Can You Solve This Midcentury Modern Puzzle?

This weekend’s open-house lineup can be found at sbopenhouses.com, courtesy the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. Here are five of the most intriguing ones:

The second property to come online in the new developments at the San Marcos Preserve, 1060 Cieneguitas Road ($3.995 million) looks eminently livable, as long as you have patience—because the landscaping isn’t even close to done. / Open Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

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Described as a “Fusion of California Craftsman & Fundamental Japanese Elements” 209 Mohawk Road ($2.25 million) in the Mesa certainly stands out. I suspect you have to stand inside to see whether fresh paint and new decor could polish the house into a real gem. Besides, someone has to find out what’s inside that closet. / Open Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

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If you like a puzzle, go visit 618 Hot Springs Road ($5.495 million) in Montecito. Parts of the house have obvious midcentury appeal, while others are lacking. That’s all probably fixable, but the question is, what do you do with the lower acre? (You can’t build on it.) You could fill in the pool that’s currently behind the house and dig a new one further down…. / Open Sunday 2-4 p.m.

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Why hasn’t 4178 Cresta Avenue ($5.998 million) sold after 478 days on the market? It’s a big, well-made Hope Ranch house with expansive mountain views. The quality is palpable as soon as you set foot inside. / Open Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

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Maybe this is the weekend I finally get around to checking out 1 Miramar Avenue. The 1904 house has loads of historical charm and is literally steps from Miramar Beach; the floor plan seems like it needs to be experienced in person to be understood. / Open Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

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