Casa Del Herrero Tour in Montecito - 07/20/10 06:15 PM
George Washington Smith is one of the most popular architects of homes built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style throughout Montecito and Santa Barbara during the early early 20th century.  During his relatively short career, he designed and guided the construction of over 60 homes in the area.  Many of these homes and buildings including the Santa Barbara Courthouse stand today.  A prime example of his architectural design is the Montecito Estate known as Casa Del Herrero.
I recently took a tour of the Casa Del Herrero Estate which is located at 1382 East Valley Road in Montecito's upper village.  The home was completed in 1926 and occupied on the same day that Santa Barbara … (1 comments)

Montecito Tea Fire Still Burning - 07/11/10 02:56 PM
Montecito Tea Fire Still Burning
I recently attended an interesting meeting of the Montecito Fire Committee.  About two years ago there was a massive fire that raged in the hills above Santa Barbara destroying hundreds of multi-million dollar estates, known as the tea fire. Many of these homes were built on hillsides and back in canyons serviced by private roads that do not meet current fire dept specifications, primarily because they are not wide enough for the big modern fire trucks.  Santa Barbara County allowed owners that lost their homes, two years to rebuild through a streamlined permitting process without having to go through the … (2 comments)

Federal Stimulus Money for Santa Barbara Homeowners Who Go Green - 07/06/10 03:03 PM
Federal Stimulus Money for Santa Barbara Homeowners Who Go Green
Property owners in Santa Barbara County who are interested in improving their home or even commercial properties with green retrofits should investigate a new program being offered.  The County of Santa Barbara has received 5 million dollars in federal stimulus funds for their program called Empower Santa Barbara County.  The funds are going to be distributed in the form of low interest loans that are to be secured on the properties through a property tax assessment that is to be paid back over a term of up to 20 years. 
What types of … (0 comments)

Cota Street Studios- Unique Architecture in Downtown Santa Barbara - 07/01/10 07:08 PM

Cota Street Studios- Unique Architecture in Downtown Santa Barbara
Just a couple blocks fom vibrant State Street in downtown Santa Barbara with its restaurants, shops and entertainment is an interesting complex of 8 Spanish village inspired condominiums called the Cota Street Studios.  The Architect, Jeff Shelton designed these bi level condos with meandering courtyards, tile roofs and white stucco walls to resemble a Spanish village with a surreal twist.  All of the units have unique rounded doors that slide open to a courtyard.  The iron railings have artistic twists and turns, colorful tiles are imbedded in the stucco, Moor influenced fountains and outdoor … (1 comments)