Author: Erik Torkells

December 13, 2022

Minutes from Montecito: Paradise Found

Perfectly sited between the Santa Ynez mountains and Pacific Ocean, the Prancing Horse Estate is one of Carpinteria’s premier trophy properties, with authentic Tuscan architecture by renowned architect Don Nulty and over 12 acres of exquisitely landscaped grounds.

The ShineUP Shop in the Funk Zone Is Closing

Plus: Cannabis shop opened in Isla Vista; new yoga studio and wellness collective; useless parking signs at Santa Barbara Airport; the area around Shoreline Park's torii gate is getting renovated; signal modifications at Highway 154 and State Street; Cliff Drive pedestrian improvements; rainbow curb cuts. 3

December 12, 2022

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Just Dropped $70 Million on Padaro Lane

It's the biggest residential sale in South County history. Recent sales also include a Birnam Wood pocket listing for $8.287 million; a Riven Rock four-bedroom with pool house; turnkey on Picacho Lane; and more. 1

December 11, 2022

New Restaurant Confirmed in Montecito’s Upper Village (Take Two)

The original post didn't load for some people, so here's a retry: More food news: Caruso's was awarded a Michelin star; the Dutch Garden's lunch menu; Rori's Artisanal Creamery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with free scoops of a special flavor; Cold Stone Creamery has closed; Peasants Deli is opening an arcade annex; the Ballard Inn has halted dinner service; Organic Soup Kitchen's Holiday SouperMarket and Soup Tasting Party.

Who Bought the Former St. Mary’s Seminary—and Why?

"A couple of weeks ago, the St. Mary's seminary up on Las Canoas Road was auctioned off," wrote N. "Can you find out who bought it and what his or her plans are?" 1

Newsletter: December 11

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December 10, 2022

Shop Local Gift Guide, Part 5: 23 More Gift Ideas

To wrap up this year's Shop Local Gift Guide: a cornucopia of other highly giftable stuff. 3

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 1

December 9, 2022

A Montecito Classic Ready for Its Next Act

Noteworthy new listings also include a cute, stylish 1920 bungalow near the hospital; 4,200-square-footer in a 55-and-over community; 1970s architecture on the Mesa; and a moongate in Hope Ranch Annex. 2

December 8, 2022

The State Street Parklet Conundrum Continues

Other recent news: The design of the Highway 101 interchange at Hot Springs Road and Cabrillo Boulevard; progress for the proposed State Street hotel; cannabis odor scrubbers seem to be working (but still aren't required); Santa Barbara residents vent about cruise ships; a book about Rincon Point; leather goods shop opening on Coast Village Road; the latest on the battle over Hollister Ranch beach access; new barber shop in Goleta; fancified motels in Paso Robles and Cayucos. 12