Real Estate

Old-World Glamour Meets Modern Grandeur in the Heart of Riven Rock

Escape to unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance in the heart of Montecito's coveted Riven Rock. Set on approximately 5.5 acres of breathtaking view grounds, this extraordinary estate blends old-world grandeur with modern sophistication, offering an unrivaled sanctuary for the most discerning buyers.A cobblestone motor court welcomes you to a masterfully restored and newly expanded English Country masterpiece by renowned luxury builder Van Acker Construction. Spanning approximately 16,668...

Real Estate

Best Home Decor Tips for Your Santa Barbara Home

Santa Barbara homes are more than just structures—they're reflections of the lifestyle, scenery, and serenity that make the area so iconic. Whether you live by the beach, in the hills of the Riviera, or tucked into Montecito’s lush enclaves, your home's interior should feel as inviting and elevated as the breathtaking views outside your window.Decorating your Santa Barbara home isn’t about following fleeting trends—it’s about embracing natural light, coastal elegance, and timeless style...

Home Services

Why More Santa Barbara Homeowners Are Choosing Solar Roofs

Why More Santa Barbara Homeowners Are Choosing SolaRoof: One Smart Payment. Two Major Upgrades.What if your electric bill could actually build you something — like a brand-new roof and a powerful solar energy system?With SolaRoof from August Roofing & Solar, that’s exactly what happens.Instead of throwing money away on rising utility costs, SolaRoof replaces your outdated electric bill with one predictable monthly payment — covering both a new roof and a custom-designed solar system. It’s...

Arts + Culture

The Storyteller

Inside Bernie Taupin’s imagination Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Josh Gruetzmacher “People don’t have to know me, as long as they know my writing.” ~BT Bernie Taupin, as described by Elton John, is a lyricist, cohort, best friend, and brother. Bernie keeps his description of himself simple: a storyteller. He grew up in the North London countryside, reading stories that inspired him to write stories himself. He followed his passion, and it led to a big life in rock and roll.  ...

Arts + Culture

Explore: The Cultured Abalone Farm

Sustainably hand-raising and preserving live seafood products along the coast Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Andie Von Horn You may have already eaten some bounty from our nearby seafood farm, and not know it. Sitting on the historic Rancho Dos Pueblos along the Gaviota coast, this farm supplies local chefs and purveyors far and near—Massimo Falsini at Carusos and Santa Barbara Fish Market's Goleta location, to name a couple. From walking tours to cooking instructions and abalone...

Real Estate

Custom-Built New England Estate in Coastal Santa Barbara

Perched on a knoll-top amid lush coastal landscapes, this Traditional New England estate will transport you to a world of classic architectural beauty and timeless allure. Designed by the late Peter Becker, a visionary Santa Barbara architect whose legacy endures through his successor firm, this property exemplifies bespoke craftsmanship and distinctive design that sets it apart. From featuring unique oval ''porthole'' windows inspired by Jefferson's Monticello to a soaring 14-foot...

Arts + Culture

We Grow. We Give.

Sweet Wheel Farms delivers organic food to those in need Article by Meaghan Clark Tiernan | Photography by Provided It started with a sign asking a question that changed the trajectory of Summerland and its food crisis: “Do you know children or a family that needs food?” Leslie Person Ryan is not the type to sit around and watch destruction happen. In fact, when I met her for a tour of Sweet Wheel Farms, she rarely stopped working–picking up plastic, tending to the vegetables, or petting...

Arts + Culture

Santa Barbara > SLO

A mother-daughter trip on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Provided Summer is the ideal season to explore Santa Barbara’s neighboring towns, and Amtrak makes a fun and memorable trip with your family easy. My daughter and I did just that affordably and comfortably as we boarded the Pacific Surfliner train at Amtrak’s State Street station in Santa Barbara for a 2-hour journey up the coast to San Luis Obispo.   The Pacific Surfliner travels over 300...

Wellness

Under The Central Coast Sun

Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Provided It’s here, and it’s glorious (always). Summer in Santa Barbara is the good life defined, but skin attention and protection is necessary. Montecito Med Spa offers innovative treatments to restore your skin during our sunniest months and beyond. Founded and operated by a female team of locals who prioritize community, professionalism, and warmth, Montecito Med Spa approaches beauty holistically. Principal owner, Karen Neary, MSN, RN, and her...

Arts + Culture

Rising From Ruins

Revisiting Santa Barbara’s Big One 100 years later Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Provided At 6:42 a.m. on June 29, 1925, the city of Santa Barbara shook for 18 seconds as a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the town, claiming 11 lives and forever transforming the landscape of the downtown area. One hundred years ago, “The twin towers of Mission Santa Barbara collapsed, and 85% of the commercial buildings downtown were destroyed or badly damaged. A failed dam in the foothills...