I’m trying something new. Putting the actual content in the headline, instead of the category. It will be easier to identify the articles you want to read - I know you’re all going through my back stories for inspiration!
There’s nothing more entertaining to me than scrolling real estate. Like Sofia Coppola quipped, porn for women. When I was in the market for a house, before opening my email or instagram, I’d open redfin. And now, I check in all the time, maybe not as obsessively as before, but still find fun in fantasizing, comparing, and regretting that we didn’t keep even one property in Santa Barbara.
First, some of the stranger ones I was able to find.
This one has me scratching my head:
Western town with a train depo, saloon, and town buildings that sits on 2 acres!!! Perfect for a store, wedding venue or to build houses on. Roof 3 yrs old.
“Department Store” is generous:
Live where you work in the heart of T or C, and take advantage of owner financing on this beautifully restored mixed-use property! Originally a 1948 department store, this approx. 8,500 sq ft building blends vintage charm with modern flexibility. Live upstairs in the spacious residential suite with an updated kitchen, large bedroom, and 3/4 bath. A mid-level suite adds another bedroom and 3/4 bath. The finished basement offers a 1,372 sf home theater with bar, pool table & dance floor, plus a 3rd bedroom, 3/4 bath, laundry, workshop, and storage. The main level features a 1,428 sf retail showroom with 15' ceilings, original cabinetry, wood floors, two display windows, plus a conference room, office, and storage. Included: adjacent fenced lot with raised gardens, steel storage building, and a 32-panel owned solar array with backup battery powering the main building. Upgrades include roof (2020), HVAC (2019), security, patio, hot tub, and carport. See commercial listing MLS#2501063.
If this doesn’t scare you, just take a look at the photos. Bolding my own:
FOR SALE, after being under construction for 43 years, and still not entirely finished, French ornamented cathedral Gothic, with all custom ornaments, molds and scaffolding techniques. This mansion is based on Newport, RI style and spirit from the 19th Century “”Rare, in the world, decorated, ornamented, well-executed, all entirely “by-old medieval hand methods”, ashlar masonry stone French cathedral Gothic style exterior with authentic gargoyles, finials, Standard wall buttresses, numerous crockets, unique, hand-carved stone ornaments, molds and cast masonry heads, etc. Inside, are AUTHENTIC replica Versailles, Louis 13-16 decorated, gilded panels (50), including 7 LARGE (3' x 16'' x3" thick fiberglass, plater and gold-leafed; and FOUR (4) 12' x 6' X 4" thick for palatial gold-leafed ceilings, PLUS over-doors, art on every wall; valuably 700# antique carved marble mantle, plus two other antique wood mantle, 200 wall-sconce outlets for super-ambiance, etc. ALL Anderson windows, two gas furnaces, new and unused, VERY ample 200-amp HUGE 120-220 volt electric system and good plumbing, virtually unused huge septic tank and line system, etc., on about 6 acres of OLD, huge redwood forest, some 2nd growth and a spectacular "million $" ocean view, when redwoods are limbed and trimmed every 20 years....” ”Massive fall-color and rose gardens were planted and irrigated several years ago, with 15,000 Eastern US fall color trees and bushes, 6000 roses planted and thousands of bulbs, also There are 6 acres with "million $" ocean and sunset view; the RAREST, most costly redwood lace burl raised panel doors in the world, exclusively from Westgate Door Co and with the extensive rare railings, burl veneer paneling and TWO ENORMOUS, the largest in the WORLD, solid lace dining tables (two) about 7' in diameter, are the subject for a world-class rare wood collector; Also for sale here are 1500 sq. ft of the ultimate grade palatial antique Italian marquetry, veneer and solid wood furniture, ranging from console tables and mirrors; 10 different sizes of round antique tables, up to a 12' x 6' museum-piece dining table, various rare cabinets, marquetry, upholstered chairs, couches, china and other cabinets, solid gold (plated) grandfather clock and two huge antique chandeliers, all worth over $300k on the market now and arguable TWICE that! 6. 3 Antique fireplaces, two installed and the largest, antique carved marble from Europe, weighing 600 # is worth $70,000 plus itself alone. Both fireplaces have over-mantles About 10 tons of Grand Canyon ashlar masonry blocks, x random lengths to 4’ long x 1–2” thick are there from Grand Canyon area quarries. Antique panelling for the downstairs library or music room is from the famous STETSON Mansion in the Eastern US, and antique carved marble mantles are from Italy and NYC. The Stetson panelling plus marble mantles from Italy are worth over $70,000 at today’s valuations. The roof is “100+ year” super thick, 1 1/2” thick redwood shake roof, on a 12×12 (12-2) steep slope strong underlayment structure, which is a superlative feature! 18. TOTAL value above is $4,500,000 minimum, perhaps 2-3 times that when cleaned-up, organized better and finished further. 10. A 1000' long giant, 25' tall, 10' thick vibrant privet HEDGE, borders theEast side of property and a portion of the South and North, before you reach the dense redwood forests, worth at least $30k to duplicate, much SMALLER.... 11. Massive fall color and rose gardens, 20,000 plantings, plus 10,000 daffodil, iris, lily, etc BULBS, are spread over 6 acres, still there mostly, alive and colorful. More than [many extras edited-out. as computer undervalues the estate]
To cleanse the palate:
Obsessed with the kitchen
This custom built home, was featured in "Better Homes and Gardens" February issue in 1963, & was a crown jewel of its time. This beautiful expansive home boasts over 4,415 square feet of living space, with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, one is an office with built-in desks & shelves. Every single room has custom built in storage cabinets. The master bedroom has floor to ceiling windows giving it lots of natural light. The master bathroom has a tiled shower, a double sink vanity, complete with a spacious jetted tub. There is a full walk out basement, perfect for in-laws or grown children, with a full bathroom, a bedroom, windows giving it natural light, a kitchen space, a living room space, & its own entrance. A tennis court that is in need of repair is located on the property. I saved the best for last: a beautiful custom gunite swimming pool that is 10 feet deep, complete with diving board & cabana. This one of a kind home has it all.
