Bellosguardo: A Mystery





photo: Williams Systems



For anyone in Santa Barbara, who has driven past the volleyball courts at East Beach, around the curve of the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.  You have unknowingly past  Bellosguardo.  "What is Bellosguardo?"  You may ask.  Well, I didn't know either until recently.



I have often taken this very drive, and wondered about the private estate that lies between East Beach, The Bird Refuge and the elegant Santa Barbara Cemetery.  Only a glimpse of the palatial home can be seen from the road as you come around the bend.  What has always intrigued me about this mysterious estate, aside from its location, are the classic cement wall and columns surrounding the property.  It seems to be maintained, but understated and quiet for a location such as this.



photo: USC Library

 

When I opened my mail last week, there was a newspaper article, sent to me by my aunt, telling the story of this estate with a "beautiful view".   I certainly wasn't disappointed by the tale!  Basically, the property was purchased by Copper King William Andrews Clark in 1923, who according to lore, was the second richest man in the world at the time, behind John D. Rockefeller.  In 1932, the existing home was torn down by his much younger second wife, Anna, to build a  22,000 sq. ft. French Country Home where she would summer with her daughter, Huguette.  When Huguette's sister died, the family donated the land and money to create the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, which we all still enjoy today.  Huguette is the owner of the estate to this day, and the most intriguing part of the story is that she apparently hasn't visited the estate in more than 50 years!  While it has been carefully maintained, it has sat empty for half a century! This is where my imagination begins to run wild.  I imagine this lovely, classic estate, on arguably the most picturesque bluff on the California coast, sitting quietly alone, waiting for a chance to return to it's former life, hosting grand parties, dignified concerts and idyllic seaside visits for a little girl. 



Photo: msnbc.com

Huguette is now 104 years old, said to be living under hospital care in New York.  Bellosguardo is rumored to be worth $100 million dollars.  While billionaires like Ty Warner have attempted to buy the property, it continues to sit, empty, unused and waiting.  Next time you find yourself on the curve next to the bird refuge, take a look up the hill at the "Bellosguardo".



photo: msnbc.com



SR

Info from: the Denver Post, c/o The LA Times               



The Queen of the Missions

The Missions of California are a popular tourist destination for visitors throughout the state.  And here in Santa Barbara it is no exception.  The Santa Barbara mission is adored for its beauty and it is easy to see why.  It is a muse of professional photographers and tourist's snapshots alike.  

I grew up within walking distance of this place.  While I must have driven by, thousands of times, it wasn't until I moved back to town that I came to appreciate its striking beauty.  Now, I go out of my way to pass by the Mission and it's picturesque rose garden, to remind myself of this amazing architectural beauty that has become somewhat of a visual ambassador for our unique city. 

The setting is just as special as the architecture, the hills behind mission canyon, framed by a pair of bell towers, and an ocean view from the mission's steps.  The homes that surround the mission grounds, for me, add a special charm to the area.  They are elegant and quaint at the same time, and neither the homes or the mission would be as beautiful without the other.  Recently, my brother showed me an old path, cutting between two of the homes; a relic of the old presidio days.  Legend has it, this is all that remains of the path from the mission down to the presidio.

The reason the mission exists, and it's history are somewhat controversial topics, that I am not going to address here.  My purpose here is to appreciate the visual experience this place provides.  As much for those who are visiting for the first time, as for people like me who pass by it everyday.  Interestingly, I have never taken the mission tour, and I found that others who spent their entire childhoods nearby have never taken the tour either.  Maybe this is because the mission is so much a part of our experience.  We pass by it on our way to the dentist or the grocery store, the way people in other cities pass by a bank or mini-mall,  reminding us how lucky we are to live in Santa Barbara, if we can only remember to keep our eyes open.   

SR   

   

   

Will You Wear Red on Valentine's Day?

Love, romance, candle light dinners, walks on the beach... Is there a better place to spend Valentine's Day than Santa Barbara?  The setting is perfect and there are countless places to enjoy this day with the one you love.

Whether you have a special romantic evening planned, or a cozy dinner with friends and family, here are a few ideas for looking chic this Valentine's Day.

I love red for Valentine's day because it is the color of love, the color of passion, but it is also committed.  It makes a statement and it screams confidence.   

For so many, you spend your day at the office, with little time to change before your evening plans.  What could be easier than this classic shirt dress?  Throw this dress on before work with black ballet flats and you're ready to go.  For dinner or drinks after work switch to heels, add a clutch, and your look is retro and sophisticated. 

 For a more relaxed, romantic look this dress is perfect.  This can easily go from day to night as well.  It can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize it.  If you are planning a picnic on the beach, or lunch at a romantic outdoor cafe, a dress like this looks effortless, chic and so Santa Barbara. 

