Summerland

The Big Yellow House

The most recognizable building on the South Coast, with awe inspiring ocean vistas and unsurpassed freeway visibility and the most prominent sign in SB County is renovated and ready for Tenant Improvements. Capitalize on this rare opportunity for a restaurant / wine bar, retail store, office or marketplace to take advantage of this iconic landmark's historic success.

Offering Summary:

Big Yellow House History

The Big Yellow House, built in the late 1800’s, is a legendary icon, on a beautiful stretch of southern Santa Barbara County coastline, along Highway 101 as it passes through the quaint seaside town of  Summerland. Summerland, meaning “half-way between heaven and earth,” was founded as a colony for members of the Spiritualist religion. The Big Yellow House was first the residence of Henry Lafayeqe Williams, Summerland’s founder, and served as the headquarters for the colony. After Mr. Williams passed away Agnes and George Becker remodeled the property from the foundation up, sparing no expense. Many of the original hand carved Australian gum wood finishes and oak hardwood floors have been retained.

The building was sold in 1971 and then leased to a French Restaurant called the Green Gables. Shortly thereafter, the property was painted yellow and renamed the Big Yellow House. The building gained prominence as an up-scale family-style dining restaurant. Local folklore deems the building “spirit-filled”. Its rich history, combined with its visibility, freeway signage, ocean views and location added to its success as a restaurant for over 20 years.

Under current ownership, the building has undergone extensive renovation while keeping its historical character and charm.

Summerland

Summerland is now the region’s tourist mecca for shopping at quaint antique stores such as Rue de Lillie Antiques, Mediterranee Antiques, designer showrooms such as Botanik, St. Croix Collection, Sacred Space, Porch, as well as wine tasting at the Summerland Tasting Room and Boutique which is at the gateway to the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail.

Summerland is also the commercial epicenter for celebrities and the elite who have recently invested in large Polo field estates in the Summerland and Carpinteria foothills and grand ocean front estates along Padaro Lane. Locals from Montecito, Carpinteria and downtown Santa Barbara escape to this haven to shop and dine. However, this privileged demographic is underserved as there are few good dining options and limited retail shopping in Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria.