on the successful representation of the seller at 6521 Del Playa Dr, Sold for $3,900,000.
KEN SWITZER
805.680.40622
KSwitzer@bhhscal.com
KenSwitzer.bhhscalifornia.com DRE 01245644
on the successful representation of the seller at 2945 Bramadero Rd, Sold for $3,150,000.
LAURA DRAMMER
805.448.7500
Laura@LauraDrammer.com
LauraDrammer.com DRE 01209580
on the successful representation of the seller at 2450 Long Canyon Rd, Sold for $2,877,500.
DIANNA ZLAKET
805.390.8382
DiannaZlaket@bhhscal.com
DiannaZlaket.bhhscalifornia.com DRE 01701860
BARTRON REAL ESTATE GROUP
on the successful representation of the buyer at 3750 Foothill Rd, Sold for $2,800,000.
BARTRON
805.563.4054
Team@SantaBarbaraHomes.com SantaBarbaraHomes.com DRE 01005021
on the successful representation of the seller at 7427 Shepard Mesa Rd, Sold for $3,750,000.
DAN ENCELL
805.565.4896
DanEncell@aol.com
DanielEncell.bhhscalifornia.com DRE 00976141
on the successful representation of the buyer at 2945 Bramadero Rd, Sold for $3,150,000.
805.689.6683
VivAlexander@bhhscal.com
VivienAlexander.bhhscalifornia.com DRE 01421934
on the successful representation of the buyer at 2450 Long Canyon Rd, Sold for $2,877,500.
JOE RAMOS
805.680.6849
JoeRamos@bhhscal.com
JoeRamos.bhhscalifornia.com DRE 02040488
RANDY FREED & KELLIE CLÉNET
on the successful representation of the buyer at 3735 Essex St, Sold for $2,750,000.
RANDY FREED & KELLIE CLÉNET
805.895.1799/805.705.5334
Team@TheSantaBarbaraLifestyle.com TheSantaBarbaraLifestyle.com DRE 00624274/01434616
LAURA DRAMMER
VIVIEN
JOE RAMOS
DIANNA ZLAKET
Designing for Holiday Memories
by Laura Gransberry
You might not notice it, but design is what shapes the way we gather and celebrate during the holidays. Lifestyle blogs often focus on how to set a table, decorate your mantel, or serve the best feast. But creating the perfect holiday atmosphere goes deeper than your choice of china and color schemes. It starts with the design of the very rooms where these special moments unfold. If you’re renovating or redesigning your home, it’s crucial to consider how you want to entertain in these spaces.
One of my favorite questions to ask clients is, “Where will your Christmas tree go?” or “How many guests do you host for Passover Seder?” How you use these spaces during the holidays can often get overlooked because they happen only a few times a year. While it’s true that comfort and serenity come from how you use your spaces day-to-day, the fleeting moments from holiday mornings and celebratory gatherings hold the memories we carry for a lifetime.
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, you can picture exactly where you sat during those holiday celebrations. The rooms we design today are the settings for tomorrow’s memories.
Here are my top tips to create spaces that set the stage for your most meaningful moments:
Kitchen: This is such an important space to get right if you love to entertain. Cooking for a lot of people? Double wall ovens are a must. Baking pies, cakes, and bread are always on the agenda? Finding a convenient place for that stand mixer is an absolute game changer. Love your grandmother’s china and want a safe place to store it? Let’s see if we can squeeze a butler’s pantry into the schematic. The kitchen during the holidays is always a chaotic space no matter how big or small. Maximizing function for these events is always at the top of the list.
Dining Room: The right dining setup can transform your holiday meals. The main players in this space are your table, storage, and lighting. Choosing the right table depends on what kind of dining you usually do around the holidays. If it’s a small group of your favorite people, let’s look at a round or oval table for an intimate dining experience. If you often have a crew of people coming over, then you need a table that has versatility: leaves that can be added for extra seating and stored the rest of the year when it’s just the family. Choose storage solutions that can double as serving space; a vintage credenza is an excellent option. And don’t overlook lighting. You want the ability to create that perfect mood, like after dinner when everyone refuses to leave the table
and coffee or liqueur is served. My absolute best recommendation? Every switch in your house should be on a dimmer. This makes a massive difference to the quality of your experience in every space.
Living Room: This is one of my favorite rooms to design for the holidays. Think about Christmas morning, or settling in after an amazing Thanksgiving meal. What happens in these moments? Is your family musical? Do you have or want a piano? Then we must design for that, creating a space that highlights it as a focal point, with enough space around it to gather and sing. Renovating your living room and you don’t see a good spot for the tree? Maybe it’s time to discuss adding a bay window with the perfect view from every sightline. And while we’re at it, we can put in additional power outlets for all your extra lights.
