Bel Air Knolls

 This Bel Air Knolls home is an example of an emerging trend in Santa Barbara to extensively modify existing structures for today’s living. The vast modifications to this home nearly put it in a ‘new construction’ category. A strategic addition customizes a great floor plan. Technically, the addition only increased overall footprint by 250 sq feet, but the modified floor plan makes the home appear much larger. Part of the addition to the home is the grand foyer with a 10 foot ceiling, an arched receded passageway to the guest suite and a long wall for your art display. In addition multiple French doors and windows now connect all rooms with the backyard, bringing light and warmth and offers striking views of the mountains. The entire house was taken down to the studs to prepare for a range of structural, mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The long list of basic improvements comprise earthquake retrofitting, fresh plumbing and electrical and all new surfaces, including stucco exterior, fire-rated drywall, hardwood floors and windows and doors. The second phase of the makeover included adding crown molding, wainscoting, columns detailing and built-in cabinetry. In the kitchen a load- bearing wall was removed to create extra space. It is now replete with oak floors, granite counters and Walker-Zanger tile backsplash and white cabinets.  For added character, four handcrafted fireplace mantels were added. The third and final phase included redoing all three of the bathrooms with granite and tile.