HISTORICAL ARCHITECT SPOTLIGHT
Explore the timeless elegance and visionary designs of some of Santa Barbara’s most iconic architects in these historically significant listings.
REGINALD JOHNSON
Reginald Davis Johnson, FAIA, stands as one of the great master architects of the early 20th century, renowned for his work on grand estates of the Golden Age. His architectural legacy is predominantly rooted in Santa Barbara and Montecito, where he is credited with defining what has become known as California Architecture—a style that intertwines the region's rich history and tradition with influences from Spanish Andalusia. Iconic projects such as the luxurious Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel exemplify Johnson's ability to create designs that are both sophisticated and in harmony with their surroundings. Johnson's contributions have left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Santa Barbara and Montecito, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in American architecture.
LAS JACARANDAS: 1682 E VALLEY ROAD
Offered at $13,995,000
In the heart of Montecito’s Golden Quadrangle, this 1932 estate stands as a testament to timeless elegance, architectural mastery, and the transformative nature of extraordinary landscaping. This incredible 2.86-acre property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history combined with the luxury of modern living and eternally lush grounds, aided by a private well.
Reginald Johnson designed this estate with an eye for detail and an appreciation for the natural beauty of its surroundings. The estate’s architecture showcases his signature style, characterized by elegant lines, expansive windows, and an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
MARY MCLAUGHLIN CRAIG
Mary McLaughlin Craig was a pioneering figure in 20th-century architecture, particularly noted for her innovative approach to modern design in Southern California. Emerging during a time when female architects faced considerable challenges, Craig's career exemplifies resilience and creativity. Her work often integrated elements of Spanish Colonial architecture, a style deeply rooted in the region's history and climate. Craig's designs embraced the principles of simplicity, functionality, and harmony with nature, showcasing her adeptness at blending modernist aesthetics with traditional influences. Her architectural philosophy emphasized open spaces, natural materials, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor environments, reflecting both practicality and a profound appreciation for the cultural and climatic context of Southern California. Mary McLaughlin Craig's contributions continue to inspire and shape the architectural discourse, leaving an indelible mark on the built environment of the region.
LA MACARENA: 680 BUENA VISTA DRIVE
Offered at $10,900,000
Mary Craig’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is ripe with wrought iron, smooth white stucco, Santa Barbara stone walls, weathered tile, beautifully carved doors, and 1930’s glamour. The ocean view estate known as La Macarena presides over 1.99 acres in the heart of the Golden Quadrangle and embodies a worn elegance earned over nearly a century of seasons. Available to the market for the first time in 50 years, this piece of history is the perfect canvas to create your version of the California Dream.
This incredible ocean and mountain view property was once part of a large 70-acre estate known as El Mirador, meaning The Viewpoint. Today, 805 Ayala Lane lives as 12 acres - 9 acres in fee and 3 as an exclusive landscape easement - with abundant private water, ancient specimen trees and gardens that rival neighboring Lotusland, this incredible parcel is poised to match and host your wildest dreams.
GEORGE WASHINGTON SMITH
George Washington Smith began his career as an artist before moving to Montecito from Paris in 1916, where he discovered his true calling as an architect. Inspired by the beauty of Spanish haciendas during his travels in Andalusia, Smith built his own house in Montecito in the Andalusian style. The house quickly gained attention and popularity, leading Smith to a new career designing predominantly Spanish Colonial homes and commercial properties in the Santa Barbara area. Smith became renowned for defining the Spanish Colonial Revival style, which emphasized stucco walls, red-tile roofs, decorative ironwork, and graceful arches. His architectural legacy includes many of Santa Barbara's most iconic landmarks, such as the Lobero Theater and Casa del Herrero, leaving an enduring impact on the architectural heritage of the region.
CLIFF MAY
Born into a prominent native Californian family, May's early exposure to the design aesthetics of Mexican ranches would shape his life's work. In the 1930s, he began designing homes in San Diego and later moved to Los Angeles, where he fused elements of Spanish Revival with Modernism. His designs emphasized low-slung, horizontally oriented, pitched-roof ranch houses with open, relaxed layouts that integrated indoor and outdoor living spaces—perfect for Southern California's temperate climate. May's ranch house designs gained national popularity after World War II, with his partnership with Chris Choate leading to the development of numerous ranch home tracts. May sold designs for about 18,000 ranch homes and over 1,000 custom residences. His showcased his passion for creating livable, harmonious spaces that connected with the natural landscape, cementing his legacy as the father of the California ranch house.
THE HACIENDA RANCH: 13800 & 14000 US HIGHWAY 101
Offered at $45,000,000
Encompassing over 3,100 acres of majestic rolling hills and natural open space along the Gaviota Coast, The Hacienda Ranch at El Rancho Tajiguas embodies the spirit and history of Old California. Tajiguas means the “basket” but may actually be more accurately interpreted as the “bowl” where the narrow ocean front entrance to the ranch opens into one of the widest valleys on the Gaviota Coast -- containing the entire Tajiguas Creek watershed with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop.
The historic, fully operational ranch comprises 970AC of rangeland, 585AC of agricultural operations, over 100AC of riparian area, and 1,600AC of open spaces/wildlands. There is no place on the ranch that does not offer dramatic ocean and/or mountain views.
