The Bell’s Folks Are Opening a Bar in Los Olivos

More food news: Montecito vegan market to close; the Press Room gets a reprieve; Aspen restaurant now said to be taking the former Cava space; Merci's burger pop-up is coming back; profile of Bar Le Côte executive sous chef (and half of the Gomez y Gomez pop-ups) Luis Gomez; in praise of Pacific Pickle Works. 2

Newsletter: May 25

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French Regency Compound in Birnam Wood Goes for $15 Million

Last week's sales also include a Glen Oaks carriage house for $13 million; $8 million in the Hedgerow; a French Normandy fixer; a house behind the CVS on Coast Village Road; and more.

Harry and Meghan Are Said to Be Working on a Reality Show

Other recent news: The Independent declined to endorse a candidate for county sheriff; Santa Barbara Police Department is having trouble hiring; Montecito's history of debris flows; free Covid testing and treatment from the state; some park activity fees will be going up; Arroyo Hondo Preserve has reopened to the public; the tree of the month is the jacaranda.

The 250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Is Taking Shape

Designed by Cearnal Collective, the property will have 120 standard rooms and 130 extended-stay ones. Take a look at the floor plan and renderings. 17

Newsletter: May 22

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.

Upper East Grande Dame Due for a Facelift

Noteworthy new listings also include a renovated 1904 house at the edge of the Lower Riviera; Hope Ranch hacienda shooting for the moon; Alta Mesa knoll-top property; 1920 single-level in the Hedgerow; and more. 1

Where in Santa Barbara…?

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

Why Is Everyone Going to Portugal?

Beyond tiled buildings and tinned fish, you'll find cities rich with patina, castles on every other hilltop, an extraordinarily beautiful wine region, and one of the most stunning walks I've ever taken. 8

An Intriguing Rumor About the Former Cava Space

More food news: Mangione's Italian Ice Co. is open; See's Candies is working on a Goleta shop; the Red Pepper outpost on De La Vina appears to be off; a profile of Hungry Planet, one of whose founders lives here; don't forget about the Dart Coffee garden. 1