 This dress is definitely a showstopper.  Romantic, modern, graphic and definitely sexy.   Worn with shoes like these, what else do you need?  This is what I'm talking about when I say red is committed. Wear this to a romantic candle lit dinner, or an intimate dinner party at a fabulous location- anywhere you want to be the center of attention!  

Not everyone has romantic plans this Valentine's Day.  For those that are spending time with their kids,or have casual plans with friends, but still want to look festive a top like this is perfect.  I love this with leggings, and black trousers would look so french.  

And I didn't want to leave out the guys.  For women I love red as a bold statement.  But for men, I prefer a less is more approach.  A red tie or scarf is all you need.  It looks fun and happy, while still sophisticated.

 For those who are looking for just a touch of red this Valentine's Day, try a ruby ring like this.  It is simple and luxiourous.  Wear this with a simple, monochromatic outfit and let the ring shine.  While this is a quiet statement, it will not go unnoticed!    

And nothing says classic like a bold red mouth.  Whatever you are wearing, if you want to dress it up a bit add red lipstick.  Keep the rest of your make up simple and fresh, and you will look stunning. 

However you spend this Valentine's Day remember to show the ones you love how much you care. 

 That is what it's about after all!!

SR

Dressing for Spring!!

Just one year ago, I was living where below freezing temperatures and shoveling snow were my Feburary reality.  Today I am in paradise.  In Santa Barbara, January and February are spring at its best!  The weather is perfect, skies are sunny, and everyone is out enjoying it.  While the rest of the country has to wait months to wear their spring-time wardrobes, we can wear ours all year long.

Right now, I am obsessed with easy, effortlessly chic dresses in creams, tans and taupes.  I love them with boho-chic details like lace and crewl, and modern graphic cuts.  Wearing a dress like this looks romantic, breezy and pulled together at the same time.  It can't get any easier to throw on a fabulous dress and your ready to go. 

  For Santa Barbara's laid-back lifestyle, dresses like these are great for the beach, shopping, or even dinner!     

This dolman sleve dress with sparkle detail at the neck and blousy elastic waist is so chic and easy.  You don't even need a necklace.  A dress like this can take you anywhere in style.  The shape is young and current, without looking silly or like it's trying too hard.  And I couldn't leave out the "Maxi".  I adore how romantic a dress like this looks.  Again, perfect anywhere, looks great, and so effortless!!

Accessorizing a look like this is really fun.  Sandals are a must!!  I love this leopard print T strap sandal.  It's minimal, and a much more pulled together option then basic flip-flops.  Mixing patterns looks cool and efforetless.  This graphic leopard goes so well with subtle florals, angular stripes or romantic details.  Espadrilles are a dressier option while still maintaing the breezy boho-chic look. 

The key to making this look fresh is keeping everthing in shades of cream, khaki, taupe, camel, copper etc.  Throw a cream cardigan or Khaki trench coat over it on a cool morning or chilly evening.  Pile on a variety of necklaces, or some fun copper chandelier earrings, and don't forget your bandeau bikini.  Add a straw trilby hat, avaitor sunglasses and an easy canvas or slouchy leather bag.  Come to think of it, what else do you need here in Santa Barbara? 

Saladino Villa

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? 

 

Holiday Style: Chocolate Pumpkin Pie!

Pumpkin Pie was the first dish I ever contributed to a Holiday meal. While planning the Holiday menu in my head, I came up with a new twist to traditional Pumpkin Pie.  Several of my guests are great lovers of all things chocolate (who isn't?)  Here is what I came up with!!

OREO PUMPKIN PIE
For the crust you will need:
1 package chocolate sandwich cookies (I used Newman O's Wheat Free, Dairy Free)
1 Tbsp. Organic cocoa powder
pinch of Sea Salt
3/4 Stick of Organic Butter (6 Tbsp.)

Preheat oven to 300.  Open the package of cookies.  Twist open each "sandwich" creating one cookie with filling and one without.  take all the cookies without filling, put into food processor and grind until smooth.  Take cookie with filling and press together with another cookie with filling.  Do this with remaining  cookies creating "double stuff" and put back in package for later when you want a snack!

Pour ground cookies into a bowl.  Add cocoa powder and sea salt.  Heat butter in a sauce pan on low heat until melted, then add to cookies.  Stir until combined.  Press mixture into pie plate, about 1/8 inch thick.  Press up the sides creating traditional pie crust shape.  I left a rough top edge to my crust, but finish as you wish.  Place crust in oven for 10-15 minutes jut to lightly toast and set.

