Gold is the new green 🍂

After being in consideration since September due to a predicted 300 acre-foot water shortage, the city of Santa Barbara has decided to put forth a new effort in conserving water. Starting January 1, 2017 they will enforce a lawn watering ban with limited exceptions.

The video below demonstrates how going into the sixth year of drought has effected our community, and how banning lawn watering will increase the efforts to conserve. 

Joshua Haggmark the city Water Resources Manager, states "12% of our water is still being put on turf, that is why we are focusing our attention on that." Which he goes on to explain in a time not in drought our community as a whole usually uses 20% of water on average to water our lawns. "What we're trying to really do is help the community prioritize it's landscape. What we don't want to see the community let go of is the trees and shrubs, which are a much more significant investment by the community and really kind of give Santa Barbara it's 'look'."

For more information on water supplies, drought planning, regulations, and rebates please visit www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Drought or call 564-5460. 

Just Sold! 🔑 Montecito Hedgrerow Estate

Just Sold! 🔑 Montecito Hedgrerow Estate

Proud to have represented the sellers in the sale of this Mid-Century Estate in Montecito’s Hedgerow near Lower Village and Beaches. Situated on a flat and usable .42 acres, this well maintained single level home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with floor to ceiling walls of glass and soaring vaulted ceilings. Features 4 fireplaces; one in each of the formal dining room, living room, family room and Master bedroom. Uniquely featuring an attached 3 car garage with installed lift able to store 3 additional cars. Sold for $2,778,423

See more about this listing

 

Team Building Day 2016

The Farmstead shot with Jake's new iPhone 7 

The Farmstead shot with Jake's new iPhone 7 

Team Ralston-Hitchcock explored wine country for the day for some well deserved Team Building! According to Forbes Team Building is one of the most important investments you can make. It builds relationships, encourages communication and collaboration. Spending time together, sharing an experience or working towards a common goal allows bonding to happen more organically and far more effectively. We like to think we do this already but it was nice to ditch the office and really go on an adventure together. 

To start the day off we stopped off at The Farmstead, in hopes of fresh produce finds but to our misfortune they are only open on Friday-Sunday. (So plan for a weekend trip!) We still took the opportunity to make new animal friends, and take in all the beauty of the surroundings. We met some really talkative KuneKune pigs, (and piglets) along with a handsome Sicilian donkey that took quite fondly to Kat. You can find The Farmstead off of Old Coast Hwy! 

Kat with the Sicilian Donkey 

Kat with the Sicilian Donkey 

 

The next stop on our little adventure was OstrichLand USA .  A Ranch where big birds roam free and people can buy food to feed them. Definitely an experience that we will remember forever. We learned that Ostriches are the fastest birds in the world, they can reach 35 mph with bursts of 45 mph. (Which is amazing considering they only have two toes per foot, WEIRD.) They can weigh up to a whopping 350 pounds and can live up to 75 years. Oh, and contrary to popular belief NO, they do not bury their heads in the sand.  

Visit OstrichLand - Open 7 days a week from 9 am to dusk stop by and see these magnificent creatures.

Kylie feeding the ostrich

Kylie feeding the ostrich

Jake striking up a conversation with the Ostrich family

Jake striking up a conversation with the Ostrich family

The Ostriches 

The Ostriches 

The Emus 

The Emus 

Next stop was The Solvang Restaurant, home of Arne's famous Aebleskiver. Not familiar with Aebleskivers? It's okay, neither were we! These are a Danish dessert that are pancake balls topped with jam and powdered sugar.  A much needed snack from being on the road from Montecito to Solvang. The restaurant even sells take home kits so you can enjoy these delicious desserts at home with friends. 

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After the sugary treats, we headed down the way just a couple blocks to Carivintas Winery. We were instantly greeted by Tipper the black lab. (Yes, this winery is dog friendly and dog welcoming!)  This unique winery is a must try. 

Caritas: charity (syn. philanthropy), an affection for giving to humanity [Latin] 
Vin: wine [French] Caritas + Vin: blending wine with philanthropy— Carivintâs

On their labels you will find art of animals and wildlife scenery. Each label tells a story of a rescued animal or a treasured or endangered environ. A portion of their profits are donated to groups such as: Best friends animal society, Return to freedom, and many other animal shelters and support groups.  A good cause and good wine- we took home 3 different bottles! 

All that wine worked up quite the appetite- so we headed to Los Olivos for lunch at Sides Hardware and Shoes - a Brothers Restaurant. Despite the name they are known for inventive comfort foods such as thick cuts of housemade bacon turned out in a historical building. If you are ever visiting wine country this is a MUST try- sure to please any foodie.  

HAMMERED PIG SALAD breaded & fried pork tenderloin, arugula, pecans, parmesan, seasonal fruit & lemon garlic vinaigrette - Sides Hardware & Shoes

HAMMERED PIG SALAD breaded & fried pork tenderloin, arugula, pecans, parmesan, seasonal fruit & lemon garlic vinaigrette - Sides Hardware & Shoes

After induldging, we went deeper into wine country to visit Sunstone Winery. A true family run winery founded when the Rice family moved from Santa Barbara to a 52 acre Santa Ynez ranch in 1989- one of the first organic estate vineyards to grace the area. 

