Author: Erik Torkells

September 2, 2019

The Hotel Californian Is Revamping Its Restaurants

Plus: The first Taste of Coast Village is coming up; gushing over the Project on lower State Street; what will happen to the wine at Les Marchands; the Independent's food awards; Goleta Chinese restaurant closed; best-ever chocolate chip cookie.

September 1, 2019

29-Acre Ranch Within Santa Barbara City Limits

Some recently listed properties that don't quite warrant posts of their own, including a downtown bungalow compound; nine acres in Summerland heading to auction; a 1924 cottage near the Santa Barbara Bowl; and a $7.25 million Montecito house bought just six months ago.

The Interminable Renovation of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

In other recent news: An update on flood-control projects in Montecito; Goleta to get a new 132-room hotel; Heal the Ocean's program to recycle Styrofoam; the Old Firehouse building in Montecito changed hands; tiny libraries on State Street.

August 31, 2019

The Saturday Farmers’ Market Is Increasingly at Risk of Being Moved

According to organizers, the City Council could be on the verge of "sealing the decision" to move the Saturday market from its longtime location.

August 30, 2019

Oceanfront Compound in Montecito Now $1 Million Cheaper

Also newly reduced: California cottage a short walk from the beach; Tuscan-style villa with a crenellated tower; Montecito farmhouse with a lavender-filled front yard; 1929 house on Alameda Padre Serra.

The Prettiest House You Ever Did See

When Drew Barrymore put 1270 Pepper Lane on the market in 2013, it was ready for a bit of TLC. The house got all that and more, from new owners who didn't just renovate it—they polished it.

August 29, 2019

More on Insurance Companies’ Retreat from the Area

In other recent news: A visit to the new-ish SeaVees store in the Funk Zone; questioning the appropriateness of palm trees (and another discussion about the Olive Mill roundabout); how Montecito streets got their names.

This Old House Has Been Given a New Life

The grandes dames of the Upper East rarely come available, and certainly not ones with this caliber of workmanship.

August 28, 2019

A Disappointing New Roof Near Miramar Beach

Plus: The sweet old days of Summerland; former hostel site is on the market; accommodating an oak tree in style; Toro Canyon house sells for a million off the listing price.

August 27, 2019

A “Master Flipper” Is Ready to Move On

After buying this 1950s Cielito house in early 2018 for $3.5 million, Xorin Balbes embarked on a thorough renovation and redecoration—but without changing the footprint. Now he has listed it for just under $9 million. The house is certainly something to see....