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We Live In Paradise
JORDANA BREWSTER renovated a 100-year-old house as a weekend getaway for her newly blended family, then realized she never wanted to leave
A pioneer in our midst: the legendary RENNY YATER and board members of the Hope Ranch Surf Club
Designer Doni Nahmias returns to his roots, rolling through bowl corners at Carpinteria’s new skate park.
Susan Read Cronin
Bronze sculptures with humorous and allegorical themes
Otto
Bronze Limited Edition of 24
4” H x 4” W x 7” D
What’s Now
Our world-renowned FILM FESTIVAL finds the sweet spot between Hollywood and international cinema
President and CEO of Paramount Pictures Brian Robbins and his wife, Tracy, hosted an intimate event at their home in Montecito last weekend to celebrate the release of Jeremiah Brent’s first book, The Space That Keeps You.
he restaurant’s culinary orientation is clear from its name—RASCAL’S VEGAN—but owner and chef Dalan Moreno’s commitment to that dietary regimen goes beyond a foodie trend.
Peter Lee and Felicia Medina have turned a pandemic pop-up into one of Santa Barbara’s most playful Asian-fusion concepts: SECRET BAO.
Southern California has no shortage of great Southeast Asian cuisine, but NA NA THAI, a new kitchen in Buellton, is in the running for best Thai food in the entire state.
A decade ago the Funk Zone was an emerging neighborhood in Santa Barbara, and THE LARK was a newcomer in the area.
In Partnership
A fresh Golden Quadrangle estate features five newly fashioned structures across three sculpted acres—adding up an elegantly harmonious whole.
A charming 1948 Spanish-Mediterranean home with vivid Santa Barbara hilltop views is faithfully renewed for the 21st century.
The longstanding luxury agent and his group are on a perpetual mission—to highlight the beauty of real estate and satisfy the most discerning clients in the business.
In Partnership with Santa Barbara Magazine
After a winding dramatic approach, enter a modern architectural masterpiece by renowned Barbara Bestor, uniquely positioned atop its private aerie with unparalleled serenity while basking in spectacular views and immersed in nature. Through the courtyard terrace with fireplace discovery continues at the front door opening to a spectacular view of the Santa Barbara coastline. Retractable walls of glass transform the interior into a dramatic garden pavilion anchored by an open kitchen and sitting area flanked by glass walls merging with natural wilderness ambiance. The primary bedroom with private mountain-view terrace, yoga/exercise room and two additional bedrooms, media room share the single level home with three terraces. The detached guest house sleeps up to four comfortably. The infinity edge pool truly appears to merge with the Pacific Ocean. Presented by Randy Solakian Estates Group | Offered at $9.950 million Learn More
This home offers the epitome of oceanfront luxury, featuring sprawling grounds, impeccable design, and breathtaking ocean views. Resting on 4.3 flat park-like acres, with 350 feet of bluff front, this estate redefines coastal living, providing an unparalleled retreat of sophistication and serenity on one of the most sought-after locations. Beyond the gates, a long, enchanting driveway opens, leading you into a coastal oasis with lush gardens and breathtaking ocean vistas. At its heart, the main residence welcomes guests with an elegant and inviting ambiance. Dotted with specimen trees, the estate features a professionally designed putting green for recreation, along with meandering pathways leading to a tranquil koi pond, fragrant rose garden, and a mesmerizing ocean-view terrace, creating idyllic outdoor spaces for nature enthusiasts and those seeking scenic relaxation. The Santa Ynez mountains to the north and the vast Pacific horizon to the southwest transform 3055 Padaro Lane into an exceptional coastal haven where nature's beauty enriches every facet of daily life. Presented by Riskin Partners Estate Group | Offered at $63 million Learn More
From its secluded and peaceful ocean-view perch in Hope Ranch, this stunning estate offers an opulent oasis difficult to rival. Boasting more than 10,300 square feet of living space, beautifully and extensively renovated in 2015, the 2.5-acre property checks nearly every box: a 8,100+ sq. ft. main residence, a spacious guesthouse, a pool and pool house, a tennis court, an exercise center, gated security, and privacy — a true luxury compound tucked away on one of the most desirable streets in Hope Ranch. Presented by the Dusty Baker Group | Offered at $19.950 million Learn More