Full on dream house and location, plus another killer kitchen:
This country house is an outstanding estate located in a privileged enclave, where the comfort of contemporary luxury combines with the rustic character of the natural surroundings. Originally built in 1876 and completely restored, the property extends over a plot of 765,000 m², ensuring privacy, spaciousness, and an ideal environment for those seeking to enjoy rural lifestyle with all modern comforts. The main house has 710 m² built and is designed to offer both functionality and wellness. It has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, all equipped with high-end facilities, including a bathtub, steam room, and sauna. The original architecture is preserved in details such as the wooden beamed ceilings, adding character and authenticity to the spaces. The kitchen has been renovated to the highest standards and opens to living areas connected visually and physically to the outside thanks to large windows, allowing you to enjoy natural light and unobstructed views of the garden and surrounding landscape. The outdoor area includes a pool, terrace, and private garden, ideal for relaxation or outdoor entertainment. The estate also has facilities for equestrian and sports activities, offering an ideal environment for an active lifestyle in contact with nature. San José del Bosque represents a unique opportunity to acquire a carefully modernized historic property in an exceptional location, with everything necessary for a comfortable, private, and connected life with the surroundings.
And finally, some nostalgic ones from my youth. These are homes that my parents put so much heart and soul into, restoring to their original condition in both cases.
2130 State Street - I spent a lot of time in this house. My brother and I, aged 11 and 13 during this summer renovation, were tasked with many painful and difficult tasks, from stripping paint to hauling concrete.
The listing:
Built by noted architect Wm. Poole, this historic home has been graciously restored to preserve its original quality and character. The useable floor plan of this 2-story home has 4bd/2ba and a sunroom upstairs and downstairs a formal dining room, kitchen with eat-in nook, spacious living room w/FP and a bright sitting room that looks out onto the serene backyard. The 2 car garage in the back of home also has an attached office/studio. Traditional charm, quietude and security is enhanced by the by the perimeter manicured box hedges and custom wrought iron gates. Walk to Downtown, Roosevelt School, Parks and the Mission from this ideal location.
610 E Victoria.
I wonder if the current owners know that my mom petitioned the city to change the address (it was on a corner) from 1230 Salsipuedes? Documented here. Not only could she not pronounce it, but it means, in Spanish, leave if you can. The story my father told us was bleak: the original inhabitants of the area, the Chumash, were attacked by Spanish and Mexican settlers, and Salsipuedes was the only escape route that led to the ocean. However, I cannot find anything online to back up this story, but that the street was enclosed on both sides by a marsh and a river, making passage difficult. The street was named in 1851, which could support my father’s timeline, but we have no way to know for sure.
The listing:
RARE DOWNTOWN GEM!LOVINGLY RESTORED CRAFTSMAN ON LG LOT LANDSCAPED F/PRIVACY.W/LG RED BARN PROP IS REMINISCENT OF COUNTRRETREAT.WIDE FRONT VERANDA,SPACIOUS INTERIOR.ORIG KIT,FORMALDR SURROUNDED W/WINDOWS.MAPLE FLRS,WAINSCOTING.2ND FLR REMODHAS 2 RMS & BA.LG BRITE LNDRY RM.ZONED R-3 F/POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.FRONT DOOR ON SALSIPUEDES.PLS GIVE MIN 1/2 HR NOTICE
I just realized why I want to put shingles all over the side of my home.
You can find our Chaparral collection, inspired by the Santa Barbara region on our site, and, if you find value in these newsletters, I hope you’ll support this substack by becoming a paid subscriber, liking, or commenting- Thank you!
Paid subscribers receive access to our home essays. Next one explores how what happened in the living room at Victoria shaped my entire adult life.
You have lived in such lovely places, Sarah. And, as a youth, you have helped make them even better. No wonder you are so good at redecorating work.
Dotty