Friday

Crazy About Montecito

Of all the places I've traveled to in the United States, Santa Barbara is probably my favorite.  To be more exact, Montecito.  If you can say a city or town has "it", this place definitely does.  With the beach, the mountains, the climate, the architecture, the food.  I just don't think it can get much better.
The times I've been there, I love to drive around to see all the incredible homes and gardens.  Many are very difficult to see from the road because of the enormous walls and most of the homes are set so far from the street.  Last time we were there we dragged the kids to an estate sale just so we could see the property -- the last thing kids want to do on a Spring Break.
Well known interior designer John Saladino's estate is one of these.  Fortunately, C Magazine, did a story on his incredible home (you can also see it in his book).
His Italianate villa was built in 1929 by architect and builder Wallace Frost.  Saladino did an incredible job of remodeling the house that is quintessential Monticeto.

The roof is 18th century Italian handmade terra-cotta tile.  He brought in more than 4,000 trees and shrubs including these incredible 50 year old Italian cypress trees.

The interior is just as amazing as the exterior.  Many of the interior walls are the same stone as the exterior.  The steel windows and doors are incredible.  We are currently building a Mediterranean house in Fort Worth with windows and doors very similar.

I love the urn set into the stone window surround.  The ivy covered wall in perfect.

The dining room, with the (what I believe to be) cypress paneling and ceiling and Italian chandelier is beautiful.
All of the above pictures from C Magazine.

Another well published interior designer, Michael Smith, did an incredible job at the former Pillsbury estate in Montecito -- Las Encintas.  This Portuguese-style house was originally a California Mission Revival house built in the 1890s and is set into the hillside.  It is much different from Saladino's but typical old Montecito.  More formal and crisp.



The tile in the living room and powder bath typical Portuguese and are handmade in Los Angeles.  We are using a very similar tile from the same tile company for a current job.

I love how Smith gave the powder bath a true Period Revival feel.


While I love my city, Montecito is one of those places that is just very difficult to beat.
All of the pictures of Las Encinitas come from Santa Barbara magazine.

25 comments:

Dallas Decorum said...

Already planning a trip! Beautiful!

Red Door Home said...

Just found your incredible blog and now am a new follower. Looking forward to seeing more fantastic houses.

Robyn said...

That bathroom that's second from last is just fabulous. The antique mirror just pulls the room together and gives it a story!

Lenore/Lascaux Tile said...

Thank you for posting some of our tile work!!
Your project looks fantastic!

Bathroom Vanities said...

I love the details and structure of the bath!

Unknown said...

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Brendan Gertner said...

Ooh, I'm scared for the owner of that house with the plant-covered wall. If those vines grow all the way up to the roof, they may ruin the shingles and cause serious damage! I should know because I've been there. I never knew that it could happen, so when I discovered it, it was almost too late. Fortunately, roofing contractors (BC area) were easy to contact. I just gave them a call and they went to my house as soon as they could. Just a tip: always care for your house's roofing. BC roof experts will be there to help you with that, as they did for me.

Home theater projectors said...

I really appreciate John Saladino's interior design work...its sounds interesting and attractive too.. http://www.edgonline.com/ i admire the steel windows and doors...Italian chandelier is Pretty beauty one.

Roofers Edinburgh said...

Some beautiful architecture and decor here, lovely pics.

Builders Glasgow said...

This is absolutely beautiful, almost looks like something from a movie. Great pictures and excellent inspiration.

Cleaners Glasgow said...

Absolutely beautiful, what it must be to own such a house and home.

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house and lot for sale Philippines said...

What a lovely post and I like it. It was very luxurious and how I wish to have this kind of elegant property. Thank you and keep sharing.



Charles A

Bean bag chairs said...

The sink in the bathroom resembles a piano. The mirror provides an antique touch to the room.

Aico Furniture said...

The antique mirror looks nice. YOu can team that with furniture from Aico's collection.

limestone hoods said...

The cypress trees gives true italian look to the villa.

- Herman Swan

shahi - Professional Doctorate said...

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Tampa FL property management companies said...

I love this crazy tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life.

Investment Fraud Securities Attorney said...

this home is so beautiful, the owner of this place is so lucky!

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Stonemason Edinburgh said...

The workmanship in these properties is fantastic. I've worked in the building trade for over 25 years and have not seen better finishing.

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