I frequently get asked about where to go and what to do in Santa Barbara. There are the typical must-visit attractions that you can find on any Santa Barbara list, but there’s another gem of a destination that locals and tourists alike may miss: Casa del Herrero. The “House of the Blacksmith” or Steedman (pronounced Sted-man) estate was built in 1925 and designed by renowned architect, George Washington Smith. The 11-acre property retains its classic charm with gorgeous gardens and a residence that is considered to be one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. While used as a private home until 1987, the house was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2009 (the 4th in Santa Barbara). Today “the Casa,” as it’s lovingly called, is operated as a nonprofit with the goal of preserving the home and grounds for docent-led public tours. Get a glimpse into Montecito’s 1920s and ‘30s with this remarkably preserved East Valley Road estate.
George Fox Steedman, the owner of the Casa, was an industrialist, engineer, and amateur architect, and was involved in the property’s every detail. Steedman and his wife relocated from St. Louis to Montecito, and moved into their home the same day as the devastating and infamous Santa Barbara Earthquake. A successful and intelligent man, Steedman graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and had over 40 patents to his name for different inventions. A highlight of the tour for me is viewing his workshop where every tool is impeccably and brilliantly organized. Ever the perfectionist, Steedman painstakingly designed a birdhouse sundial that is in the south garden. His many designs and redesigns paid off as the sundial miraculously still tells the correct time 80 plus years later.
Photography is prohibited inside Casa del Herrero, which means that there is even more of a reason to book a tour and see the estate with your own eyes. Besides being a historic house museum, the Casa is also a botanical garden with Moorish-style gardens. I could spend hours touring the diverse gardens and noticing all of the intricate details ranging from dazzling tiles to arched windows to perfectly placed benches. Whether you want to stroll the entirety of the grounds or simply rest outside for a bit, the landscaping is breathtaking.
Tours are by reservation only and may be booked here. The 90-minute tours take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and cost $25 per person (10 years and older). The volunteer, docent-led tours are limited to 12 guests, but larger, private tours may be booked for up to 24 visitors. Parking is limited, so carpooling is recommended if possible. Advanced reservations are required, so make sure that you plan accordingly for your next Santa Barbara visit! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to travel back in time and see one of Santa Barbara’s finest architectural masterpieces. Which, if you’re familiar with Santa Barbara architecture, speaks volumes about this magnificent estate.
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All photos by Candace Fox