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1800 El Encanto Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
The most prized homes in Santa Barbara are often legacy properties steeped in a rich provenance of service to the city’s residents and visitors. Fitting, then, that this beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style home in Santa Barbara’s El Encanto Hotel Historic District is such a place. Originally, “Cottage 22” was among the early 20th century resort’s group of privileged hideaways that were home away from home to Hollywood celebrities and numerous titans of business.
In 1935, the cottage was redesigned and greatly expanded by esteemed architects Edwards and Plunkett, creators of the city’s iconic Arlington Theatre, among other significant landmarks and private residences. Today, recently lovingly restored and remodeled, this important hacienda-style home exudes elegance, privacy, and utmost comfort, with beautifully landscaped grounds and vibrant citrus orchards.
COMMON AREAS
One enters this singular home via the long, colonnaded portico running along one side of the expansive central courtyard. Throughout the abode, restored period details abound, from graceful arches and wooden beams to wrought iron accents and meticulously crafted exterior shutters. There is a distinct ambiance of warmth and calm abiding as old-world charm and sensibilities blend effortlessly with new-world comforts.
That ambiance is palpable in the impressive living room crowned with a towering cathedral ceiling of dark-stained wood, exposed beams, and a pair of massive drop joists. Traditional wood-framed French doors grace the front and rear walls; two flank the fireplace and open to the central courtyard, while, on the facing wall, four more offer access to the view terrace. The result is a space awash in natural light and creating a refreshing flow-through venue for entertaining or day-to-day relaxation. An archway leads to the formal dining room; also offering multiple French doors to the courtyard, a lovely fireplace, and exquisitely stained wood floor.
From the dining room, a second archway reveals the kitchen as part of a great room that incorporates a large, welcoming den; with its fireplace and four sets of French doors to the grounds, it is yet another place for camaraderie or contemplation. The dazzling chef’s kitchen features Shaker cabinetry, high-end stainless appliances, and a versatile center island.
BEDROOM SUITES
The extraordinary residence hosts two luxurious, near-twin primary suites: one gracing each wing of the home, and each featuring authentic arched doorways, a corner fireplace, and ocean vistas. Two spacious bedrooms, each with a new bath and generous closet ensuite, occupy the guest wing and provide egress to intimate patios. A lengthy gallery hallway ensures utmost privacy.
THE GROUNDS
While the interior of this remarkable residence is seductive, the grounds are magical. Step from the colonnade into the expansive central courtyard and its alluring combination of an ornate tiled fountain, large fire pit, and pergola-covered seating. Or step out of the living room or either primary bedroom suite and onto a targe terrace as it conjures the conviviality of a garden party with flagstone underfoot, a blue or starlit sky overhead, and a vista of glittering ocean over a sea of treetops in the distance. A staircase rises to an intimate rooftop viewing deck offering a dazzling city, ocean, harbor and island view. There are charming small patios, and fastidiously cared for hedges, trees, and other flora, as well as lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit trees.
CONVENIENCE
The elevated provenance of this imposing property entitles its owners to the use of an exclusive pathway to world-class El Encanto Hotel and its starred dining, and to the historic Riviera Theatre. Down the hill, all the wonderful shopping, dining, cultural and recreational opportunities of Santa Barbara await, as do necessary services, and both public and private schools.