Hollister Ranch is a community rich in history and home to many notable owners, yet rarely has there been a legacy offering quite like the front row parcel of ''Tranquility Base,'' with its 102± acres, generous main estate home with swimming pool and tennis court, guest house, two barns, equestrian facilities, and ranch office. This spectacular parcel is one of the most private and secure compounds on the coast of Southern California. The ultimate in ranch living, with pastures, horse stalls, trails, gardens, a private well, and much more. It’s a perfect retreat offering uncompromising serenity, breathtaking views of the ocean and islands, and the vast expanse of the Hollister Ranch hills and its native vegetation, wildlife, and natural resources, unlike any other placePresented by Emily Kellenberger & Associates | Offered at $33 million Learn More
This renovated 4,757-square-foot haven with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms on almost one acre seamlessly merges with its wooded surroundings. The main level hosts the primary suite, appropriately set away from the guest bedrooms, which offers views of the tree-lined property and two recently updated ensuite bathrooms. The spacious lower level of the home provides three bedrooms, a large living room, gym, and three updated bathrooms. Adding allure to this retreat is a 1,576-square-foot tucked-away guest house boasting 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. With its high ceilings, wood beams, glass walls, and an effortlessly cool style, it’s a space that complements the main residences unique charm. Immerse yourself in a lifestyle where artistry meets nature on this architecturally unique and thoughtfully designed home in Montecito. Presented by The Easter Team | Offered at $7.995 million Learn More
Commanding celestial lakeside panoramas of La Cumbre Country Club and golf course in Hope Ranch, this striking architectural gem stands as an exquisite showpiece of celebrated Santa Barbaran, Joseph Plunkett. The 5-bedroom, 4-bath Spanish Colonial Revival-style home bears the widely admired trademarks of its designers: graceful arches, romantic balconies and stairways, hand-hewn woodwork, and ornamental details of tile and iron. Lovingly restored and maintained by the same owner for nearly 50 years, the 3,600+ square-foot home offers a truly evocative connection to a bygone era, and the rare chance to own a paradisal piece of Santa Barbara history. Spend just a few moments on this enchanting property and you’ll find it difficult not to fall in love! Presented by the Dusty Baker Group | Offered at $7.995 million Learn More
Block Party
Enjoy a rambling tour of downtown’s home stores; you’ll be sure to discover something special to brighten your day (and your abode)
Ideas for reveling in the Southern California lifestyle abound in the boutiques here, plus the beach is just across the way
Everyone seems to know everyone else in this low-key, close-knit beach town with a penchant for vintage wares
Under the gaze of the Topa Topa Mountains you’ll find a big design destination with a small-town charm
Wine, windmills, and wide-open spaces set the stage for design-detailed lodging, home, and garden havens
Awarded gold medals in 2022 and 2023 by the Sommeliers Choice Awards, Champagne Alexandra Sainz is a unique and exclusive Grand Cru Champagne.
Folded Hills Winery is a small family-owned winery located at the gateway to Santa Ynez Valley just off the 101 between Las Cruces and Buellton just 4.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
La Lieff is a small, vibrant, women-owned wine company producing Rhône Varietals along the California Central Coast.
Tomi Cellars is the winery project from film industry veterans Boyd Shermis and Denise Davis.
Book Club
Tomes to keep you dreaming
After surviving the 2018 Montecito mudslide, Mary Firestone interviewed trauma survivors and now shares her own harrowing story in Trusting the Dawn (Sounds True, $26). The book lends a fresh take on healing modalities, focusing on connection, hope, and choosing joy. Firestone says, “Experiencing extreme growth, positive change, and a new, wondrous perspective on what it means to be alive can contribute to a more connected, dynamic life on the other side [of trauma].”
