El Fureidis

El Fureidis is a Mediterranean estate in Montecito with Roman construction and Persian garden elements, showing a central courtyard surrounded by public rooms. The steel-reinforced concrete structure carries a dome over the reception area and several vaulted ceilings in the living spaces.

James Waldron Gillespie founded the estate in 1906 after a year-long journey through Europe and the Mediterranean with architect Bertram Goodhue. The construction followed designs made during that trip, combining Roman and Persian models.

The name means little paradise in Arabic and refers to the garden layout with its palms and reflecting pools. Visitors today still see the gilded ceiling paintings in the dining hall and the eastern dome patterns in the reception room.

The estate was recently renovated and includes three guest suites with modern bathrooms, radiant floor heating, and an equipped kitchen. Visiting is only possible by prior arrangement, as this is a private residence.

The conversation room shows an 18-foot Byzantine dome with floral patterns in gold and blue, following the model of Rome's Lateran Basilica. The dining hall ceiling carries a gilded depiction of Alexander the Great's conquest of Persepolis, painted by Henry Moore.