Ablitt House - Art Meets Architecture in Downtown Santa Barbara
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The Ablitt House is a wacky, wonderful, work of art!
With a sense of humor and adventure, this one-of-a-kind home is the creative collaboration of architect Jeff Shelton and contractor Dan Upton. Both had complete design control over the entire project, and the result is a spectacular example of 'less is more'!
The award winning interior consists of intricate custom tile, original art, and stone carvings representing the work of six local artists. Each and every room in the home boasts panoramic views of the city lights, coastline, and Santa Ynez Mountains. Strong Mediterranean and Moroccan themes play out with colorful exotic tiles, white stucco walls, custom shaped key-hole windows, hand sculpted surfaces, and custom iron work. The signature hand carved black walnut hand rail is 108 feet long and winds up 77 marble steps that ascend the 5 floors of the tower.
Located down a private alley, this whimsical residence sits on a 20 by 20 foot lot in the heart of Old Town Santa Barbara, where the sights and sounds of city dwelling are palpable. Overlooking local eateries, night clubs and an eclectic mix of retail businesses, the location invites guests to park their car and explore the city on foot. Local beaches, Stearns Wharf and the Harbor are just a quick 10 minute walk, with something for everyone to see along the way.
Enter the home on the ground floor where a cozy garage offers laundry facilities and convenient parking for 1 compact car. An additional outside parking spot is designated for a second vehicle. Take a moment to read the plaque that dedicates this home to the people of Santa Barbara for their support of this unique project.
On the second floor, the nautical feeling of the Master Bedroom is like that of the Captain's Quarters on a yacht. Tall windows offer plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Storage is smart and compact with drawers under the queen-size bed. Two 'reach-in' closets with hanging space and drawers flank the Bathroom entry.
The Master Bathroom features a walk-in shower and contemporary ceramic sink set in honed marble.
The hand rail now leads up to the third floor where the Kitchen is bright and fun with a variety of colors and textures. Professional style appliances make meal preparation effortless, and custom glass lighting over the rustic wood dining table echoes the whimsy found in the rest of the home. Views through tall windows reach beyond the red tile roofs of the city to the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains beyond.
Up the stairs to the fourth floor, the Living Room features a custom queen-size sofa sleeper. Imagine the expertise of clever installers to get this special piece up 4 flights of stairs! Once seated in the black leather chair and looking out the wall of key-hole windows, the city below seems to disappear, offering the illusion of vast open space between the viewer and the mountain landscape. A convenient half Bath is located on this floor.
Well worth the vertical efforts of the uphill climb, the ultimate views will be from the roof top Terrace. 360 degrees of spectacular panorama offer a bird's eye view of the entire city, stretching south to the ocean and sweeping around to the mountain vistas in the distance. An outdoor Kitchen area features a gas grill with side burner, prep sink and refrigerator. From sunrise to sunset, this perch is spectacular.
The Ablitt House is one of the most unique vacation homes in the Paradise Retreats collection, offering guests the fantastic opportunity to experience the remarkable blending of art and architecture. Bring your imagination, a camera to capture every design detail, and comfortable shoes!
(Note: Due to the location of this unique home, noise and activity associated with retail businesses, night clubs with live music, and restaurants should be expected. The home is located on a private alley and behind a Holiday Inn Express.)
