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Casa del Herrero

Santa Barbara, CA
805-565-5653
Website
Update attraction details
Type: Historic Sites
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Owner description: Tours are by reservation only on Wednesdays and Saturdays for those 10 years & older. Admission for the 90-minute, Docent-led tours is $20 per person.... more » Owner description: Tours are by reservation only on Wednesdays and Saturdays for those 10 years & older. Admission for the 90-minute, Docent-led tours is $20 per person. Designated in 2009 as Santa Barbara's 4th National Historic Landmark, the Casa del Herrero, built in 1925, stands today as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The creative manifestation of St. Louis industrialist George Fox Steedman, Casa del Herrero (House of the Blacksmith) reflects the visionary passions of its 'dream team' of designers: reknowned architect, George Washington Smith, landscape architects Lockwood de Forest and Francis T. Underhill, and antiquarians Arthur Byne and Mildred Stapley, who also helped outfit the well-known Hearst Castle. « less
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41 reviews from our community

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Gig Harbor, Washington, United States
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013

If you are interested in California architecture and history, as we are, then this docent led tour is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Lynda, our tour guide told great stories about the house and it's inhabitants from 1925 until the 1980's. She made our tour so interesting that the time just flew as we walked through... More

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See 18 more reviews by Pamela D for Santa Barbara
San Diego, CA
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

Take 90 minutes to learn about the history of the area and see a lovely example of the architecture and gardens, known to this area and the era. We really enjoyed the trip back in time. Would not recommend for little kids or people with significant mobility restrictions.

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See 3 more reviews by Dreifuss for Santa Barbara
mosinee
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2013

This is an estate created in the 1920s by a man with a fantastic imagination. He hired a famous architect and argued with him evey step of the way. He got his way! The hugh house is furnished with everything imaginable from Europe. Statuary, tiles, fixtures, doors, ceilings, cabinets, etc. The tour is conducted by docents who are very knowledgable... More

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Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

The Casa del Herrero, designed by architect George Washington Smith and completed in 1925, is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in America, is included on the National Register of Historic Places, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in January 2009. Having visited Santa Barbara and Montecito for many years, I can't believe we'd never... More

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See 6 more reviews by eshattuck for Santa Barbara
Santa Fe, NM
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2013

This historic home is a must see on your trip to Santa Barbara. Structure and gardens are absolutely gorgeous and tour staff welcoming and extremely knowledgable. We plan to see it again on our next trip for the sheer enjoyment of the place!

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Gardnerville, Nevada
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

As I toured this treasure from the mid 1920's I could compare it totoday's monied magnates, always tinkering and remodeling their lodgings and contracting with the designers for the latest in vogue art and furnishings. In the case of 1920's Santa Barbara, the popular style was Spanish and since Spain was still allowing the exportation of its artifacts some of... More

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See 3 more reviews by h0rsew0man for Santa Barbara
Seattle
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 23, 2013

Nothing to dislike. Took a private tour with on-site overseer. Fascinating. Loved all of the heavy wood doors.

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See 8 more reviews by DDanaC for Santa Barbara
Lafayette, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 20, 2013

Very interesting, lovely house, and especially enjoyed the grounds. Orange, lemon, avocado, grapefruit, and bay trees. Blooming flowers, manicured lawns, fountains. Very enjoyable.

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See 5 more reviews by vpiers for Santa Barbara
Damariscotta, Maine
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

The house and grounds here are beautiful, done in the old Spanish style of California with authentic furniture and tile work. It is quite beautiful. Tour guides are terrific and add to the character and quirks of the original family that come through which add great stories to most every room. it is a must see and we go almost... More

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See 9 more reviews by Peregrine1111 for Santa Barbara
vancouver
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

visiting the home offers a glimpse into the high society of early santa barbara. it's a modest home compared to today's society but oh so charming. of note the exentive tile work, the rough wood work, the gardens. the tours offer a wonderful insight into the life and times.

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See 6 more reviews by jennybobenny for Santa Barbara

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