Casa del Herrero

Casa del Herrero is a Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Montecito designed by architect George Washington Smith and completed in 1925. The property encompasses numerous acres with Mediterranean-style gardens, decorative fountains, and a functioning blacksmith workshop containing period metalworking tools and equipment.

The residence was completed in 1925 and remarkably survived the severe Santa Barbara earthquake that struck during its opening period, when many other structures in the region were destroyed. The building's sturdy construction and Smith's architectural approach proved resilient against the disaster.

The estate reflects the owner's passion for preserving Old World Spanish and Italian craftsmanship visible throughout its spaces and workshops. Visitors see how the property served as a private museum celebrating traditional metalworking and decorative arts from these regions.

The estate is accessible only through guided tours offered on specific days throughout the week. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the gardens and buildings involves considerable walking on the grounds.

The original owner George Fox Steedman created meticulous technical drawings documenting every architectural and mechanical element of the property. These records allowed later conservators to understand and restore the original design and function of the estate with remarkable precision.

Location: Santa Barbara County

Inception: 1925

Architects: George Washington Smith, Lutah Maria Riggs

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mediterranean Revival architecture

Address: 1387 East Valley Road

Website: http://casadelherrero.com

GPS coordinates: 34.43622,-119.63709

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47