous house in her move.

They’d better give you that electrical thing. Because all of instagram will rise up and give them a very tough time. Fingers crossed.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
  
  VERY FUNNY about ALL RISING UP!
  Penny’s house reminds me of your Sisters house!
  Yes, the new house will keep her BUSY!
  XXX
Vikki
· Reply

March 2, 2025 at 7:24 AM

Elizabeth, I can see why you love this grand, elegant home. It is so your style. What fun to get to stay there as a guest.
I am hoping you get the test you need and that you start feeling better. We need an adventure to help us forget this crazy place!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:33 PM
  
  YES, Penelope and I are very similar in taste and thoughts!WE ARE BOTH BIG ANIMAL LOVERS!AN ADVENTURE sounds GRRRREAT!!!
  XXX
Sheila from the Luncheon
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 9:27 PM

Dear Contessa, wishing you the best results next Tuesday. Hoping you will receive the treatment you deserve and soon feeling better. You’re a trooper and an inspiration.
Your friend’s home is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Take care.

Sheila from the Luncheon
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 1:31 PM
  
  THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS SHEILA.I to hope tomorrow goes well.
  Yes, the house is lovely and they are lovely people too.
  XXX
Dee Black
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 4:42 PM

I can only think you must be ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ you have faced so much trying to find answers and relief. It would be fabulous if this works and you and your Italian can get on to fun adventures together. Prayers for the number you need and the procedure ends your long frightening journey. Wishes are good too! These posts of your precious granddaughter must be good for your spirits.
Fun story of the designers home, Wow ?, and your relatives near by.
Wishing you a spring with nothing but good news and resolutions. XO
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 10:32 AM
  
  Dee always good to hear from You!
  Tomorrow can’t come fast enough!
  I’m panic about the drive but I have no control about it so will let THE ITALIAN get me there!
  We see the grand daughter once a month for a very short amount of time!So YES THE PHOTOS HELP ME GET TO THE NEXT VISIT!She lives about 12 minutes away!Her mother is a PIECE OF WORK!Think I have shared that story with you in the past.My son is no longer married to her.
  I’m wearing the shoes you sent me today!They have become my house slippers too!!
  Love to you,
  Xoxo
Katherine A.
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 3:16 PM

Hi Elizabeth,
Wow, what a gorgeous home Penelope and Adam Bianchi created. The grounds are gorgeous. It’s been years since I visited Montecito. It’s always been a treasure. How did you meet Penelope if you don’t mind that I ask? What a huge treat to have stayed at their palace several times and the country club down the way. Brilliant idea about the red box and the TV.
Great to see Kaiser Permanente is #1 Cardiac Surgery in CA. I pray your ejection fraction will read at 35% or below. To think about the rules on this regarding insurance and even when the meds are not working. Good for you for speaking UP and moving your appointment to March 4th. Being firm graced with kindness works.
You will be in my thoughts on the 4th.
What an adorable pic of your fur babies, Theodore and Betty looking at The Italian.
You remain in my thoughts.
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 10:24 AM
  
  I met Penelope through blogging!I think I found her first and she had Italian pottery service for many and I had ONE CUP!!!So of course I had to tell her that!!We then started communicating as she lived very close to my AUNT and knew her!
  Blogging has been a great way for me to meet people with similar interests!
  Thank You for thinking about me TOMORROW!!
  Xxx
Hilda Smith
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 1:44 PM

So glad you got that appointment sooner. You never seem to stop and yet your energy levels have to be very low. I Iove the pic of Theodore and Betty waiting patiently. Great capture. Wishng you better health. xxx
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 10:19 AM
  
  You have not seen a photo of me in a very long time!That means NO ENERGY.Not doing much at all.
  Still making dinner but I have zero appetite!The Italian cleans up!So that’s a perk!
  Hugs
  Xxx
Diane
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 8:05 AM

Glad you were able to use manners and kindness to get your ECHO scheduled sooner–there seems to be a lot of that missing in our society these days. Hoping and praying you can get that device and that you feel better. I, too, don’t understand why insurance companies control our healthcare. My cardiologist expressed his frustration to me when he was trying to schedule a test for me last year. It takes doctors time away from their patients when they have to spend time justifying a patient’s needs to an insurance company. With our new administration, I’m fearful healthcare will get worse overall, but I’m hoping I’m wrong.
Take care.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:50 AM
  
