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The Palm House
One of the original homes in the Bel Air Knolls, ‘’The Palm House’’ was the heart of a once thriving palm plantation. The land has since been subdivided to create the Bel Air Knolls neighborhood, but soaring mature palm trees still speckle the property. Set far back from the street down a private lane, this home is an island of tranquility in the middle of the City.
Check it Out!
THE
PALM
HOUSE
the CHARM
of the FARM
This home is straight out of a story book. From the idyllic porch swing, to the beautiful and functional Dutch Door, to the nostalgic board and batten exterior and long gravel driveway, it is reminiscent of a bygone era. When you’re here, you’ll forget about the stress of the day, and forget that you’re mere minutes removed from the picturesque Spanish tiled roofs of Downtown Santa Barbara.
gettin'
SHIPPY
with it
Nothing says “Farmhouse” quite like shiplap. The classic material, which has seen a resurgence thanks to HGTV and Chip & Joanna Gaines, is a subtle yet beautiful feature that adds character to any home.
We built a metal frame around the old brick fireplace and added a combination of shiplap and marble to create a true showpiece. And we added an oversized gas log set and gas starter to make cozying up by the fire easier than ever. We also carried the shiplap through to the hood vent on the kitchen to make the whole home sing.
KING
of the
HILL
It Pays To Be First
The Bel Air Knolls is now an established neighborhood. But when the Palm House was built, it stood alone atop this hill. Sweeping ocean views were only obscured by the majestic trees that grew around it.
As Santa Barbara grew, and the need for housing became pressing, the land was subdivided down, creating a large part of the Bel Air Knolls neighborhood. But while the original owners sold off some of their land, they kept an amazing parcel for themselves. Tucked down a private drive, and far removed from the street, this lot is a true hidden gem. And in a neighborhood known for steep hills and unusable yards, The Palm House sits on a gently sloping, but largely flat .63 acres. When the original owners carved out this spot for themselves, they didn’t do it by accident.
OLD WORLD
NEW WORLD
Vintage Charm Meets Modern Convenience
While the design of the home focused on retaining its classic charm and aesthetic, the guts were upgraded to satisfy today’s wants and needs.
The plumbing was upgraded from the old cast iron to ABS, the electrical was updated to include recessed lighting throughout, new switches & receptacles, and a new 200-amp panel. Where original windows couldn’t be salvaged, they were replaced with new dual pane glass that matches the original aesthetic. We also added a new composite shingle and PVC membrane roof, as well a new furnace and ducting that services the whole house. The result is a house that looks and feels vintage, but functions like new construction.