Blog

A Provençal Farmhouse in the Middle of Montecito

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The shape of the 1987 house is fairly conventional, but the redesign and finishes make it both of the moment and timeless.

Fresh Out of the Box in the San Marcos Preserve

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Five newly listed properties that don’t warrant posts of their own, including a veritable resort in Montecito; a 1930s San Roque charmer; an outdoor entertaining haven off Milpas; and a vacant lot in Hope Ranch.

The Latest Push for Public Access to Hollister Ranch Beaches

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And in other recent news: Santa Barbara’s second pot shop has opened; more development coming to the Funk Zone; comparing the sites for a new police headquarters; hikers saved by putting a message in a bottle.

Adorable 1920s House Seeks Someone With Money and Patience

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Also newly reduced: Brand-new Montecito house down $300,000 after only five weeks on the market; Riven Rock Road property with a killer view; Hope Ranch chateau now available for less than the owner paid; funky Gaudí-inspired villa.

A 300-Acre Ranch That’s Been Decorated With Gusto

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The Quail H Ranch in Santa Ynez is a gentleman rancher’s dream come true. Or maybe a gentleman vintner’s: According to the listing, it’s “ideal for establishing a premium Bordeaux varietal vineyard.”

Is the Bridge Over San Ysidro Creek Ever Going to Get Repaired?

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“Are there any plans to fix the bridge that used to link San Ysidro Lane and E. Mountain Drive, before the debris flow destroyed it?” asks F. “It was a handy way for residents on the E. Mountain side to reach the Ranch for dinner.” Here’s a report on the project’s status.

This 1930 Montecito Villa Has Been Made to Look Even Older

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In 2014, someone bought the 1930 house at 848 Picacho Lane for $5.5 million. Now it’s on the market for $15 million.

One of the Largest Lots in the Bungalow District

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Four-tenths of an acre might not sound like much, but in the Bungalow District, it’s a veritable kingdom. At 1321 Alta Vista Road—about three times the size of its neighbors—there’s room for a sweet Craftsman house, a two-bedroom guest house, and a sizable yard.

Go Back in Time on Two-Plus Acres Above Cliff Drive

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Five newly listed properties that don’t quite warrant posts of their own, including a California cottage awaiting its fairy godremodeler; a secluded Mesa house ready for a reinvention; kitchen window views to die for in the Lower Riviera; one of the last vacant ocean-view lots in the Mesa.

A Handy Reminder Not to Loiter Under a Cliff

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In other news: The victims of the Conception tragedy; potential bottlenecking at the Olive Mill roundabout; locals are concerned about rich man’s helipads; Eleven 14 opens today in the former Viva space.