  YOU ARE SPOT ON ABOUT IT GETTING WORSE!
  There is a surgeon on INSTAGRAM she is a CANCER Surgeon.She tells these horrifying stories about the insurance companies calling her during a procedure in the operating room!Where she has to scrub out and take the calls and they are questioning her!NOW IF THATS NOT OUT OF LINE I DONT KNOW WHAT IS!
  XXX
aguiniga4@hotmail.com
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 7:42 AM

I hope you can get your heart monitor. I got a inplanted pacemaker-defibulator in December. (A nice Christmas present). I’m doing well and getting better every day. Salude and best of health to you.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:46 AM
  
  GREAT TO HEAR!
  THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
  XXX
cindy
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 6:28 AM

Eliz

I am crossing my fingers that you can get that darn device and live more comfortably. How does Giampiero like retirement? I bet the critters are loving having him around more. Penelope’s house is enchanting. I am sure they have reached the point where a smaller home is more manageable. I get that!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:46 AM
  
  He is NeveR HOME CINDY…………..NO CHANGE except he loads the dishwasher and cleans the pots and pans from dinner!He has plenty to do outside the casa to stay busy.BETTY does get to ride with him more often than NOT!
  XXX
Donna O'Klock
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 6:18 AM

Oh, dear – I had no idea how you must must feel with an ejection fraction of 35! I see this working out perfectly for you, and you getting everything you want and need to feel better!
I thank you for your sweet comments on my last post, but my computer had a meltdown after I posted and I couldn’t reply. Couldn’t do any outgoing email for days! Enjoy your lovely flowers, and I can’t wait to hear your good news! HUGS!
XODonna
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:39 AM
  
  OHHH these computers and THEIR COFFEE BREAKS!
  KEEP ON WRITING WE ARE READING!!!
  XXX
Cathy Sexton
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 5:57 AM

You were right!! Yes, I love that home. It’s just beautiful. Sending love and prayers on your health.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:38 AM
  
  GLAD YOU AGREE!
  It will be in an upcoming book by FIFI O’NEIL in MAY!
  YOU may want to get a copy………………FRENCH FLAIR is the name.
  KEEP ON CREATING YOUR MASTER PIECES!
  XXX
Rita
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Praying you are at 35. I can’t get my head around the US system that insurance companies must approve everything, even medication (as I’ve read on some other blogs) .
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:36 AM
  
  YES, so true RITA!
  It is a very SAD STATE of AFFAIRS!
  Too many abuse the system before so now us normal people pay the price!
  XXX
FIFI
· Reply

March 1, 2025 at 4:18 AM

hello my contessa, I hope Penny and Adam are doing well. I am sorry to see their beautiful home going on the market. We actually photogrpahed it last May for my upcoming book French Flair (release date is May 13). It’s a lovely tribute to Penny and Adam wonderful home and gracious hospitality.
I hope your health gets better and that you soon will have your issues under control. Love to you, the Italian, your family and all the sweet pets. XOXOXOXO
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:34 AM
  
  I look forward to the BOOK!
  Yes!They are a very gracious couple and VERY HOSPITABLE!
  I’m beginning to lose hope Fifi…………this has been going on far too long and it seems I’m going in circles and now my energy is at rock bottom.
  Lovely to hear from YOU………..XOXO
Fran
· Reply

February 28, 2025 at 7:40 PM

Carissima Contessa! Your friend’s home is a DREAM! Absolutely GORGEOUS! I am certain it will be so hard for her to part from such a BEAUTIFUL – labour of Love – estate!
I have been praying for YOU for quite some time now and shall continue to do so until YOU are feeling a heck of A LOT BETTER! WE ADORE YOU CONTESSA! PLEASE HANG IN THERE! GOOD THOUGHTS ONLY!
XXOO
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:27 AM
  
  THANK YOU for the prayers……..my neighbor has his church PRAYING for me too!
  The cough is still there but better.This is the start of week FOUR of the INFLUENZA A.I can see the end of the tunnel………….I HOPE!
  XOXO
Martha foss
· Reply

February 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM

I love your friends house! When we built our house, we put our master bathroom and our laundry room next to each other- It’s such a great idea. It makes it so easy. Love the pictures of your gardens. My friend had a fib and got that device implanted she loved it. It makes her feel so much healthier. Good luck to you.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  March 3, 2025 at 8:24 AM
  
  OH MARTHA that is WONDERFUL TO HEAR!
  XXX