Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Want $39.9 Million for Their Montecito Compound

They enlarged the property by an acre and replaced the rustic Balinese theme with something much cooler and more contemporary.

The Biggest Real Estate Deal in Montecito History Just Happened

Rancho San Carlos, the historic 237-acre property on East Valley Road, traded for $63.25 million. And as if that wasn't enough, another property went for $49 million.

Low Pigeon Confirmed Its Plan to Open a Restaurant

More food news: Sneak peek inside the Aperitivo wine bar; Intermezzo has reopened with a new menu; Telegraph Brewing Company sure looks closed; profiles of Uncorked and Frinj Coffee; Secret Bao's udon carbonara. 1

Montecito Mansion Flipped for $29 Million

Areas beyond Montecito—including the Riviera and Yankee Farm—now appear to have caught fire. The week's notable sales also include a New Age compound above Summerland, a midcentury spec renovation, a stylish downtown duplex, and more.

Newsletter: October 11

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.

Hiking Trails Have Reopened in Los Padres National Forest

Plus: Ace Rivington's store is moving; Seda Custom Skincare is opening a second location; Aman-inspired house also available as a rental; Lotusland's plant auction is online for the first time; plastic-bag recycling bin reappears at Vons; an attempt to address Highway 101 congestion in Pismo Beach.

$2.6 Million Reduction for Oceanfront Hope Ranch

The week's noteworthy reductions also include a 1912 estate with intricate shrubbery, a boxy contemporary with toilet issues, a 1980s palace in Ennisbrook, a French country house, a chunk of Lower Riviera funk, and more.

A Longtime Sakana Chef Is Opening His Own Place

While sushi will obviously be a prime focus, the restaurant will also offer many hot dishes and elements of fusion throughout.

Santa Barbara Weighs More Affordable Housing for New Developments

Other recent news: Congressperson Salud Carbajal contracted Covid-19, likely from a senator who attended the infamous White House event; Cameron Ely's shooting declared a justifiable homicide despite evidence to the contrary; the state has added a "health equity metric" for reopening; virus outbreak at Santa Maria nursing facility; Bacara and the Haskell's Beach homeless problem; Santa Ynez Valley cannabis appeal denied; Milpas geyser; candidate Wendy Sims-Moten.

Barbareño’s Pizza Spinoff Is Back With a New Name

More food news: Profiles of Arnoldi's Cafe and Cristino's Bakery; nice use of plexiglass at Sakana; Old Town Coffee is now selling the beans from its roastery; short film and discussion about growing mussels off the coast of Santa Barbara.