Life at the Top of Picacho Lane

Noteworthy new listings also include a Montecito château with quite the gazebo; old-school beach compound in Carpinteria; fixer off Picacho Lane; a couple of midcentury time capsules; showcase for the color turquoise; a half-built house; and more. 3

Aggressive Invasive Ants Discovered in Montecito

Other recent news: Santa Barbara is thinking about spending money on an economic development plan; downtown building could become apartments; Mesa residents are concerned about Elings Park fire risk; Carpinteria's Soap store is closing; the tree of the month; push to turn Carpinteria's former Rite Aid into a community center; miserable Casa Dorinda resident Renée Templeraud. 14

The Best Value in Montecito Right Now

Newly priced at $7,775,000, the stylish and charming home at 920 Hot Springs Road is far and away the best deal in Montecito. It's a great price for anywhere in town, but even more so on one of the area's finest streets. And it's open today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First Impressions of Jonesy’s Fried Chicken

More food news: Nobu confirmed for the Four Seasons Biltmore resort; Clark's Oyster Bar is shooting to open this fall; chef Budi Kazali's reboot of The Gathering Table debuts this week; Lilac Montecito profile; Five Points Starbucks closed for renovation; Pang Zi Noodle Shop has opened. 8

Newsletter: July 24

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Seven Homes That Warrant a Second Look

Now offered at new prices, these properties are rich with character, history, and views.

Is Even More High-End Retail Coming to Montecito?

Plus: British fashion brand Sunspel is opening in the Montecito Country Mart; Zegna debuted at the Miramar; Highway 154 update; Summerland block party; Clairo to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Lotusland at night.

More Big Changes Are Coming to the Biltmore

The plans call for a second restaurant and two new family pools—with sand beaches, rock waterfalls, and an island bar. Plus: Nobu is pretty much confirmed. 20

1929 Mary Craig Hacienda to Get the Spec-Reno Treatment

Last week's sales also include a modern farmhouse on 20 acres southeast of Los Olivos; 1955 Hedgerow compound fixer off market; contemporary interiors in West Mesa; Hidden Valley cul-de-sac; and a San Roque three-bedroom.

Dipping a Toe Into Southern Corsica

After two weeks in Paris, a non-city destination sounded like just the thing, so we rented a villa outside the Corsican town of Bonifacio and reveled in the natural beauty of the island's southern tip. 1