For filling you will need:
 1 15 oz. can Organic Pumpkin
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs slightly beaten

 Preheat oven to 425.  Mix pumpkin and spices together.  Add remaining filing ingerdients.  Mix slowly until thouroughly mixed. Place pie plate with cookie crust on a cookie sheet.  Pour pumpkin filling carefully into crust. Bake for 15 min. at 425, then reduce temp to 350 and bake for another 35-40 mins.  Let cool and store in Refrigerator until ready to serve.  Enjoy!!

I think this Pie was enjoyed by all my guests, especially my 3 year old son who helped me make it. Although the directions seem long, it was so simple and quick to make.  Anyone who tries this recipe- let me know how it turns out.  Next:  Pumpkin cinnamon rolls!!

Old Fashioned Dia De Los Muertos

One beautiful Sunday in November, I was out enjoying the day with my two little ones. We happened upon a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival near De la Guerra Plaza in the old downtown area of Santa Barbara.  It was set in a small courtyard, adorned with colorful tissue paper flowers over wooden archways and bright paper streamers overhead.  there was a beautiful altar overflowing with candles, skeletons, trinkets and an old colored photograph of Frida Kahlo. 

The scene was quite enchanting- children running about, making skeleton crafts, face painting and wonderful music!  The children were performing traditional songs in Spanish, such as "De Colores", a personal favorite of mine.  Charming, simple events like this seem to be so rare these days.  It was fun to see families of this amazing community enjoying themselves at a traditional event, celebrated in an "old fashioned" way.  

Behind the Iron Gate

So much magic is hiding behind a gate!  I love to imagine what secret beauties are lying within!  Just take a drive through any part of Montecito and your imagination can run wild with secret manicured porteres, lush tropical hideways, ancient european villas and of course graceful trickling fountians.  The joy of it is the mystery and romance that these gates provide.

Of course I have my favorites.  On De la Guerra, downtown, the gate enclosing Merriden Studios is one of the most romantic I've ever seen.  Look how ancient it looks.  The building hiding behind it doesn't disappoint-Georgeous!!

Padaro Lane is full of fantastic gates.  I have two that I love- one more traditional-it has a cape cod feel, very sophisticated.  An ivy vine is growing on its walls, and majestic sycamores line the drive behind it.  The other, while incorperating the sandstone look that is so Santa Barbara, this gate has a cobble, beach-stone feel that  is absolutely enchanting!

The last gate I am including is an extreme gate for an extreme estate!! Situated above Butterfly Beach is the grand home and gardens of Ty Warner.  This gate gives you a hint at the grand lifestyle lying within.  Take a leisurely walk along the bike path above Butterfly Beach and you will catch a glimpse of a larger than life European Villa with expansive promande and lushly-tropical gardens.  You can even hear a trickling fountian in a deep grotto over the wall.  What magic!!

I encourage everyone to find their own favorite gates around this beautiful city.  The search can be great fun, and you never know what you may find around the next corner!

SR   

Dreams of Water

 I often take my two young children on afternoon outings.  Where we are headed is of minimal importance.  One bright sunny day we were exploring downtown, and we found ourselves walking through the sandstone collums of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

I must have been seeing this place through the eyes of my children, or perhaps I was remembering the magic of the sunken garden in my childhood.  I would often have dreams as a child that I was in the back corner of this garden, underneath a curving wrought iron staircase, surrounded by the ferns and other lush greenery.  In my dreams, there would be still, dark pools of reflecting water tucked into this secret corner.  These dreams are for me, the beginning of my love for water and the magic of Santa Barbara.

What Is Santa Barbara Style?

As I thought about writing the first entry into this blog, entitled Santa Barbara Style, I started thinking, "what is Santa Barbara Style?"  I have ideas in my head of what I believe it to be.  When I see it, I know it. Can I articulate it?  Can it be pinned down to a few words that clearly define what Santa Barbara Style is?

I was born and raised in this beautiful city.  In so many ways it has shaped who I am.  I have visited and lived many other places, but no other place has come so close to paradise for me.  Recently I began to see Santa Barbara with new eyes.  I think this comes from ones perspective- when it changes, how things are seen change too.  Everything I see provides so much joy and inspiration!  The buildings around town- when did they become so amazing?  The people walking confidently down State Street on a bright sunny day, each one looking as if they had just stepped out of a fashion editorial.  And the headline reads-  Santa Barbara Style: Effortlessly Elegant and Casually Chic.  I can't get enough of it!!

While reading this blog, think of me as your personal tour guide of this unique city.  But this is definitely not your average tour.  This is a tour with all things style in mind.  Anything that catches my attention may end up here.  I am excited to experience where this tour takes us, what inspires me, what I learn and everything I see!
SR