Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara sits approximately 80 miles north of
Los Angeles, along the Pacific coast. Known for its rich history, unique setting
and fabulous weather, it is no wonder that Santa Barbara is one of the most
desirable places to live in California. The Chumash Tribe were the first people
to settle in the Santa Barbara area at least 13,000 years ago. Today, Santa
Barbara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the State and a
wonderful place to call home. Population is around 200,00 for the whole County.
Santa Barbara is often referred to as the “American Riviera” because of it’s
Mediterranean climate and the dramatic Santa Ynez mountains that seem to spring
directly from the Pacific and stretch into the sky. Santa Barbara is known as
the “South Coast” because of its south facing coastline and is a unique
characteristic of a California beach town because most of the state faces west.
The channel islands are another unique characteristic of this area and create a
lovely addition to the spectacular ocean views from many of the residences. The
architectural image of Santa Barbara is the Mission revival style and can be
seen throughout the residential neighborhoods and the commercial districts. The
domestic architecture of Santa Barbara is predominantly California bungalows
built in the early decades of the 20th century, Victorian homes adorning the
"Upper East", and Spanish style homes on estates in Montecito and Hope Ranch.
Downtown Santa Barbara has endless
activities and adventures for everyone to enjoy. Music lovers can enjoy
performances and concerts and The Arlington, Lobero Theatre, the recently
restored Granada Theatre, or the Santa Barbara Bowl – a fantastic outdoor venue
nestled in the Riviera hillside. For more active types, enjoy a sunset cruise
around or a trip out to the Channel Islands on one of the many ships docked in
the harbor. There is fantastic hiking, biking and kayaking for outdoor
enthusiasts as well as wine tasting and five star restaurants for foodies. Take
a stroll down State Street and enjoy the shopping or take a ride on the shuttle
to see the sites. No matter what you enjoy, Santa Barbara has something to offer
you.
Montecito Montecito is one of
the most desirable places to live as well as one of the wealthiest
communities in the United States. The area lies east of, and
directly adjacent to the city of Santa Barbara and sits between the
Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The King of Spain
granted Montecito land to the soldiers of the presidio in the late
1700s and early 1800s. Some of these Spanish pueblos still stand
today and have been beautifully restored, including Our Lady of
Mount Carmel Church on East Valley Road. Italian settlers began
arriving in the mid 1800s and built homes and gardens similar to the
ones they left behind in Italy. Mediterranean estates, old and new,
are a prominent style still seen throughout Montecito. In the late
1800s, word spread of Montecito’s beauty and prominent families
began building estates for themselves. Famous architects from all
over the world constructed residences and brought their unique
influences to their designs. Because of this, there is an incredible
variety of styles throughout Montecito, from Adobe to Contemporary,
and hundreds are of historical significance. George Washington Smith
is one of the most notable architects associated with Montecito and
is credited with over 80 homes of the Spanish-Colonial Revival style
in the area.
Every setting on a
property in Montecito is unique, whether your home sits atop a
foothill overlooking the Channel Islands and the Santa Ynez
Mountains, secluded among the oaks or perched on an oceanfront
bluff.
Coast
Village Road and East Valley Road are the two main areas where most
restaurants and shopping are located. The luxury hotels The Four
Seasons Biltmore and The San Ysidro Ranch are located in Montecito
as well as the world renowned golf courses Valley Club and Birnam
Wood.
San Roque San Roque is a charming
neighborhood located between the Upper East and Goleta and sits between Mission
Canyon and State Street. This area has some of the oldest residences in the city
and a fantastic mix of styles. Spanish Colonial, French Normandy and English
Tudor are the predominant architecture in this area. Dramatic mountain views and
mature vegetation create a lovely setting. Restaurants, shopping and businesses
are just a short distance from this area and make for a convenient location to
call home.
Samarkand
Samarkand is located between downtown and Goleta and between State Street and
Highway 101. Samarkand has long been described as the “pride of ownership” area
of Santa Barbara. The beautiful Spanish style homes have been well-restored and
well loved and the neighborhood takes pride in keeping the area beautiful.
Mountain and ocean peaks can be seen from many of the residences.
