Curious Coast: The story behind Montecito’s Mar y Cel

Atop a hill in Montecito sits one stone wall with three archways. It’s been there for over a century and, in that time, has served as the home base for decadent parties, rebellious skaters, and destructive fires. The arch is just one feature on a 350 acre-property sprinkled with water tunnels, battered statues and large, empty reservoirs. It’s known as the Tea Gardens and the Tea Bowls, but its real name is Mar y Cel. One KCRW listener asked Curious Coast to investigate its history and future.