As you move through this holiday season, take note of what works and what doesn’t. Designing a space you love, one that works for your life, is all about the tiny details that are so often overlooked.
How do you make memories during your holiday celebrations? Connect with me on Instagram — I’d love to hear your story!
THE DESIGN DOCTOR
We are proud to congratulate these exceptional agents for their outstanding representation and successful closings. Their dedication and professionalism continue to set the standard for excellence in our industry.
Anna
Hansen
annavillage.re@gmail.com | DRE 01712742
2722 VIA VELA OFFERED AT $985,000
1031 JONQUILL AVENUE OFFERED AT $754,000
290 ESTANCIA PLACE OFFERED AT $655,000
1920 SANFORD STREET OFFERED AT $600,000
David Marchetti
davidmarchetti@villagesite.com | DRE 02007487
1804 LIGHTHOUSE WAY OFFERED AT $3,395,000
6839 SILKBERRY LANE OFFERED AT $1,555,000
Curtis Swan curtis@villagesite.com | DRE 02049218
729 CATHEDRAL POINTE LANE OFFERED AT $1,500,000
340 N. FAIRVIEW AVENUE #2 OFFERED AT $899,000
345 MORETON BAY LANE #6 OFFERED AT $725,000
351 MORETON BAY LANE #3 OFFERED AT $689,000
Emily Kellenberger & Associates EKAteam@villagesite.com | DRE 01397913
2775 SYCAMORE CANYON ROAD OFFERED AT $5,750,000
Crawford Speier Group csgroup@villagesite.com | DRE 01440068
409 E. VALERIO STREET OFFERED AT $2,795,000
5523 CATHEDRAL OAKS ROAD OFFERED AT $1,495,000
4880 POINT LOMA OFFERED AT $998,000
Elizabeth Wagner elizabeth@villagesite.com | DRE 01440591
1307 N. SALSIPUEDES STREET OFFERED AT $2,100,000
6083 SUELLEN COURT OFFERED AT $899,000
THE BEATING HEART OF SANTA BARBARA
As a New Year Nears, Resolve to Remove
As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, we’re often filled with excitement and resolve to add something to our lives. New fitness routines, hobbies, gadgets, or goals all promising to make us better, happier, or more successful. But what if, this year, we tried a different approach? Instead of piling on more, what if we chose to remove?
Decluttering our lives both physically and mentally can lead to surprising clarity and freedom. Here’s why subtraction might be the key to a truly transformative new year.
PHYSICAL CLUTTER DRAINS MENTAL ENERGY
Every item in your space demands a fraction of your attention. That unopened box, the overflowing closet, or the stack of papers on your desk all of them take up cognitive bandwidth. By removing what you no longer use or love, you create a calm and inviting space. Start small: Tackle one drawer or shelf and feel the immediate relief of less.
FEWER COMMITMENTS MEAN DEEPER CONNECTIONS
In the rush to achieve more, we often overcommit ourselves social events, work projects, volunteer roles leaving us stretched thin. Instead of adding another activity to
your calendar, consider removing one. Saying no to what doesn’t align with your values creates space to say yes to what truly matters.
DIGITAL DETOX: LESS IS MORE
From email subscriptions to app notifications, our digital lives are brimming with distractions. Take an hour to unsubscribe, delete, and declutter your devices. By reducing digital noise, you can reclaim your focus and your time.
ELIMINATE NEGATIVE PATTERNS
Rather than striving for a long list of new habits, reflect on the patterns holding you back. Procrastination, overthinking, or selfdoubt what would happen if you focused on removing just one? Clearing out these roadblocks makes room for growth without the pressure of endless additions.
THE BEAUTY OF LESS
Removing isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making space. Space for creativity. Space for rest. Space for what genuinely fulfills you.
by
So, this new year, resist the urge to add. Instead, take stock, pare down, and watch your life expand in ways you didn’t expect. Sometimes, the simplest resolutions are the most profound.
I wish for you a beautiful holiday season filled with all the things that you love!
Sara Caputo transforms how individuals, teams, and small businesses navigate workflow and increase productivity. Her work has been featured in Working Women, Success, and Forbes, as well as other national and regional publications. She can be reached at sara@saracaputoconsulting.com.
