Christopher Lloyd among the unlucky
Count actor Christopher Lloyd ("Back to the Future") among the Montecito residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire.
Times reporter Louis Sahagun, on the scene, reported that "Buildings located on Lloyd's property sustained major fire damage, with ruins continuing to smolder Friday afternoon."
Lloyd is known to personally care for many of the rare plants on the eight-acre grounds, much of which was in ruins today.
The caretaker for the property "fled for his life" in a firestorm Thursday night when the fire erupted, said Lisa Loiacono of Sotheby's International Realty. Loiacono manages the property for Lloyd, who is filming on location in Vancouver and was not in Montecito.
The house, Lloyd's principal residence, was listed for sale in the spring of 2007 at $11.3 million but recently was withdrawn from the market while he made upgrades. He owns a second, smaller, home in Montecito that is still on the market for $3.6 million and was not affected by the blaze.
Lloyd's fire-damaged property is one of Montecito's more unusual homes. The 5,500-square-foot main house has one bedroom, and there is a separate guesthouse. The house was built in 1972 from adobe bricks made on-site. And the living room and bedroom share an outdoor area with a large patio and stone-lined reflecting pool.
-- Ann Brenoff
Thoughts? Comments?
Credit: James Chen Photography
GREAT SCOTT!
Posted by: foo.bar | November 15, 2008 at 01:59 AM
It has been a pretty scary last few days. The fire started around 5:45 pm on Thursday and erupted with 50-70 mph winds. The fire started around the back end of Westmont up above East Mtn Drive. It then spread uncontrolably down through Sycamore Cyn (the same as in 1977) to the edge of the Riviera and 5 points. As the winds shifted it then burned up the back side of the Riviera, all across Parma Park and over to Gibralter Road and then down through the top end of Las Canoas, El Cielito and up into Rattlesnake Cyn.
Fortunately about 24 hours later the wind stopped relatively and since then it has been more manageable. The sad fact is that upwards of 200 homes have been burned and obviously changed lives. No one yet knows the exact boundaries of the fire as of now.
www. SantaBarbarRealEstateVoice.com
Posted by: Kevin Schmidtchen | November 15, 2008 at 09:22 AM
If anyone knows of a fundraiser to assist Mr. Lloyd, please let me know. I am a fan and would like to assist.
Raoul Tiger (Raoul@raoultiger.com)
Posted by: Raoul Tiger | November 17, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Benefit? Are you joking? Do you really think he needs the money? Not to mention I'm sure he's heavily insured! I'm a fan too, but money? really! Two homes in Montecito that are both multi milllion.
Not to take anything away from this talented man, but I hardly think he's a destitute case needing a fundraiser!!!!
Money can not replace sentiments, etc.
Posted by: Arielinluv | November 18, 2008 at 04:57 AM
umm..I've got a feeling Mr. Lloyd doesn't really need our financial assistance. If you're determined to give out money though, feel free to send it my way.
Posted by: Daniel V | November 18, 2008 at 06:57 AM
I kind of agree about doing a benefit for Mr. Lloyd, but... perhaps get a ticket to check out "A Christmas Carol," at the Kodak Theater this Christmas, starring Christopher Lloyd as Scrooge.
Posted by: anamerbystand | November 19, 2008 at 02:52 AM
that fire must have hit 80mph.
ONE POINT TWENTY-ONE GIGAWATTS!!
Posted by: Biff | November 21, 2008 at 06:47 AM
I absolutely adore Chris, and MJFox....It's so sad to see something like this happen to anyone...no matter how much money we may or may not have, no amount will ever replace old photos, memorabilia, and memories that are now lost...something should be done for everyone out there who was affected by the fires...happy holidays all!
-Ali
Posted by: Ali | November 23, 2008 at 10:07 PM