Upper East

CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW  
c. 1910
The Oliver House

Definitively one of Santa Barbara’s finest architectural examples of the Craftsman Bungalow, this extraordinary home is featured in the Santa Barbara Architecture book (p.79). In recognition of its significance, it was awarded the Structure of Merit designation by the City of Santa Barbara Landmarks Committee. It is known as The Oliver House and is just three blocks from the Santa Barbara Mission in the prestigious Upper East.
 
As described in our local Architecture book, this home exemplifies the attributes essential to this classic, local design style:
“Valued as art objects, these large bungalows for the well-to-do showed exaggerated flowing form through wide, low roofs and impeccable craftsmanship. The predominant use of wood, tile and natural stone, earthen colors, intimate scale, and the display of the building’s structure to show the marriage of technique and design were characteristics of the styles.”
 
In the City’s decision to award the Structure of Merit, they cited:
“Architecturally, this is one of the finest and purest examples of the Craftsman style in Santa Barbara. The detailing in particular is well done and follows the example of the earlier Greene and Greene Pasadena bungalows. It is in excellent condition and basically unaltered.”
 
As infrequently as these architecturally distinct homes become available, they often lack the quality of everyday livability. Not the case here! The house was extensively remodeled and updated in 1986-88, including new copper plumbing, updated electrical, new roof and structural upgrades.
 
The main residence is approximately 4350 square feet (according to plans) and is comprised of 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The public rooms are well preserved and perfectly placed including the living room, formal dining room, music room and games room. The kitchen has an adjoining butler’s pantry and sunny family room (or informal dining room) with built-in cabinetry, floor to ceiling 12’ windows and French doors plus a bay window seat. Also on the main level are the master suite, a library with fireplace, and an additional bedroom suite. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. . There is a detached guest quarters and two-car garage.
 
This house embodies elements demonstrating outstanding attention to architectural design, detail, materials and craftsmanship.