WAY BACK WHEN: SANTA BARBARA IN 1924MERMAIDS, RUM SMUGGLERS AND MORE
Local author and Independent columnist Betsy J. Green has just released the latest book in her Way Back When series, containing local happenings from one hundred years ago. Titled Way Back
When: Santa Barbara in 1924 – The best stories of the year!, Green compiled interesting tidbits to inform and intrigue. She answers questions about the book and her process:
What were some of the highlights of 1924?
Santa Barbara celebrated the first Fiesta with parades and parties this year, and the Lobero Theater and the Granada Theater appeared. The new city hall opened, and the old one came down. Students began attending classes in the new Santa Barbara High School.
Families went to the movies or stayed home and listened to music and soap operas on the radio. Partygoers danced to the Charleston and drank illegal whiskey smuggled here from Canada. A Santa Barbara pilot flew around the world.
More and more families had cars, moved out of apartments, and built their own homes. Architects and builders couldn’t keep up with the demand, so catalog companies stepped up, and catalog homes appeared on our streets. Santa Barbarans were clearly enjoying the Roaring Twenties.
Where did you find all this information?
Most of what I found is in the local paper – The Morning Press – and other California papers. We’re fortunate that our paper contained interesting stories. Many small-
town newspapers just wrote about who got married, who died, and predictions about the local harvest.
Here’s a sampling of articles from 1924:
• People wanted to change the name of Rattlesnake Canyon because they thought it discouraged visitors.
• The beach at Hope Ranch was a popular spot for rum smugglers.
• A house designed for ladybugs (insectary) was built near the courthouse.
• The Granada Theater almost didn’t open on time because no one remembered to get the proper permit.
• During the first Fiesta, a biplane flew around the city while an acrobat walked on the wings.
• People flocked to the Mesa to watch the drilling of one of the first oil wells.
• Men played polo in Pershing Park by riding in cars, instead of ponies.
What other books have you written about Santa Barbara?
I wrote a series of six books: Way Back When: Santa Barbara in 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, and 1919. When the Covid lockdown came and everything closed, I switched to writing about silent movies filmed in our area. I also wrote MESApedia
What’s your next project?
I’ve already started gathering information for the next book in the series: Way Back When: Santa Barbara in 1925. The earthquake year was an unforgettable time. I’m a member of the EQ25 committee.
How long have you lived in Santa Barbara?
About 15 years. I moved here from Chicago for three main reasons: December, January, and February. What do you like best about Santa Barbara?
There’s so much going on here. If you’re bored in Santa Barbara, it’s your own darn fault.
The book is available in local bookstores and on amazon.com. Reach Betsy through her website: betsyjgreen. com
Sara Caputo
Mountain View Haven
3 BD | 2 BA | $1,775,000
5160KaraDrive.com
Nestled in Cathedral Oaks Estates, this single-level home features upgraded interiors, vaulted ceilings, a private yard with mountain views, and resort-style amenities, and top-rated schools. Schedule a private showing.
Elegant Upper East Craftsman 4 BD | 4 BA | $2,995,000 1721OliveStreet.com
Perched
a sparkling pool, private trails, and a separate studio apartment.
Schedule a private showing.
This beautifully renovated home offers nearly 2,800 sq. ft. of modern living including a flex room and private backyard, all steps from the Mission and within Roosevelt School district.
Schedule a private showing
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Congratulates Madhu Khemani on the successful representation of the buyers at 622 Colfax Court, Goleta,
purchased for $1,751,000.
Steve Epstein DRE #994429
Kendrick Guehr DRE #1964065
Kate Heitmann DRE #2160043
Stan Krome DRE #967246
Charles Brewer DRE #1477889
Roman Lic. #600029
Mark Heitmann DRE #1007490
Ajia Orozco Marketing
Casa del Herrero Celebrates the Holidays
On December 14, a sold-out group of 150 avid supporters of Casa del Herrero (CDH) gathered at the historic Montecito estate, which was exquisitely decked out for Christmas. At this annual holiday fundraiser, guests mingled in the 1925 house, which was graced with a majestic Christmas tree and Yuletide decorations and lighting. Guests socialized also in a heated tent on the frontside and on the rear patio overlooking the picturesque grounds.
Creative touches made the gathering extra special, including State Street Ballet youth dancers in Nutcracker costumes greeting guests upon arrival. As a departing gift, guests received cookies from Solvang Bakery decorated with the designs on the Casa’s fountain tiles.
