Summer Solstice is upon us, and our stereotypical Santa Barbara June gloom is in full force. Cloudy mornings give way to bright afternoons, with the sunshine often breaking through right about noon. June reminds us that she’s in charge of doling out the rays of sunshine on her own timetable. I was reminded of this when I pulled up outside a charming house on Santa Barbara’s Eastside last week just as the sun broke through.
The property at 30 South Salinas Street is surrounded by a thick hedge, providing a buffer from the outside world and adding privacy to what lies within. Bright red bougainvillea frames the front gate, inviting visitors into a whimsical garden full of delights. I walked in and saw birdhouses, hanging plants, trellises, and statuary. A winding path led me to brick patios with fruit trees, seating areas, water elements, and a fire pit. The garden wraps all the way around the house, providing an oasis of outdoor living.
I was enchanted by this fairy-tale scene, but the equally bright red front door broke the spell and lured me away from the magical garden and into the house itself.