Travelers name Santa Barbara as one of the best small cities in U.S.

Santa Barbara is named as one of the “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” as part of the Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Santa Barbara, which first appeared on the list in 2015, gets more than 7.2 million visitors per year.
More than 400,000 readers took part in the annual survey.
Several Santa Barbara area hotels were named as winners under the survey’s “Top Hotels in Southern California” category, including Hotel Californian, Belmond El Encanto and Kimpton Canary Hotel. In addition, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara won under the category of “Top Resorts in Southern California.”
“We’re thrilled to be named a top U.S. destination by Condé Nast Traveler readers and proud to see so many Santa Barbara South Coast hotels and resorts recognized,” said Visit Santa Barbara President and CEO Kathy Janega-Dykes. “Santa Barbara has a way of making travelers feel like they’re in a little pocket of paradise when here. The natural beauty, diversity of activities and attractions, vibrant restaurants and world-class wine country offer visitors an unparalleled quintessential California experience.”
A complete list of winners can be found at www.cntraveler.com/rca.

 

23 Entryways to Welcome You Home

Never underestimate the power of a bold front door

welcoming-front-doors

When you welcome guests into your home, your entryway and front door make a huge impact on the overall first impression of your space. 

These 23 homes boast jaw-dropping entrances that speak for themselves.

Carpinteria | $19,500,000

Presented by Cristal Clarke

18-1020

This stunning estate is a perfect example of Modernism combined with functional minimalism…and you will see that from the moment you approach the home.


Santa Barbara | $10,250,000

Presented by Kotlyar Team

18-2889

This Montecito estate boasts dreamy ocean views that can be enjoyed before you even walk through the front door!


Carpinteria | $6,785,000

Presented by McGowan Partners

18-2146

This Mediterranean architectura-style l home pairs Old World charm with modern-day amenities, and this fairytale-esque entryway is no exception to the design.


Calabasas | $5,750,000

Presented by The Shevins

SR18062387

The stunning curb appeal of this home will lead you into a world of luxury.


Santa Barbara | $4,795,000

Presented by Angela B. Moloney

18-898

Formal manicured grounds and privacy hedges surround this exceptional home with stately columns, walkways, custom windows, and a welcoming entry with a graceful wraparound porch. Step inside and enjoy the view looking out!


Santa Barbara | $3,295,000

Presented by Kellie Roche Clenet

18-3420

This sophisticated Hope Ranch home is in infused with rich character throughout its details, from the stable door to the hardwood and beamed ceilings.


Santa Barbara | $2,999,000

Presented by Michelle Cook & Angie Guiberteau

18-2903

This Mediterranean-style home is right on trend with the black statement door complete with a black-finished porch light. The glass paneling and iron detail on the door work perfectly to soften this bold color.


Rancho Santa Fe | $2,995,000

Presented by Delorine Jackson

180045135

A palatial masterpiece home, designed for luxury andcomfort. The welcoming entryway foreshadows the rich woods, high ceilings and tranquil atmosphere that you will continue to find throughout the interior.


Los Angeles | $2,969,000

Presented by Larry Young

18-381890

This remarkably chic and traditional home has a glamorous floral-lined entryway to welcome you. Step beyond the front door, and pass through a beautiful courtyard before entering the home.


Santa Ynez Valley | $2,799,000

Presented by Laura Drammer

18-2850

A custom-designed Spanish villa in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Step through the majestic front door and you’ll feel at home in your very own private wine country retreat.


San Diego | $2,300,000

Presented by Kathleen Colbert & Stan Krimerman

180051321

This statement black front door provides a trendy and unexpected twist on a beautiful and classic home.


Santa Barbara | $2,299,000

Presented by Laurel Abbott

18-3594

Mid-Century Modern design lovers’ hearts will skip a beat over this bold and on-trend front door.


San Diego | $1,699,000

Presented by Lucy Kelts

180048589

This exquisite home features elegant curb appeal in its prestigious gated community.


Poway | $1,585,000

Presented by Suzanne Kropf

180052808

Travel up the long, private driveway and you are greeted with welcoming views of this beautiful custom estate. Time your arrival with sunset, and you are guaranteed a sight to see!


Santa Barbara | $1,549,000

Presented by Marie Sue Parsons

18-2890

Blending classic Spanish architecture with modern elements, this eye-catching home greets you with a delightful entryway and tasteful interior flooded with natural light.


Escondido | $1,399,000

Presented by Cindy Waasdorp

180024432

A beautiful and spacious front entryway, complete with lush landscaping and a trickling fountain to welcome you home.


San Juan Capistrano | $1,199,000

Presented by Veronica Potter

OC18181406

This beautiful and spacious home has been lovingly maintained down to the very last detail, including a custom wrought-iron entry door


Santa Barbara | $1,195,000

Presented by Hitchcock & Associates

17-3347

The navy-blue paint wash on this front door provides a perfect splash of color to contrast the crisp white walls and neutral stone flooring of this luxurious town home.


Escondio | $1,174,900

Presented by Tom Lux

180037798

This welcoming entryway takes you through a natural stone courtyard complete with an elegant fountain.


San Marcos | $1,099,000

Presented by Lisa Betz

180044764

From the welcoming archway entry to the well-kept landscape, this home is the epitome of curb appeal.


San Diego | $849,000

Presented by Joel Blumenfeld & Matt Greene

180052439

This beautiful home boasts extreme attention to detail throughout the residence…and this eye-catching doorway is no exception!


San Diego | $638,000

Presented by Steve Solomon & Tim Orlowski

180045476

This Point Loma town home knows how to make an eye-catching entrance!


San Marcos | $598,800

Presented by Kacey Smith

180052742

The custom-made front screen door adds an extra touch of character to this charming home.

23 Entryways to Welcome You Home

 

National Campaign

#GoodToAsk
The 2018 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices #GoodToAsk campaign celebrates the questions that move us, inspiring potential buyers and sellers to move from “making do” to “making it happen.” Cinematic videos such as Pinky Swear showcase the positive emotional transformation undergone by buyers and sellers at various life stages, thanks to the guidance of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network agents.

Organize and Decorate Your Home for the Season

Good organization makes life flow and is also good for the soul. You might have done spring cleaning earlier in the year, but fall is another ideal time to give your home a tune-up.

As you begin thinking about the upcoming holidays, you might find yourself sifting through cupboards for fall décor, dinner dishes, and silverware. Get a head start on your organizing by using the following methods to tidy your drawers and cupboards.

Pull out fall tablecloths, napkins, candles, and other décor.

Clean and organize your kitchen cabinets.

Restack your glasses, and bring your fall/winter-colored mugs to the front.

Decorating for Fall Is Fun
Changing the colors, fabrics, and themes of your home décor adds a sense of adventure.

Change over summer décor both on your front porch and indoors.

Put away summery toss cushions and throws in beach tones, and bring out autumnal ones in leaf tones.

Put away summery flower arrangements, and create fall-themed ones.

Change over your door wreath and have your pumpkins or gourds handy for decorating the front porch.