Addressing guests, former executive director Laura Bridley paid tribute to the late George Steedman Bass, a generous Casa supporter who helped establish the CDH Foundation. Bass was the grandson of George Fox Steedman, the industrialist who purchased the 11-acre property on East Valley Road in 1922 and commissioned George Washington Smith to build the house.
Although the Casa did not incur damage from the 1925 earthquake Steedman moved in the day of nor from the 1/9 Debris Flow, at 99 years old, the estate is in need of restoration and repair. To that end, the Casa has launched its first-ever capital campaign. It has raised $4.4 million toward an $18 million goal, which includes a $10 million endowment.
Work has already begun, with infrastructure restoration and repair getting priority. Restoration and repair of buildings, grounds, and art objects lie ahead, with a completion target date of December 2025.
The Casa was recently awarded $750,000 in National Park Service funds through the California Missions Foundation. According to Executive Director Rosie Rafferty, the award is a testament to the estate’s historical and cultural significance.
The funds will be used to restore key architectural features which, Rafferty related, “are vital to maintaining the historic integrity of the estate, preserving its legacy, and continuing to share its rich history with the community.” The nonprofit has an ongoing campaign for the $806,000 in matching (plus) funds required by the grant terms.
Casa del Herrero (House of Blacksmith) is on the National Register of Historic Places and has National Historic Landmark status. It is lauded as a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The nonprofit behind it preserves the house and grounds, including its Country Place Era– and Moorish-inspired gardens, as well as the Steedmans’ collection of art and antiques from the Golden Age of Spain.
The property is open to the public for guided tours by appointment. It also hosts occasional events for the community, including movie nights, parties, cooking classes, book club events, and sound baths. Casa del Herrero welcomes volunteer docents and gardeners.
SOCIETY MATTERS Text and photos by Gail Arnold
Boardmember and Event Chair Jenna Jobst Reichental, Board Chair Heather Biles, and Executive Director Rosie Rafferty
Katherine Pharibe Wise, granddaughter of George Fox Steedman; Robert Sweeney, author of the book Casa del Herrrero; and former executive director Laura Bridley
Director of Curation, Conservation, and Exhibitions Natalie Sanderson and Boardmember Mari McAlister
Docent Jane Defnet, Boardmember and Docent Chair Carolyn Williams, and docent Laura Motley
Boardmember Beth Esrey with Grants and Database Coordinator Claire Giroux
Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!
1427 Kenwood Road
Rare ocean front estate on the Mesa! This spectacular 4bed/4.5bath ultra-luxury property boasts ~5,100+ sq. ft. of living space resting on over 1/2
+ #01902531 privacy on this fabulous Montecito estate. Resting at the property is a charming Craftsman style home circa 1912. Today, it modern amenities, and still charm. Located in MUS.
From all of us at Richardson Real Estate Services (Mike, Kyle, Dina, Ashley, Adam, Michelle, and Jenny), we pray the lights of this season fill you and your loved ones with peace, joy, and hope. We want to sincerely THANK YOU for supporting our local independent familyowned real estate company. Your continued business and referrals mean the world to us. We hope you enjoy the holidays with your friends, family, and beloved pets!
2bed/2bath (easy modification to a 3 bedroom) single-level home with mountain and city views. Enjoy the with vaulted ceilings, an updated kitchen, living room fireplace, and dual-pane windows/sliders. The features a stainless steel Viking stove and dishwasher. The second bedroom is over-sized, as it was previously The spacious backyard features a large deck and natural landscaping. This backyard is ready to be transparadise. There is plenty of room for lawn, fruit trees, jungle-gym, trampoline, and more. Towering over a gorgeous oak tree providing wonderful shade over the deck. This home is located on a very quiet, tucked away cul-de-sac at the end of Kenwood Road. Attached 2-car garage with interior access. OFFERED AT $998,500 329 San
OPEN HOUSES
Goleta
410 Camino Del Remedio Unit F, 0BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $450,000, Village Properties, Marcos Lazaro 805-6379121, DRE#01770439
280 Moreton Bay Ln #4, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1-4, $649,000, Village Properties, Curtis Swan 805-607-9709, DRE#02049218
5701 Surfrider Way #102, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $1,350,000, Village Properties, David Magid 805-4510402, DRE#01964710
5721 Armitos Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katinka Goertz 805-7089616, DRE#01871645
7 Baker Lane, 5BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4, $2,395,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Chris Palme 805-448-3066, DRE#00989478
San Roque
4154 Via Andorra Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 11-2, $895,000, Village Properties, Michelle King 805 455 8818, DRE#02030289
702 E Calle Laureles, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $3,550,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows 805-886-1588, DRE#00968247
The Riviera
Saturday 12/21 & Sunday 12/22
