Casa del Herrero, the “House of the Blacksmith,” is a time capsule of Montecito, California in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Designed by George Washington Smith, the Casa is one of the finest standing examples of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture in America.
It is included on the National Register of Historic Places and maintains National Historic Landmark status, partly due to its eclectic mix of Country Place Era and Moorish-inspired gardens created by Ralph Stevens, Lockwood de Forest, and Francis T. Underhill.
What was once the private estate of industrialist George Fox Steedman and his descendants is now a historic house museum and garden, stewarded by a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to its preservation and availability to the visiting public.
Visitors can view the Steedman Family Collection of Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century Fine and Decorative Arts from the Golden Age of Spain, and a revolving exhibition schedule showcasing metalsmithing and wood working equipment, antique books, craftsman’s sketchbooks, architectural drawings, and horticulture records.
The 90-minute docent-led tour begins in the estate’s original motor court; guests will enter the historic house museum and stroll the magnificently preserved interior spaces filled with original antiques, artworks and architectural features representing The Golden Age of Spain. The tour will transition into the diverse garden spaces and will conclude in George Fox Steedman’s meticulously designed metalsmithing and woodworking shop.
Casa del Herrero offers docent-led tours by reservation only. Docent-led tours are typically available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 AM and 2 PM throughout the year. Tour tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.