Casa del Herrero: A Glimpse into Montecito's Golden Age
Discover Casa del Herrero, a Montecito National Historic Landmark: Experience the elegance of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and Moorish gardens from the Golden Age of California.
Step back in time at Casa del Herrero, a National Historic Landmark in Montecito, California, showcasing exquisite Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and meticulously preserved early 20th-century life. Designed by George Washington Smith in 1925 for George Fox Steedman, this 11-acre estate features a stunning house museum filled with Spanish antiques and art, surrounded by Moorish-inspired gardens, a blacksmith workshop, and citrus orchards. Docent-led tours offer insights into the Steedman family's legacy and the estate's design, transporting visitors to the elegance of the 1920s and 30s. Advanced reservations are essential to explore this unique blend of architecture, landscape, and history. Note that parking is limited, and carpooling is encouraged to fully enjoy this Montecito treasure.
A brief summary to Casa del Herrero
- 1387 E Valley Rd, Montecito, California, 93108, US
- +1805-565-5653
- Visit website
Local tips
- Book your docent-led tour well in advance, as spaces are limited and tours often sell out, especially during peak season.
- Carpool or use ride-sharing services due to extremely limited on-site parking; neighborhood parking is prohibited.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven pathways throughout the gardens and historic estate.
- Photography is not allowed inside the house to protect the artifacts, so fully immerse yourself in the experience.
- Consider visiting Ganna Walska Lotusland, another nearby garden, on the same day with advance planning and reservations.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 101 in Montecito, exit at Olive Mill Road. Head north towards the mountains. Turn right onto East Valley Road (Highway 192). Continue east for approximately 1 mile. Casa del Herrero will be on your left. Note that parking is very limited on-site, and neighborhood parking is prohibited. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Allow extra time for parking. Shuttle services may be required for larger groups exceeding seven parking spots. Private tour minimum cost is $400, which allows access for 1-8 people; each additional visitor is $25 per person.
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Public Transport
From downtown Santa Barbara, take MTD Bus Line 14 towards Montecito. Get off at the East Valley & San Ysidro stop. From there, walk east on East Valley Road for approximately 10 minutes (0.5 miles) to reach Casa del Herrero. A single ride on MTD costs $1.75. Check the MTD website for the most up-to-date schedules.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Montecito or Santa Barbara, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) is a convenient option. Request a ride to 1387 East Valley Road, Montecito. The estimated fare from downtown Santa Barbara is $20-$30, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Be aware of potential wait times during peak hours.
Discover more about Casa del Herrero
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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