While at Sunstone we played beanbag toss, drank good wine, took advantage of every photo opportunity and had some good quality team bonding time. Even met some friends from Kat's native Texas area. The atmosphere is unmatched. 

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Since we were in the area, we couldn't help but to stop at Chumash Casino to get a couple rounds of jack black in before we went home. The luck was in our favor! Ten minutes and we over tripled what we started with. Not a bad way to end the day!

 
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We hope you get a chance to build on the important relationships in your life and take the time for your loved ones. Life is short and with how much time we spend working these days, it is important to appreciate those who surround you in daily life. 

 

CHEERS TO A PROSPEROUS 2017 FROM
TEAM RALSTON-HITCHCOCK

Live in Luxury for Less! Price Reduced on this Award Winning One Twenty One Condo

All the luxury at a new low price, recently reduced $140,000!

121 W De La Guerra #9 is a luxurious gated town home in downtown Santa Barbara with garage and private elevator access to the unit! This stunning home is highlighted by incredible vaulted ceilings over an open concept floor plan. Interior appointments include dark mocha wood floors, gas fireplace, center island with sit-at bar, granite counters, stainless appliances and fantastic flow to a large patio through double sets of French doors.

One Twenty One Award winning luxury town home in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara with a walk score of 98! Only steps away from renowned amenities - including restaurants, theaters, galleries, museums, historic sites, boutiques, shopping and beaches.

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Listing Spotlight 🗝Brand-New Mission Canyon Mediterranean

"Featuring impeccable, brand-new construction and panoramic views, this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Mediterranean home will impress even the most discerning buyers. Expansive patios on both levels capitalize on the alluring mountain and Gaviota Coastline views. Traditional elements including cathedral ceilings, handmade Spanish tiles, hand-plastered walls and wrought iron fixtures are incorporated to create a seamless Santa Barbara classic. With open and inviting living spaces, dual master suites, and situated within the Roosevelt School attendance area- this is Mission Canyon at its very best.

Upon entry, you will find a barrel vaulted ceiling leading to stunning open concept living spaces. Offering the luxury of single-level living, the upper master bedroom, main living spaces, powder room and garage are all on one continuous level with no elevation changes. The kitchen and living room enjoy vaulted cathedral ceilings, wide oak plank flooring and French doors leading out onto the patio. The upper master bedroom features both ocean and mountain views, an over-sized walk-in closet, and en-suite master bath with glass paneled shower and Victoria Albert Italian soaking tub.

Downstairs you will find an additional three bedrooms and two baths, including the second master suite. All three downstairs bedrooms boast big views and have French doors leading out onto the expansive lower patio. The second master suite is complete with ocean and mountain views, an en-suite bathroom, over-sized master closet and French doors.

Enjoy this beautifully appointed Mediterranean home with high-end features including stainless Viking appliances, Brazilian Mahogany doors, wide-plank oak wood floors, handcrafted Montecarlo tiles, handmade wrought iron light fixtures, and air conditioning."

  • 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

  • Approximately 2,454 square feet

  • Quarter acre lot (approximately 11,326 s.f.)

  • Dual master suites

  • Two expansive view patios

  • New construction completed in 2016

Offered at $2,250,000

Listing presented courtesy of Ali Evans of Keller Williams 

Listing Spotlight: Funk Zone Modern

Listing Spotlight: Funk Zone Modern

125 Gray Avenue | Santa Barbara, CA 93101

2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS

OFFERED AT $1,799,000

Listing agent: David Kim 

Listing Brokerage: Village Properties

Sold 🌊 Stunning Carpinteria Renovated Beach Home + Designer Furnishings

Sold 🌊 Stunning Carpinteria Renovated Beach Home + Designer Furnishings

With this sale our team has represented the 2 highest sales in the Concha Loma neighborhood in nearly a decade.

Stunning ground-up renovation a few hundred feet from the sand in Carpinteria’s most sought after beach neighborhood, ''Concha Loma''. Designer furnishings are included in the sale of this elegant 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom single level home which could ably serve as a primary residence, vacation home or high-end luxury beach rental. Enter into a breathtaking, light and airy great room featuring skylights, fireplace and massive 24-foot sliding glass doors which maximize the indoor-outdoor living area.

Discerning eyes will find tasteful finishes throughout the home, including wide plank wood floors, Caesarstone, Limestone and Marble counters, Pottery Barn vanities and modern amenities such as central heating & A/C, surround sound, CAT-6 wiring, security cameras, chef's kitchen featuring Kitchen-Aid range, outdoor shower and more! The private grounds are studded with mature fruit trees and various sitting areas, which include a gas fire pit for outdoor entertaining. A detached 550SF 2-car garage with separate driveway offers additional possibilities. 

 

Sold for $1,825,000