In a bright, heartfelt, humorous memoir, 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking)(BookBaby, $15), Elizabeth Moore Kraus proves that sometimes it takes being a half world away (specifically Ireland, England, Scotland) to rediscover things about yourself and the people—in this case three sisters in their 60s, Liz, Les, and Rie—you love. “Eat, Pray, Love this is not,” the author says. “Think more along the lines of Eat. Laugh. Lost. That’s something the Moore sisters do, oh, so very well.”
A Map to Your Soul (Rodale Books, $26), by Dr. Jennifer Freed, sheds light on the elements (fire, earth, air, water) that manifest in each of us. The guide helps readers discover their personal map, with self-care rituals to design their best life. “I wanted to share a pathway to full self-expression, turning gifts and strengths into community contribution,” says Freed, Goop’s resident psychological astrologer. “Getting elemental is the best way I know to teach the fundamental and worldwide basics of astrology.”
All Signs Point to Paris (Mariner Books, $29) is a rom-com-like memoir of one woman’s search for a second chance at love. Author Natasha Sizlo—“divorced, broke, freshly heartbroken, and reeling from her father’s death”—is gifted a session with L.A.’s most sought-after astrologist, who tells her that an ex is “the one,” because his birthdate and birthplace (November 2, 1968; Paris, France) line up with her astrological point of destiny. The nonbeliever says, “Oui” and books a ticket to Paris with her sister and two besties for the trip of a lifetime.
California Elegance: Portraits From the Final Frontier (Mondadori, available at Chaucer’s Books) profiles people who have shaped the destiny of the Golden State, including scientists, politicians, designers, firefighters, and, appropriately, treasured local denizen Mahri Kerley, who has elegantly helmed the venerable Chaucer’s Books since 1974.
For a taste of eye candy, pick up Michael Haber: The Elements (Art/Society Publishing, available at Field + Fort), a large-format tome featuring a curated collection of images snapped by the talented local lensman during the course of his awardwinning career producing stunning commercial campaigns for the likes of The Gap, Old Navy, and Tommy Bahama. Don’t miss the author’s book signing on December 11, 3-6 p.m., at Summerland’s Field + Fort.
Artist Symeon Shimin (1902-1984)—whose work includes an important mural at Washington’s Department of Justice building and the movie poster for Gone With the Wind—is being rediscovered thanks to The Art of Symeon Shimin (Mercury Press International, available at Tecolote Book Shop). The book is edited by his daughter, UC Santa Barbara dance professor emerita Tonia Shimin, with essays by local arts writers Charles Donelan and Josef Woodard.
(Flatiron Books, available at Chaucer’s Books) is an insightful (and often witty) firsthand account by UC Santa Barbara student Via Bleidner detailing her experiences attending high school in the land where McMansions and Kardashians are the norm.
Architecture buffs will be thrilled to know that Santa Barbara Architecturefrom Spanish Colonial to Modern (Tailwater Press, available at tailwaterpress.com) is back in print. The latest update of this comprehensive compendium—which was first published in 1975—includes a foreword by local architect Marc Appleton and images by local photographer Wayne McCall.
Alexandra and Michael Misczynski, the wife-and-husband team behind the L.A. design firm Atelier AM, showcase eight of their new projects in Houses: Atelier AM (Rizzoli New York, $70), with photographs by François Halard. rizzoliusa.com.
In Partnership with Santa Barbara Magazine
Great Schools
From Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade, throughout Santa Barbara
South Coast Montessori offers an authentic Montessori program for children 3 months through 12 years old.
Ojai Valley School is an independent boarding & day school for 290 students — Pre-K through 12th grade — on two campuses in Ojai.
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Anacapa School is an independent, co-educational school for grades 7-12 that offers a high-quality education in an enriching environment.
Crane Country Day School is a co-educational Kindergarten–8th Grade independent school located on 11 beautiful acres in Montecito.
Laguna Blanca—your potential is our passion. At Laguna Blanca, it is impossible to fly beneath the radar.
Since 1965, Montessori Center School has developed children ages 18 months to sixth grade into independent, self-motivated, confident learners.
Equip your student to pursue a life of purpose with Providence: Santa Barbara's only Christian school serving preschool through 12th grade.
Founded in 1976, Santa Barbara Middle School is an independent co-educational day school specializing in grades 6-9.