1235 Mission Ridge Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $3,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-7082323, DRE#01378431
Santa Barbara
5046 Birchwood, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $895,000, Village Properties, Lourika van Tonder 805-280-5865, DRE#02211987
421 W Anapamu #D, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-3, $959,000, Village Properties, Jill Agonias 805-895-9902, DRE#02150975
206 W Cota Street, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $1,450,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Jonathan Gilkeson 805-335-4749, DRE#01898328
521 E Anapamu St Unit C6, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,587,700, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, James St James 805708-7118, DRE#01369539
509 Coronel Place, 2BD, 1BA, Sun 1-4, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Anthony Bordin 805-729-0527, DRE#00974047
1133 Palomino Road, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 11-1, $1,995,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Todd Shea 805-4537730, DRE#02028163
700 Mateo Court, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Steve Heller 805-2522749, DRE#00929496
350 Conejo Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 11-1, $2,695,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Todd Shea 805-4537730, DRE#02028163
1523 Portesuello Avenue, 5BD, 3.5BA, Sat 1-3, $2,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets 805-7082323, DRE#01463617
751 Skyview Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sat 1-3, $3,095,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brisaly Balderas 805-335-4726, DRE#02128318
3319 Braemar Drive, 5BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $5,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Abatemarco 805-450-4744, DRE#01320375
Upper East
2311 Anacapa Street, 3BD/1.5BA & Studio/1BA, Sun 1-3, $2,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mckenzie Scarborough 905-252-4991, DRE#01491532
Montecito
627 Romero Canyon Rd, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-3, $3,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristen Maggitti 805-8958387, DRE#02195648
Carpinteria
5750 Via Real Spc 249, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 10-12, $444,900, Village Properties, Marcos Lazaro 805-6379121, DRE#01770439
3375 Foothill Road #514, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,395,000, Village Properties, Carly Gribble 805-9517255, DRE#02233358
Santa Ynez Valley
554 Oakville Drive, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 11-2, $795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Brooke Fraser 805-550-8601, DRE#00999839
350 Midten Hof, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sat 11-1, $1,199,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Daulton Wolf 805-757-6797, DRE#01209580
1167 Highland Road, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sat 11-1, $1,949,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brenda Cloud 805-901-1156, DRE#01772551 Holiday Open House Deadlines: Dec. 26 issue - Friday 12/20 at 9 AM Jan. 2 issue - Monday 12/30 at 9 AM at independent.com/openhousesubmissions
The Home Page
Sarah Sinclair brings you the inside scoop on real estate in The Home Page. Come along as she takes a peek behind the doors of grand estates, tiny houses, and everything in between. Enjoy style secrets, garden gossip, industry insights, and more in your inbox each Sunday. Sign up at independent.com/newsletters
REAL ESTATE SCOOP
SBAOR ANNOUNCES 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® (SBAOR) is proud to announce the installation of its 2025 Board of Directors. The installation ceremony took place on December 6th during the 117th annual Installation and Awards Luncheon at the picturesque Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort.
Leading the association into 2025 is Summer Knight, Sun Coast Real Estate, who will serve as President.
Joining her on the Executive Committee are:
• Jennifer Berger, Compass, President-Elect
• Stephen MacFarlane, Compass, Vice President
• Tyler Mearce, Sotheby’s International Realty, Treasurer
The Board of Directors also includes esteemed REALTORS® and industry professionals:
Additionally, Kelly Marsh, Cornerstone Home Lending, will serve as affiliate director, and Michele Allyn, Allyn & Associates, will serve on the board as immediate past president.
The SBAOR Board of Directors will guide the association in its mission to empower REALTORS®, foster professionalism, and advocate for private property rights in the Santa Barbara community.
"This exceptional group of leaders will steer our association with dedication and vision," said Brian Johnson, CEO of the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®. "Under their leadership, we are confident the SBAOR will continue to thrive and support our members and the community we serve."
For more information about the Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS®, please visit www.sbaor .org or contact the association at (805) 963-3787.
REALTORS®: Share your industry info in “REAL ESTATE SCOOP.” Email sarah@independent.com for details.
Do you have an older home in Santa Barbara?
If so, it might
Local historian Betsy J. Green researches local homes and their history for her column The Great House Detective, publishing monthly in the Independent She’s always looking for homes to investigate.
The 2025 SBAOR Board of Directors. (not shown: Mort Maizlish, Bob Curtis, Patrice Serrani)
