August  2011

I have lived most of my life in coastal environments with fresh sea-scented air and enchanting ease: many of the coastal cities or villages also display inspiring design and architecture. An ocean town’s rooted history and evolutionary nature can sculpt a captivating design sensibility. From Santa Barbara to Southern Spain, I’ve outlined some of my favorite sea-side cities and towns that exhibit beautiful design. Santa Barbara is the first in this four-part series.

Santa Barbara, CA
Often referred to as the American Riviera because of its Mediterranean-like climate, Santa Barbara is best known for its Spanish colonial architecture and iconic Mission. In the early and mid 20^st century well known architects like George Washington Smith and Wallace Neff helped shape Santa Barbara into a stylishly stimulating city with their revival of the Spanish colonial aesthetic.  Today, the city boasts an architecturally homogenous style, featuring its classic thick, white washed structures with red-tiled roofs.

Traveling to Santa Barbara? Here are my top 5 must sees/dos:

1)      Santa Barbara Court House – Perhaps the grandest Spanish colonial revival structure ever built, the Santa Barbara Court House quintessentially embraces the beautiful style.

2)      Santa Barbara Train Station – Built in 1902 and designed in the classic Spanish colonial style, the Santa Barbara train station’s round arches can transport you back in time. But one of its most intriguing features is its proximity to the country’s largest Morten Bay fig tree. The span of the leaves from one end of the tree to the other is 160 feet and it provides over 21,000 square feet of shade. This is not to be missed!   

3)      Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel – Go for the view and stay for the brunch. Weekend brunch here is a feast for your eyes and stomach.  

4)      El Paseo – Built in the 1920’s, this was California's first shopping center. Today, in addition to a variety of shops, it features romantic gardens, charming pedestrian walkways and Spanish courtyards.  

5)      Meridian Studios – An architecture gem, Meridian Studios was designed by George Washington Smith in 1923 and later added to by Carleton M. Winslow. This vibrant studio channels a thriving movie industry that once centered around Santa Barbara.