What can I say? In my dreams this is where I live. At the Saladino Villa in Montecito. It really is Santa Barbara Style at it's best.
As SBdigs.com so eloquently puts it, "part of (this villa's) immediate appeal is it's mixture of granduer and modesty. Saladino bought the place out of pure emotion...Thirteen acres of glorious park-like grounds...spectacular gardens including the lawn terrace, which is highlighted with a classical Roman column add(ing) an important note of permanence..." Not to mention that old relic feel I can't get enough of. After discovering this architectural treasure, I needed to find out more about the man behind it's restoration. John Saladino is originally from Kansas City. He moved to Rome in the late '60s to train with architect Piero Sartogo. (note to self: I have to find out more about this guy, too.) Saladino launched his own firm in 1972, making a name for himself with an elegant, classically-derived style. He established the Saladino Furniture company in 1986. He works on exotic projects, such as a palace in Kuwait, and a garden on a private island in Greece. Periwinkle has been his signature color over the years. Does anyone else out there dream of having career and home like John Saladino?
