Author: Erik Torkells

August 4, 2025

A Busy Week for Hope Ranch Real Estate

Last week's sales include six in Hope Ranch, including a cleaned-up 1992 villa, a couple of mega-Mediterraneans, and an old-school fixer on Mariposa Drive; the 1931 George Washington Smith house on Plaza Rubio; two in central Montecito; the 1935 Spanish Colonial fixer near the Cold Spring trailhead; and more.

August 3, 2025

Notes From Up North

Highs and lows on a visit to Healdsburg, Mendocino, and San Francisco—including being dwarfed by redwoods, wandering on the edge of bluffs, cosplaying Jessica Fletcher, riding in robotaxis, and eating very well. 1

Newsletter: August 3

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 2

August 1, 2025

A Grand Entrance in Birnam Wood

Noteworthy new listings also include an English country–style house with massive primary suite; modern wine country compound built by James Garner; lovely renovation in the Cold Spring School District; Carpinteria "wellness retreat"; Riviera fixer cottage; a church; and more. 2

July 31, 2025

Remembering Renowned Interior Designer John Saladino

Other recent news: The Museum of Natural History's new space exhibit; forcing adaptive reuse of commercial buildings to include affordable housing; Ennisbrook celebrity buyer identified; objections to the size of Anthem Chapel's proposed Goleta church; the state of call boxes; the tree of the month. 2

July 30, 2025

Carpinteria Is Getting Another New Restaurant

While previous upgrades to the town's culinary scene have come from L.A. and Santa Barbara, this one hails from Ojai.... 10

Newsletter: July 30

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

July 29, 2025

Another Departure on Coast Village Road

Plus: The rumored tenant of a prime space on Los Patos Way; the Montecito Club would like to demolish at least part of the 1918 house next door; outdoor furniture for the Central Library plaza; Ghirardelli is proposing giant sundae mosaics visible on State Street; the Ritz-Carlton Bacara ended (and restarted) its spa deal for locals; return of the Cat Video Fest. 11

July 28, 2025

1883 Farmhouse on East Valley Road Sells for $5.05 Million

Last week's sales also include Park Highlands for over ask; renovation below Westmont College; Ashley Road vacant lot; fixer above Hendry's Beach for $2.6 million off initial price; Hollister Ranch cabin; and more. 1