Mesa
Mesa is an oceanfront area that lies along the coast Southwest of downtown and
between Hope Ranch and the harbor. The residential community of the Mesa was
established during the housing boom following World War II. Today, Mesa still
has charming neighborhoods reminiscent of yesteryear with a laid-back, beach
feel. Views abound from the hilltop properties and the beach and harbor are just
a short walk or bike ride away. Shoreline park sits right on the coastline of
Mesa and has a spectacular view of the coastline and harbor.
Riviera
Riviera is a hill located close to downtown and directly east and adjacent to
Mission Santa Barbara. The two areas of the Riviera, upper and lower, are
separated by the main road, Alameda Padre Serra (locally known as APS), which
originally was the pathway of Father Junipero Serra to the Santa Barbara
Mission. Rich Spanish influences have been derived from this history and can be
seen in the architecture of many of the residences. Paseos to downtown still
exist next to many of the residences as well as original Adobe from the Mission
building. The Riviera is also known for it’s dramatic views. The steep hillside
looks directly down on the city of Santa Barbara, the harbor, and out to the
Pacific. Many of these characteristics make the Riviera a desirable and
expensive area to inhabit.
Goleta
Originally, the Goleta Valley was a prominent lemon-growing region and was
largely agricultural. After the war, Cachuma Lake was constructed and provided
water enabling a housing boom and the establishment of research and aerospace
firms in the area. In 1954 the University of California, Santa Barbara moved to
part of the former Marine base. High-tech companies and corporations soon
discovered the perks of establishing their companies in this region and business
have thrived. Goleta remains a center for high-tech firms, and a great community
and area to raise a family.
Mission Canyon
Country charm meets Santa Barbara lifestyle in the Mission Canyon
area - a fantastic rural neighborhood that sits tucked into the
mountain above the Upper East area. Very private, homes sit tucked
under oaks and down meandering driveways creating a peaceful and
private setting. Dramatic sweeping vistas can be seen from many of
these residence as well as the sound of the Mission Bells in the
distance.
Hope Ranch
Hope Ranch is situated in the southeastern portion of Santa Barbara
County between Highway 101 and the Pacific. This area is rich in
history with first written mention of the Hope Ranch area dating
back to 1769. In 1861, Thomas Hope bought the property for $8,000.
Today, Hope Ranch is a community comprised of over 1,863 acres of
ranch-style homes and grand estates sitting atop low rolling hills
and nestled in splendid live oaks. There is a homeowner's
association that manages the private roads, over 27 miles of horse
paths, the private beach and tennis courts. Hope Ranch is also home
to La Cumbre Country Club and it’s fantastic golf course which,
along with the Santa Ynez Mountains, creates a spectacular backdrop
for many of the properties. Expansive views of the Channel Islands
and ocean can also be seen from many areas making this an incredibly
beautiful and highly desirable place to live. (Hope Ranch is one of
the wealthiest areas in California.)
Carpinteria
Carpinteria is a small oceanside city located southeast of downtown
Santa Barbara. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria or "carpentry
shop" for the Chumash tribe’s large canoe-building enterprise there.
Today, the city of Carpinteria continues to stay fairly under the
radar from the Santa Barbara tourism industry and retains small town
charm and laid back, beach style. The natural beauty of the area is
great for outdoor adventurists. Surf, kayak, camp, or just stroll
downtown and check out the restaurants and shops. Carpinteria Beach
has been voted one of the best in the United States by numerous
publications and Rincon Point is a world-famous surf break. The
California Avocado Festival is held in Carpinteria every October in
addition to many other parades and family-friendly activities
throughout the year. There is an eclectic mix of properties due to
the diversity of the area. Homes range from funky beach shacks to
downtown cottages, to sprawling horse properties. One of the main
equestrian polo fields in the country is located in Carpinteria and
just across the freeway sits the oceanfront Padaro Lane – one of the
most expensive streets in all of Santa Barbara. With such great
variety, Carpinteria won’t disappoint.
Summerland
Summerland is a charming little seaside town that sits between
Montecito and Carpinteria and is just minutes from downtown Santa
Barbara. Most of the properties are nestled on the hillside and have
breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The main road that runs
through town is lined with antique stores, boutiques and cafes.
Craftsman style homes are dominant in this area,
