A CENTURY OF TIMELESS CHARM MEETS MODERN TRANSFORMATION AT HEARTH HOMES’ THE CRAFT HOUSE INN

BY Haven Heffernan | PHOTOGRAPHY Public 311 Design

Nestled amongst Bath Street’s verdant greenery lies a newly reimagined bed and breakfast: The Craft House Inn. Cloaked in a traditional yet captivating dark palette, the home’s exterior foreshadows the alluring mix of old and new that awaits within. I stroll up the stone walkway, admiring the polished landscape, as the classic stained glass door swings open.

I am warmly greeted by Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler, the duo behind the newly remodeled property. The sisters-in-law are the masterminds of Hearth Homes Interiors, a local design studio specializing in residential and hospitality. The pair stumbled upon the run-down bed and breakfast in late 2021 and were overcome by its historic charm. The property felt like the perfect spot to carry out their vision for a hybrid Airbnbhotel experience that tailors its offerings to its guests.

The house was originally built in the 1900s, and Labourdette-Martinez and Wahler have remodeled in a way that celebrates the age and history of the building. They thoughtfully blended the home’s original craftsmanship with modern amenities and comfort, agreeing that “the home needs to shine the way it was built to.” Upon entering the foyer, I am enveloped by striking earth-toned walls, cozy knit textures, and antique decor.

I gravitate toward the living room, where modern elegance melds with the original framework of the room. A custom-built marble fireplace and coffee table perfectly complement the time-worn hardwood floors. The room possesses a timeless charm, bearing the marks of age with a modernized twist.

“We pay careful attention to the craftsman style architecture and the preexisting elements,” says Labourdette-Martinez. “We want to preserve the original features first and tie them in with the rest of the house.” Their modus operandi shines throughout the dining area where original crown molding, exposed beams, and refurbished paneling accentuate the historic beauty of the home. Vibrant vintage bird wallpaper contrasts the contemporary table-setting to create the ideal space for a family to enjoy an intimate meal.

The ground floor of The Craft House is also home to Wahler’s favorite room: the kitchen. From the immaculate checkerboard floor to the custom cabinetry and gourmet appliances, not a single detail is spared. The mature, elevated aesthetic invites guests to explore its offerings, like the curated cookbook collection and fridge stocked with local artisanal goods. Wahler recalls sourcing pieces for the vintage plate wall from local estate sales, as she believes the smallest details make the biggest difference.

Just around the corner, the staircase leads to the home’s four sophisticated bedrooms. Each room is thoughtfully named after a Santa Barbara hotspot: Butterfly, Harbor, Rose, and Granada.

I’m instantly drawn to the vibrant butterfly-patterned wallpaper peeking through the doorway of the Butterfly Room. Labourdette-Martinez notes that floor-to-ceiling wallpaper was one of her bucket list items for the bedroom interiors. “The fun elements of wallpaper and color really brought our vision to life,” she says.

Each of the bright bedrooms brings its own vibe to the historic home. The Rose Room radiates floral energy with a pastel pink bathroom and a wall of Morris & Co. Strawberry Fields wallpaper. The Harbor Room takes a simple approach with crisp white linens and marble accents. The Granada Room brings moody energy, as muted blues contrast with the statement fireplace.

One of Hearth Homes’ signature embellishments can be found in the upstairs bathrooms. Labourdette-Martinez and Wahler salvaged original dressers discovered in the home to create custom sink vanities. Details like these truly encapsulate the warmth of the property’s history.

Unassuming from the outside, The Craft House also harbors a surprising addition: a studio unit inside the home. Once a parlor, the Lotus Suite can be accessed through a separate side entrance. The studio mirrors the aesthetic of the rest of the home, with its own custom kitchen and penny-tiled bathroom.

Labourdette-Martinez and Wahler recall the serious reimagining the space took. “It’s so hard for me to wrap my brain around how we changed this,” Wahler says. “It’s a very magical layout and we just wanted to make it functional.”

Lastly, I head outside to the backyard, sprawling by the standards of downtown Santa Barbara. The sunlit lawn is bordered by cozy outdoor furniture. The couch seating looks ideal for lounging in the sunshine, while the massive table would lend itself perfectly to hosting a dreamy dinner party.

After soaking in the elegance of the property, I tuck in for the night in the Harbor Room. My eyes flutter open after a quiet and restful sleep as the smell of freshlycooked bacon floats upstairs. I make my way down and am met with a stunning breakfast spread, prepared in-house by Executive Chef Julian Martinez of Barbareño. I sip French-pressed Handlebar coffee while indulging in fluffy eggs, farmer’s market fruit, and decadent avocado toast.

With plans to build on their upscale experiences, from pizza-making classes and private chef meals, to in-home massages, Labourdette-Martinez and Wahler will continue growing Hearth Homes as a full service design practice and hospitality business. As for The Craft House itself, a fully customizable stay in a thoughtfully designed home-away-from-home awaits.*