Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Just Dropped $70 Million on Padaro Lane

It's the biggest residential sale in South County history. Recent sales also include a Birnam Wood pocket listing for $8.287 million; a Riven Rock four-bedroom with pool house; turnkey on Picacho Lane; and more. 1

New Restaurant Confirmed in Montecito’s Upper Village (Take Two)

The original post didn't load for some people, so here's a retry: More food news: Caruso's was awarded a Michelin star; the Dutch Garden's lunch menu; Rori's Artisanal Creamery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with free scoops of a special flavor; Cold Stone Creamery has closed; Peasants Deli is opening an arcade annex; the Ballard Inn has halted dinner service; Organic Soup Kitchen's Holiday SouperMarket and Soup Tasting Party.

Who Bought the Former St. Mary’s Seminary—and Why?

"A couple of weeks ago, the St. Mary's seminary up on Las Canoas Road was auctioned off," wrote N. "Can you find out who bought it and what his or her plans are?" 1

Newsletter: December 11

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Shop Local Gift Guide, Part 5: 23 More Gift Ideas

To wrap up this year's Shop Local Gift Guide: a cornucopia of other highly giftable stuff. 3

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!) 1

A Montecito Classic Ready for Its Next Act

Noteworthy new listings also include a cute, stylish 1920 bungalow near the hospital; 4,200-square-footer in a 55-and-over community; 1970s architecture on the Mesa; and a moongate in Hope Ranch Annex. 2

The State Street Parklet Conundrum Continues

Other recent news: The design of the Highway 101 interchange at Hot Springs Road and Cabrillo Boulevard; progress for the proposed State Street hotel; cannabis odor scrubbers seem to be working (but still aren't required); Santa Barbara residents vent about cruise ships; a book about Rincon Point; leather goods shop opening on Coast Village Road; the latest on the battle over Hollister Ranch beach access; new barber shop in Goleta; fancified motels in Paso Robles and Cayucos. 12

Bellosguardo Is Opening for Tours

For $100, donors and supporters can get a peek inside Huguette Clark's estate on a tour created by "Empty Mansions" author Bill Dedman. 3

New Restaurant Confirmed in Montecito’s Upper Village

More food news: Caruso's was awarded a Michelin star; the Dutch Garden's lunch menu; Rori's Artisanal Creamery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with free scoops of a special flavor; Cold Stone Creamery has closed; Peasants Deli is opening an arcade annex; the Ballard Inn has halted dinner service; Organic Soup Kitchen's Holiday SouperMarket and Soup Tasting Party. 2