If there were ever such a thing as the quintessential Santa Barbara Experience, it would undoubtedly happen outside. It would also likely include a nice meal with friends and/or family. Welcome to outdoor dining in what’s often described as Santa Barbara’s perfect Mediterranean climate, a mix of sunny breezes, mild temps, and changing colors — often year round. Taking advantage of such favorable conditions often appears near the top of a newly built or remodeled home’s scope of work. Here’s a few of our favorites.
HILLSIDE HACIENDA: Described as a healthy renovation by architect Chris Dentzel, an added touch to the extensive scope of work on this single-family residence included a pizza oven in the new poolside cabana (pictured). Overall, the project focused on bringing the home’s walls, cabinets, floors, and ceilings into the 21st century, including iron-framed doors, more south-facing windows, and new light fixtures to highlight the owner’s art collection. Photo by Jim Bartsch.MESA DELUXE: Originally purchased as a one-bedroom, one-bathroom fixer, this home’s world-class views stretch unobstructed from Point Mugu to the western horizon of the Santa Barbara Channel. Roughly three years in the making — counting a nine-month delay to remediate the unexpected discovery of contaminated soil surrounding a relic well from the Mesa Oil Field — the all-new finished product features two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a media room across roughly 3,200 square feet on two stories. Outdoor living space includes a kitchen in the breezeway (pictured, lower left), a deck over the carport, and comfort zones that blend the boundaries between inside and out. Architecture by Barry Winick. Structural engineering by Taylor & Syfan. Photo by Erin Feinblatt. DETACTED KITCHEN + DINING: After 20 years of providing consummate outdoor dining experiences, this outdoor space in Montecito was due for an upgrade. Framed by new beams, lighting, and a taupe sunshade, the new country kitchen features plastered masonry cabinets, a cast-in-place waxed concrete countertop, Lynx outdoor appliances, and plenty of comfortable seating. Photo by Jim Bartsch.
