Riven Rock, Montecito
Riven Rock is a residential subdivision[1] and former country estate in the unincorporated area of Montecito, California (near Santa Barbara, California).[2]
The estate was formerly owned by the McCormick family, who purchased it in 1896 and built a large two-story Mission Revival home on the premises.[1] The name came from an oak tree which had grown out of and split a large boulder.[1] The estate was the site of the confinement of Stanley McCormick, the youngest child of Cyrus Hall McCormick and Nancy Fowler McCormick, who suffered from schizophrenia for much of his life.[1] His story was the subject of T.C. Boyle's 1998 novel Riven Rock.[2]
The main house was demolished after the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake.[1] The estate was eventually subdivided, with its outbuildings sold off as separate residences.[1]
In August 2020, it was reported that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex of the British royal family had purchased a mansion at Riven Rock following their decision to 'step back' as senior members of the royal family.[2] The Duke and Duchess bought their new home for $14.6 million in June 2020.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Redmon, Michael (21 December 2016). "Montecito's Riven Rock: Fabled Estate Housed Stanley McCormick". Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Harry and Meghan buy home on Santa Barbara estate that was subject of 1998 novel Riven Rock". Daily Telegraph. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.