In 1902, the Graham family, who had amassed a large wealth in the oil industry, built a lavish villa on a towering bluff in Santa Barbara. The property was named Bellosguardo, or “beautiful lookout,” for its panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Bellosguardo was purchased by copper-mine owner and Montana Senator William Andrew Clark in the mid-1920s and eventually torn down, allowing Anne Clark, William’s widow, to create the summer house she always dreamt of. Today, visitors can tour the house to learn more about the unique history of the Clark family and their contributions to the area’s arts community.
The History of the Estate
William Clark purchased Bellosguardo in 1923 before passing away two years later. After his death, his wife Anne and daughter Huquette left their hectic New York lives and retreated to Santa Barbara to enjoy the sprawling property. During that time, the two also helped create the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge that neighbors Bellosguardo.
A decade after William’s death, Anne tore Bellosguardo down to build something of her own. Her new 18th-century, French-style mansion was designed by esteemed architect Reginald Johnson and houses more than 27 rooms. Until 1953, Anne and her daughter Huquette spent most of their summers at Bellosguardo.
Anne died in 1963 and bequeathed Bellosguardo to her daughter with the instructions to keep everything at the estate as it had always been. One of the wealthiest women of the Gilded Age, Huquette was an anomaly in that she spent the last two decades of her life out of the public eye, opting to live in a private hospital. Because of this, Bellosguardo sat untouched from 1953 until she died in 2011. Huquette left the estate to the Bellosguardo Foundation. In 2023, after years of preparation, the foundation began offering a small monthly selection of docent-led tours.
Tour Bellosguardo
The foundation’s tour schedule is released via email every couple of months. Tickets typically sell out quickly. Visitors interested in visiting Bellosguardo during their Santa Barbara vacation should subscribe to the foundation’s email list for ticket information and other updates about the property.
The Mission of Bellosguardo Foundation
The Bellosguardo Foundation is committed to honoring the Clark family while enabling the property to be enjoyed by all who visit and live in Santa Barbara. The foundation envisions Bellosguardo becoming a focal point for arts and culture in coastal California. They hope the mansion will one day host art installations, musical performances and much more.
Things to Do Near Bellosguardo
The mansion is within walking distance of several top attractions in Santa Barbara, including the Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach, known for its spacious, sandy coastline and array of volleyball courts. Visitors of Bellosguardo should also plan to stop at the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge whose 42-acre park serves as a haven for migratory and local birds. The refuge has several hiking and biking paths, allowing ample opportunity to explore the grounds, and an outdoor fitness area.