Lifestyle

Interesting details inside the $16 million Montecito estate of ‘true housewives’ Alum Dina Manzo

A gracious estate described as “Montecito’s most coveted offering” sold for nearly $16 million last month. According to records, the buyers were automotive industry mogul Dave Cantin and his wife, Dina Manzo, who is best known for her role in the first two table-flipping seasons of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and her close friendship with Teresa Giudice.

The 1994 Tuscan villa sold for $4.8 million in late 2020. Lin Snider, widow of Philadelphia billionaire Ed Snider, bought the property and hired acclaimed architect Marc Appleton to turn it into a modern, magazine-ready showpiece. As seen in images, the home is luxurious and sophisticated, with warm neutral tones framing a minimalist aesthetic.

The 6,000-square-foot house behind iron gates has a large motorcourt and an entryway framed by olive trees and other Mediterranean plants. The living room and family room have custom glass-and-steel French doors opening to stone terraces, and the kitchen has designer appliances and a built-in banquette.

The ocean-view master suite upstairs has a fireplace, private balcony, marble bathroom, two closets, and an ensuite office/lounge that could be a glam room or bedroom. Three more bedrooms are upstairs, plus maid’s quarters.

Grand entertaining is possible on elegant patios. A fire-pit seating area is partially shaded by more olive trees, a large grassy lawn is for play, and a private pool/spa combo is perfect for a romantic getaway at the back of the property.