A sprawling California estate, previously owned by the heiress to a kitty-litter fortune, is set to hit the market with an asking price of $88 million. Nestled in the Santa Barbara area, the property spans over 11 acres and boasts breathtaking views of mountains and oceans. This exquisite estate served as the long-time residence of John Stephens, the late founder of the company behind Jonny Cat litter, and his wife Betty Stephens, who held the position of Jonny Cat CEO. Following their passing, the property is currently under the ownership of their daughter, Joi Stephens, who spent her formative years in the house.
Affectionately known as the “kitty-litter heiress,” Joi takes pride in residing in what she refers to as the “crown jewel of Santa Barbara” due to its spectacular features. Situated in the affluent coastal community of Hope Ranch just outside Santa Barbara, the property occupies a hilltop and encompasses a residence of approximately 7,500 square feet, along with a pool and poolhouse, according to Sam Palmer, the listing agent from the Agency. Remarkably, this estate has not been available on the market for more than fifty years.
Joi shared that her parents initially acquired two lots overlooking the ocean in 1957 and constructed the residence around 1961. Later, in the 1970s, they acquired an additional lot across the street, transforming the three parcels into a family compound with exclusive access to a private beach.
Joi reminisces about her enchanting childhood, describing it as “magical,” with horses and beautiful riding trails. While the family kept horses nearby, they also maintained a household with two to four cats over the years. During her parents’ lifetime, the house was a hub for charity events and gatherings that attracted celebrities and politicians, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Joi fondly recalled a visit to the Carter Center in Atlanta, where Carter inquired about her mother’s house.
Despite the main house’s construction over five decades ago, Joi mentioned that her mother renovated and reconfigured parts of it around 2000. Additional enhancements to the grounds included the addition of trees, fencing, and an extended driveway. The property features a koi pond at the front of the house, with Joi’s husband, Frank Kaminski, sharing an interesting detail about the largest koi fish originating from a significant estate in Malibu.
In recent years, Joi and Kaminski split their time between Hope Ranch, Palm Beach, Fla., and Boston. Despite receiving multiple offers for the Hope Ranch house, Joi declined them. However, with their focus shifting to the East Coast due to Kaminski Auctions expanding to South Florida, they have decided to put the estate up for sale.
Sam Palmer highlighted the rarity of the opportunity to own 11.3 acres in Hope Ranch, emphasizing the potential for building a 20,000-square-foot main house and two guesthouses on the property. The estate is also zoned for equestrian use, allowing the new owner to have horses and a stable. Palmer expressed excitement about the potential of the property, estimating that a newly constructed estate could reach a value of 0 million.
Overall, real estate prices in Hope Ranch are experiencing an upward trend, with the median sale price reaching $6.1 million in January, reflecting a substantial 70.8% increase from January 2023, according to Redfin, a real estate brokerage.
