Newsletter: March 27

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The Perfect Home Is the One Built for You

Here are six listings in Montecito, the Riviera, and Hope Ranch where you can create a truly custom home for yourself.

A Rare Loss in the Hedgerow

Last week's sales also include a 1920s garage and chauffeur's cottage designed by George Washington Smith; Hope Ranch spec reno; midcentury houses in San Roque and the Mesa for well over ask; newly renovated on the edge of Montecito; former carriage house (and now a hot potato); Lower Riviera Craftsman; and more.

Why Is the Castillo Street Undercrossing Always Wet?

The high water table is to blame, and a complete overhaul of the undercrossing is unlikely. In the meantime, the city is working on improvements to the area that should alleviate the problem for cyclists. 1

Four More Shops Are Under Construction at the Miramar Resort

Plus: Venture Apparel Co. has opened on State Street; Ziggy Marley at the Santa Barbara Bowl; Montecito's Plant Gallery has closed; massive bounce house returning to Elings Park; new renderings of West Beach hotel; contest to decorate State Street Promenade barriers; Jeff Shelton penthouse is a vacation rental; Tomatomania! 14

Newsletter: March 24

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!) 4

Contemporary New Construction Near the Hiking Trails

Noteworthy new listings also include half-rustic, half-rococo in Hope Ranch; nice Campanil spread; two-cottage compound near Miramar Beach; Hedgerow fixer; 1928 San Roque charmer; modern Victorian in Los Olivos; 156 acres of backcountry with plans for a "guest ranch"; and more. 1

A Rare Chance to Own Two Homes Just Steps from Miramar Beach

Welcome to Humphrey Road, Montecito’s best-kept beach neighborhood secret. With two homes on the same lot, situated in the Coastal Zone steps from Montecito’s best beaches, Coast Village Road, and both the Miramar and Biltmore resorts, this gorgeous trophy property will appeal to end users, investors, or some combination of the two.

Architects Make Suggestions for the State Street Promenade

Other recent news: Improvements to Coast Village Road; Vuori is moving again; Josh Brolin bought in Montecito; the theme of the 100th Old Spanish Days Fiesta; Goleta Beach and Gaviota State Park have reopened; Hillary Hauser is stepping down as head of Heal the Ocean; the end of the standard 6 percent sales commission? 10