Driving Through the Heart of Hokkaido

Japan's large north island shows a wildly different side of the country, with world-class inns, volcano hikes, soaking in spring water, and a lot of soft-serve ice cream. 4

Newsletter: November 15

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Shoreline Park Neighbor Sells for $8.5 Million

Last week's sales also include a half-built knoll-top estate for $27 million; Cove House's spec reno behind Eucalyptus Hill; the 1920 Riviera house where trees were illegally cut down; 1958 Lower Riviera two-bedroom with guest apartment; and more.

New Price: Funk Zone Townhome With Two-Car Garage

This luxurious tri-level townhouse—with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and space for an office—is in excellent condition and move-in ready. And it's in the heart of the Funk Zone, with beaches, restaurants, tasting rooms, and more just minutes away.

The Biltmore Is Adding a Bunch of Shops

Plus: A big construction project in front of the hotel; Vuori has moved into the Athleta space; "sock-skating rink" on MOXI's rooftop; protea garden tours in the Santa Ynez Valley; Gregory Alan Isakov to play the Arlington Theatre; explanation for the Rosewood Miramar Beach's Italian flag. 8

A New Restaurant in the Former Courthouse Tavern Space

More food news: Azul says it'll open next week; city officials did the Daisy wrong; "speakeasy" said to be coming to the San Ysidro Ranch; Bell's raised its dinner price; Sunburst and Dang Burger are 21-and-over till the new liquor license arrives; Bettina's popular cheesy bread. 18

Newsletter: November 12

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 4

The Summer Solstice Celebration Theme Is “Flights of Fancy”

Other recent news: Rain is in the forecast (as is a wet winter in general); verdict in the trial over house bought by Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom; the bitter battle between the Santa Barbara Unified School District's teachers and leadership; State Street tattoo parlor moved to the Mesa; the history of Isla Vista; more on the former Child Estate; the mission of the U.S. Space Force. 2

Indoor-Outdoor Living Taken to the Next Level

Noteworthy new listings also include oceanfront on the private lane just past Hendry's Beach; single-level sprawler across from Lotusland; semi-subterranean near Butterfly Beach; fresh renovation on the Riviera; Eucalyptus Hill fixer; and more.