Santa Barbara style homes capture the classic beauty

of Spanish adobe houses, but add a little dash of elegance and eccentric whimsy, borrowing from a mix of inspirations and cultural influences. Santa Barbara style also draws Moorish features, Andalusian design, Italian Romanesque architecture, Ultra Baroque elements and bits and pieces of the Monterrey style and Native American flavors, including Hopi styling. One element may predominate, or the blend may entirely unique to a residence, but as a rule it is elegantly done.

• Hispanic Adobe
• Spanish Mission
• Monterey
• Pueblo or Santa Fe
• Spanish Colonial
• Mediterranean
• Spanish Eclectic
• Hacienda
• Spanish Charmer

The architectural features may include a combination of some or all of these features: high arched openings or entryways, white masonry, red-tiled terra cotta roofs with unusual ornamental details such as custom-designed light fixtures, bold-colored winding staircases, colorful and whimsical architectural touches, whimsical fountains, multiple-level construction, balconies, rustic wooden doors and window framing, flat or low roofs, parapets, stucco siding, adobe walls, heavy carved wooden doors, decorative wrought iron, decorative floor and wall tiles, portales with ornately carved support posts, vigas and latillas, ceiling beams, walled courtyards, wrought Iron work as supports and as ornamental metal work, ornamental ceilings, tile work as decorative elements.

Luxurious features such as lush gardens, deep, multicolored pools, and ten foot ceilings also abound. Since this style dates from the opulent 1920s and these houses are often multi-million dollar affairs, luxury is a necessary component of this architectural style