As I mentioned last week, Steve and I are taking a few little trips while the kids are having fun at camp (I actually received a letter from Leila saying that her missing us has been replaced with fun LOL!).
Our first stop was Casa de Herrero (Home of the Blacksmith) in Montecito. In the late 1910's, industrialist George Steedman hired renowned architect George Washington Smith to design Mr. Steedman's idea of an Andalusian farmhouse. The charming asymmetrical front facade makes the home appear much larger than it actually is.
Most of the details used on the home and the landscape are typical for this style of home including the front motor court and central water feature.
A small balcony sits over the front door.
A close-up of the beautiful tile work on the floor of the balcony.
George Washington Smith's detailing of this home is magnificent. Look at that iron work!
The gardens that surround the estate are stunning. A formal rose garden is tucked away on the side of the house.
There are several gravel seating areas around the estate. These chairs and table were actually crafted by Mr. Steedman, a blacksmith.
This circular seating area is composed of tile benches facing this magnificent fountain.
A blue and white English garden borders a long grass lawn.
An arched colonnade creates a courtyard on the side of the home.
Arch details are also used for the doors and the second floor overhang between the wood corbels.
One of the several tiled water features in the courtyard...
This teal blue urn was once a fountain as well.
This beautiful iron balcony is covered with an 80 year old Cecil Bruner rose vine!
The quirky chimney details add to the charm of this home.
The back facade of the home is actually much more symmetrical than the front. I'm sure the covered porch was a wonderful place to entertain.
Under the archways the wall of the home is painted ochre and teal green. The back door with its leaded panes caught my eye.
I wonder if Mr. Steedman made this whimsical light fixture?
This is the view from the back of the house. I'm sure that the Steedmans had a view of the ocean before all of the trees grew in. The water runnel cascades down the terraced back yard.
A close up of one of the fountains...
As we walk toward the other side of the estate we find another gravel seating area with a pottery urn fountain.
This door marks the entrance into the informal servants' area (my favorite part of the tour!)
We are greeted by the wonderful vegetable and herb gardens.
I love these willow branches used as arbors. I plan to incorporate this idea into my own garden!
A parterre filled with herbs and garden topiaries is a hidden surprise!
Each bed has a thyme border.
This chair is another example of Mr. Steedman's ironwork.
Although it appears as if the chair is held together with thick twine, it's actually all made of metal.
I would love to have a green house like this one!
This little door allows the breeze in...
This lath house is lovely in its simplicity. It sits across from the garage side of the home.
This gorgeously detailed wood door opens to a small office next to the garage.
The garage door has a smaller door that can open.
A close up of a small lantern and the antique tile roof on this side of the home.
Can you believe this gorgeous room is the garage? The dark tile was used to hide oil.
The same ochre and teal green paint colors that are used on the wall in the back of the house are seen under this archway as well. The teal door enters the kitchen.
This ornate tiled area is actually a place to prepare the vegetables before they were brought into the home.
The final building on the tour is Mr. Steedman's workroom. You should have seen Steve's eyes light up when he walked into this room!
A close-up of Mr. Steedman's desk. How cool is that light?
You can visit the Casa de Herrero website for more information about this gorgeous home as well as to make tour reservations. The book is also wonderful!
xo
Brooke
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