The Evolution of Casa Iglesia
Erected in 1924 to house the First Christian Church, this landmark stands as a testament to a heritage dating back to 1888. Following an inspired transformation in 1957, the structure adopted its celebrated Mediterranean silhouette—a storied “blush” exterior that has since become a definitive icon of the Santa Barbara streetscape.
In 2022, this 15,000-square-foot, tri-level sanctuary began its most ambitious chapter yet. Under the visionary guidance of AB Design Studio and architect Will Rivera, the property has been meticulously reimagined as Casa Iglesia: a 37-key boutique hotel that balances historic reverence with avant-garde luxury. The estate is proudly managed by Zenstay Hospitality, a premier local luxury property management company dedicated to providing a seamless, high-touch guest experience.
Architectural Preservation & Modernity
The redevelopment honors the building’s ecclesiastical soul while curating a sophisticated, modern guest experience:
- The Facade: The iconic Mediterranean exterior and primary architectural motifs have been preserved with exacting detail, maintaining the building’s historic charm.
- The Atrium: In a masterstroke of design, a portion of the original roof was removed to unveil a central, open-air atrium. This private sanctuary is filled with lush, curated greenery, offering guests a serene escape under the California sky.
- The Seamless Stay: While the exterior whispers of the past, the interior is defined by tech-forward comfort, custom, high-end furnishings, and includes complimentary on-site parking for a truly effortless arrival.
Refined Accommodations
Casa Iglesia offers a collection of 37 exquisitely appointed guest spaces, ranging from Boutique King Studios and Lofts to two expansive two-bedroom apartments. Each space is a masterclass of elegance, featuring:
- Sophisticated Essentials: Fully equipped kitchenettes or full kitchens, complemented by Nespresso coffee systems, personal reverse osmosis water filtration, and versatile microwaves with integrated Panasonic air-fryer technology.
- Curated Comforts: A sanctuary for the senses, featuring ultra-premium bedding, a selection of high-end, artisanal toiletries, and smart toilets for guest comfort.
- High-Tech Integration: A frictionless stay powered by a fiber-optic network, and wifi access points dedicated to each Studio for personal device casting. Each residence features keyless digital entry, instant QR-code Wi-Fi access, and state-of-the-art 65” Hisense CanvasTVs.
- Concierge on Demand: 24-hour dedicated assistance is available at your fingertips via SMS, phone, chat, or email.