HISTORIC ELEGANCE MEETS MODERN LUXURY
Welcome to the Upper East Side’s finest — a stately Georgian Revival masterpiece that epitomizes American Colonial elegance, resplendent with modern luxuries and all-new interior amenities that completely transcend mere renovation. Built in 1907 by Francis W. Wilson, the architect of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and featured in the ‘Santa Barbara Architecture’ book, the prominence of this estate is tangible as it invites a legacy of prestige.
Tucked behind private tall hedges, this estate rests on an expansive corner lot with mature trees and manicured landscaping that stretch across sweeping front lawns.
PREMIER CRAFTSMANSHIP, SPACIOUS INTERIORS
Inside, the scale and room proportions are a testament to premier craftsmanship, with an original grand staircase leading up to spacious bedrooms. Flooded with natural light, the interiors feature original doors and windows, high ceilings, oak floors, several fireplaces, and intricate molding throughout.
CULINARY MARVEL
The kitchen boasts an oversized marble island, farmhouse sink, custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and herringbone tile accents. French doors open to a serene backyard oasis with several covered and uncovered verandas, brick terraces, newly landscaped gardens, olive trees, a new pool, a jacuzzi, and a detached two-car garage.
Upstairs, the primary suite awaits with mountain views, a spacious dressing room, and a luxe marble bathroom featuring dual vanities, a sun-lit shower, and a tub.
MOUNTAIN-VIEW LUXURY
SPACIOUS RETREAT
The southwest-facing bedroom wing enjoys two large bedrooms and an extended office space with peeks of the ocean and architectural monuments. Both rooms share a well-appointed bathroom adorned with exquisite tile details and two vanities.
VERSATILE QUARTERS
The attached yet versatile guest quarters span both floors, offering private living quarters with a separate entrance, kitchen, dining space, full bathroom, and two bedroom which connect to the main home.
REFINED ESTATE
Ease of living is ensured with amenities such as a new heating system, new air conditioning, built-in speakers, and new plumbing and wiring throughout the home. This gracious home enjoys close proximity to downtown amenities, the Santa Barbara Mission and rose gardens, beloved parks, and renowned local schools. Benefitting from the Mill’s Act, this home also takes advantage of significant property tax benefits. This offering is in a league of its own and presents a unique opportunity to own a newly refined Santa Barbara architectural estate.
In addition, an approximately 1,100 square-foot finished attic with ample ceiling height and windows, as well as an unfinished basement, increases the home’s functionality and future potential.
LISTING INFORMATION
BEDROOMS 5
BATHROOMS 3 Full + 1 Half
SIZE Approx. 5,386 Sq.Ft.
*Per Mark Armstrong Measurements.
Finished Attic - Approx. 1,191 Sq.Ft.
Garage - Approx. 451 Sq.Ft.
GARAGE Detached 2-Car
LOT Approx. 0.37 Acres
*According to Public Record.
ARCHITECT Francis W. Wilson
YEAR BUILT 1907 | Renovated in 2024
HEATING/COOLING: 3 Zones AC & Heating, Nest System
SCHOOLS Roosevelt Elementary, SB Jr., SB Sr.
WATER/SEWER S.B. Water; Sewer Hookup
AMENITIES 3 Fireplaces, Original Front Door, Original Windows, Conservatory, Wolf Stove, Sub Zero Refrigerator, Wine Cooler, Surrounded by Tall Hedges for Privacy, Crown Molding Throughout, Hardwood Floors, Tesla Charger, Unfinished Basement, Sonos Sound System Throughout, New Composite Roof, New Landscape, Pool/Spa, Finished Attic, Ocean and Mountain Views.
Benefitting from the Mill’s Act, this home also takes advantage of significant property tax benefits.
MLS NUMBER #24-2383
1731 SANTA BARBARA STREET
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101
Residence Gross Square Footage.........................................5,386
Garage Gross Square Footage..................................................451
Finished Attic Gross Square Footage....................................1,191
The room designations on this floor plan may or may not be the same as on the permitted plan sets.
ENTRY LEVEL
ATTIC
GARAGE
“RICHARDS’ HOUSE”: 1731 SANTA BARBARA STREET | 1907
In 1907, Architect Francis W. Wilson crafted a timeless residence at 1731 Santa Barbara Street for Jarrett T. Richards, a prominent figure from the esteemed law firm Richards and Carrier. This distinguished home epitomizes American Colonial elegance, featuring a striking Palladian window and a simplified design that reflects Richards’ stature as a former mayor and legal luminary. Significant architectural details include slender corner pilasters, dormer window pediments, and a centrally positioned Palladian window, all enhanced by a boldly articulated front porch. This historic Georgian Revival masterpiece stands as one of Santa Barbara’s finest examples, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of local architectural heritage.
Jarrett T. Richards in 1870
Source: Price, Postel & Parma LLP. www.ppplaw.com
ABOUT FRANCIS W. WILSON
Born in Massachusetts in 1870, Francis W. Wilson fell in love with California during a family trip and never looked back. He studied under the San Francisco Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and gained practical experience as a draftsman with a prominent architectural firm. Following nearly ten years abroad studying European art and architecture, Wilson returned to Santa Barbara in 1895, establishing his office on State Street to start his architectural career. Beyond its beauty, Wilson was drawn to Santa Barbara because it was in an era of rapid expansion.
With the Southern Pacific Railroad projected to soon arrive and the population nearly doubling from 3,460 people in 1880 to 6,587 people in 1890, the city held promise. Wealthy newcomers flooded the area, creating a burgeoning market for Wilson’s services. The city was undergoing significant transformation, with adobe structures giving way to modern cottages and new businesses.
Photo Credit: Santa Barbara Historical Museum
OTHER LOCAL WORKS BY FRANCIS W. WILSON
Wilson’s portfolio spans a range of styles, from Post Victorian Revivalism and Craftsman to Mediterranean villas and Italian estates, many of which can be found across Montecito and Santa Barbara’s Upper East. A few of his notable commissions include the Montecito estate “Las Teja,” the original Bellosguardo, the Santa Barbara Club on Chapala Street, and the iconic Southern Pacific depot in downtown Santa Barbara.
FORMER SANTA BARBARA POST OFFICE | 1905
Wilson designed the original Santa Barbara Post Office on State Street in Spanish Renaissance style. It later became the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in 1940.
Photo Credit: SBMA/ Tony J. Mastres. Source: The Architect’s Newspaper.
SANTA BARBARA RAILWAY STATION
1905
Wilson was commissioned by the Southern Pacific to design the Santa Barbara Railway Station in the Mission Revival style, incorporating concrete walls, a tiled roof, and extensive landscaping to create a welcoming environment for visitors.
SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC LIBRARY
1916
Wilson simplified Henry A. Hornbostel’s plans for the library, adapting them to local needs in a restrained Spanish Renaissance style with minimal ornamentation.
Photo Credit: Padraic Ryan.
