Leslie Ridley-Tree’s Birnam Wood Home Hits the Market for $7.95 Million

Noteworthy new listings also include the Alta Mesa house with a fabulous turtle-roofed outbuilding; instant escrow in the Upper Village; and four in the twos, including a West Mesa time capsule, a spec reno flip, a conjoined two-bedroom, and a fun backyard. 3

The Lack of Sand at Local Beaches

Other recent news: Santa Barbara to allow slightly larger ADUs; Sunstone Cannabis Market to open on upper State Street; the California Coastal Commission dinged Santa Barbara County’s cannabis ordinance; county supervisor says he won't run for reelection; profile of Slo Curio Studio + Gallery; new Goleta Train Depot construction to start this year.

Proof That $2,375,000 Can Still Buy a Nice Home in Santa Barbara

Tucked behind the privacy of mature trees and thoughtful landscaping is a Santa Barbara dream—the Old San Marcos contemporary ranch-style home at 868 N. San Marcos Road, exceptionally cared for and gracefully updated through the years.

Three Pickles Is Opening a Second Santa Barbara Shop

More food news: Gala restaurant has launched dinner service; Na Na Thai is working on a permanent location in Buellton; Azul is opening for real next week; Kaz to Go Japanese restaurant has debuted in San Roque; 4 Eggs & Pizza changed its name; the Drift hotel's café and bar are up and running; more on the forthcoming restaurants at the Inn at Mattei's Tavern. 19

Contemporary Cool on Prestigious Park Lane

With its prime Park Lane perch, experience world-class ocean views at this effortlessly luxurious Montecito estate. The owners spared no expense during the original build by premier builder Leonard Unander, and the integrity of the estate has been upheld during a recent renovation by Cabana Home, offering clean lines and warm spaces throughout.

State Street’s Drift Hotel Has Opened

Plus: Van Morrison and James Taylor to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Urgent Veterinary Care opening on De La Vina; the complicated hotel project coming to W. Montecito Street; interior designer Amber Lewis hints about a Santa Barbara shop; wildfire detection camera installed on Ortega Ridge; wonderful little building squandered. 13

Newsletter: February 8

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Name That Santa Barbara Building (Part 1)

The folks at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum went through the Gledhill Library collection to find old photos of Santa Barbara so we can play a game: can you identify which buildings these are? 8

The Provenance of the Blue Vases Atop the Presidio Plaza Building

Plus: Goleta hotel to be rebranded; health warning lifted for Miramar Beach and Fernald Point Beach; vintage-and-makers collective opening on State Street; neighborhood art-studio tours in Ojai; new show at My Pet Ram gallery; novelist Rachel Cusk in person.

A Country Stroll on El Sueno Road

El Sueno Road is just outside Santa Barbara city limits, but it feels farther away—and it makes for a quick, fun excursion. 12