In Santa Barbara and beyond, the most exceptional homes are shaped as much by their outdoor spaces as their interiors. A thoughtfully designed pool does more than cool the day — it anchors architecture, frames the landscape, and sets the rhythm of daily life. From coastal compounds to hillside retreats and wide-open ranch estates, these pools reflect different interpretations of luxury, each rooted in its setting and designed to elevate how life is lived outdoors. Below, we explore four distinctive properties where poolside living becomes an experience in itself.

We were grateful to see this strength reflected in Riskin Partners’ own performance, with 2025 marking our second-best year on record and more than $700M in closed sales. That performance was driven by the same forces shaping the broader market: consistent demand, limited supply, and a growing preference for high-quality, well-located homes.

Living close to the ocean here is not just about proximity to the beach. It is about a way of life that feels both grounding and inspiring. Afternoons drift into golden evenings, neighbors wave as they pass, and every day carries a sense of ease that is hard to replicate anywhere else. The following three properties capture that coastal California lifestyle in their own distinct ways, each offering a rare opportunity to live just moments from the sand, the surf, and the quiet luxury of life by the sea.

At Riskin Partners, we’re always focused on sharing meaningful insight into our market and the forces that shape it. But once a year, we like to pull back the curtain and have a little fun. Our Year in Numbers is a chance to reflect on what kept us fueled, from major milestones to the small, everyday moments behind the scenes.

November was a strong month for our team, highlighted by two notable off-market sales, one on San Leandro Lane and another on Park Lane. These transactions reflect continued confidence at the high end and the value of thoughtful representation in a more selective market.

Some homes make gatherings feel effortless. Others turn them into something unforgettable. From bluff-top sunset cocktails to wine tours, chef-prepared dinners, and poolside afternoons that stretch into golden evenings, these properties were made for celebrating life’s best moments.

Winter arrives gently along the California coast, not with snowdrifts or frost but with golden sunsets, crisp evenings, and a festive glow that lingers in the air. Lights wind around palms, music floats from open plazas, and familiar streets take on a soft shimmer as Santa Barbara slips into the season. The holidays here unfold with a coastal grace, from slow mornings to illuminated nights, creating moments that feel both celebratory and serene.

There’s something so special about this time of year, when gathering around the fireplace becomes one of life’s simple pleasures. A quiet evening wrapped in a cozy blanket, a movie playing in the background, or a book you’ve finally made time to enjoy. Maybe it’s a game night with friends that stretches late into the evening, the room glowing with laughter and firelight. These are the moments that make a house feel like a home, and with the season settling in, we’re sharing a few of our favorite fireplaces from current listings that inspire warmth, comfort, and connection.

October was a remarkable month for our team, with $171.5M in closed volume across South Santa Barbara County. As we move through November, that confidence continues with two additional high-end off-market sales in which we represented both the buyer and the seller.

Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara has its own coastal charm with cool mornings, golden afternoons, and gatherings built around good food. Whether you're hosting or bringing one standout dish, local pre-orders make the week effortless. From gluten-free patisseries and French bakeries to small-batch pie makers and full “everything but the turkey” menus, here are the best spots to order your holiday essentials.

The kitchen is more than the heart of a home; it is where life unfolds. Architecture meets intimacy, and light and texture shape the small moments of daily living. Let's explore these four distinct estates, where each kitchen tells its own story of craftsmanship, creativity, and connection. Whether surrounded by mountain horizons, vineyard calm, or ocean air, each space shows how meaningful a kitchen can truly be.

Great design doesn’t compete with nature; it collaborates with it. Across California’s most captivating landscapes, architecture becomes an instrument of light and perspective. Through walls of glass, sweeping arches, and open-air passages, these homes frame the outdoors like a living painting, inviting the horizon to become part of the room itself.

Each Halloween, Montecito’s charming Coast Village Road transforms into a “spooktacular” scene for the beloved Ghost Village Road celebration. On Friday, October 31, 2025, families, friends, and little ghouls are invited to join in the fun as local shops and restaurants open their doors for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, laughter, and community cheer. Hosted by the Montecito Association, this cherished tradition turns the heart of the Lower Village into a lively parade of costumes, candy, and festive décor. Whether you’re a longtime resident or experiencing Montecito’s Halloween magic for the first time, Ghost Village Road is the perfect way to celebrate the season — where creativity shines, pumpkins glow, and everyone is welcome to embrace the spirit of Halloween.

This guide is your curated calendar of autumn’s finest moments—a handpicked collection of experiences that capture the heart of Santa Barbara and Montecito. From vineyard tastings and candlelit concerts to farm dinners and seaside gatherings, each event reflects the effortless elegance and warmth of the Central Coast in its golden season. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or seeking inspiration close to home, let this be your guide to the art of living beautifully this fall.

Quarter 3 was an exceptional quarter for Riskin Partners Estate Group, marked by impressive sales volume and activity across Santa Barbara County. Our team closed properties ranging from $3 million to $55 million, achieving more than $150 million in total closed volume this quarter. We’re deeply grateful to our clients and community for their continued trust and partnership.

At Riskin Partners, August included notable sales at the $3–4M level, with the closings of 715 Circle Drive ($3.75M) and 1326 Hillcrest Road ($4.195M). August also saw the start to a string of very strong activity at the ultra-high-end of the market. Check back next month to see if the trend continues into fall!

July brought a noticeable increase in activity across South Santa Barbara County, with sales up 29% year-over-year. While most areas experienced a slight softening in pricing, Montecito stood out with 20 closings—an 80% jump from last July—and a median price of $4.65M, up 8%.

Back to School in Montecito: A Season of Fresh Starts

Beautifully designed gyms that make wellness part of daily life.

Where natural beauty meets refined living