Amazing trip into the past...Only for the Savvy

Some of the most amazing events in life come about by way of serendipity. To follow a path to a site or event by trusting your intuition and going for it. Recently some such find found its way into my life and I pass it onto you. The home of the family of George Fox Steedman in Montecito awaits those who plan ahead and make reservations to see this amazing home.

"The Casa is noted as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It provides visitors with a glimpse into Montecito life as the Steedmans lived it in the 1930's. The estate's collection of European antique furnishing, art and many personal effects are still in place as they were when the Steedmans were in residence.

George Fox Steedman was a successful industrialist from St. Louis who developed a foundry and manufacturing business. Far from the simple "blacksmith" he adopted for the name of the estate, he was a true Renaissance Man, equally talented in the arts as well as business. After purchasing eleven acres in Montecito in 1922, he selected the area's premiere architect, George Washington Smith, to design the residence. Throughout the design period and construction, George Steedman worked in close collaboration with Smith and their joint effort produced a splendid example of an Andalusian-style country house surrounded by artfully planned grounds and gardens.

George Steedman died in 1940 and Carrie Steedman continued to live at the estate until her death in 1962. One of their daughters, Medora Steedman Bass, then lived here until her death in 1986. In 1993, the estate and its contents were transferred to the Casa del Herrero Foundation by Medora's family, fulfilling her wish that the estate be preserved. Today it is managed by the Foundation, a non-profit organization, and made available to the public by advance reservation for tours of the house, gardens and workshop."

To make reservations to see this amazing property:

http://www.casadelherrero.com/alt/Site/req_info.htm