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118 E Islay Street, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101, SANTA BARBARA, 93101 - 4 bed, 3 bath

118 E Islay Street, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$4,950,000$3,257/sqft
Est. Value: $4,870,209
-1%
FairlyEstimate
118 E Islay Street, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101
4Beds
3Baths
3,257Sqft
10,018Lot

Price Vs. Estimate

The estimated value ($4,870,208.96) is $79,791.04 (1%) lower than the list price ($4,950,000). This property may be overpriced.

Key pros and cons

Top Pros:
Iconic & Historic Significance: One of Santa Barbara's most iconic homes, a gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian built in 1887 by prominent financier Joseph Howard, offering unique historical provenance.
Top Cons:
Partial Cooling System: The description specifies 'new A/C for upstairs,' implying that the downstairs or other areas may not have air conditioning, which could be a comfort consideration for some buyers.

Compared to the nearby listings

Price:$4.95M vs avg $1.40M (+$3,550,500)98%
Size:3,257 sqft vs avg 984 sqft98%
Price/sqft:$1.5K vs avg $89376%

More Insights

Built in 1887 (139 years old).
Condition: Despite its 1887 build year, this property has undergone a 'meticulous and impeccable authentic restoration' by a renowned historical architect, including a 'spectacularly-designed newer kitchen and primary bathroom.' The images showcase a high-end, modern kitchen with professional-grade Viking appliances, white shaker cabinets, and a farmhouse sink. The bathrooms are exquisitely updated with period-appropriate yet new fixtures, such as clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and hexagonal tile flooring, all in pristine condition. Significant recent upgrades like an almost-new roof, new upstairs A/C, rebuilt deck, and structural enhancements ensure the property is in virtually new, turnkey condition, blending historic charm with modern luxury and functionality.
Year Built
1887
Close
-
List price
$4.95M
Original List price
-
Price/Sqft
$1,520
HOA
$0
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
25-272
Home ConditionExcellent
Features
Deck
Patio
View-

About this home

Now available for sale is one of Santa Barbara's most iconic and amazing homes, at the beginning of the exclusive Upper East neighborhood just a few blocks to the heart of downtown. This gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian is one of the first grand homes built in this idyllic coastal town - in 1887 by prominent local financier Joseph Howard - and in recent years has been brought back to its full glory in a meticulous and impeccable authentic restoration. You will marvel at the historic details throughout, and the luxurious new conveniences incorporated in the restoration process by renowned historical architect Peter Becker, punctuated by a spectacularly-designed newer kitchen and primary bathroom. The turnkey property includes . . . an almost-new roof, new A/C for upstairs, re-built deck, added structural, outdoor kitchen, new irrigation, private low-maintenance yard areas, several fruit trees, and a carriage house which is now a 2-car garage plus workshop plus loft space above for a potential ADU. The location is ideal as it gets - at the beginning of Santa Barbara's Upper East neighborhood just 4-5 blocks to downtown's Theatre/Arts districts, with its many fine dining spots, world-class performing arts theaters, museums, boutique retail and parks. The mid-block location on a cross-street is rare for the semi-urban Upper East, providing a low-traffic low-noise refuge compared to much of the area. See vicinity map and floorplan under Documents. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind gem!

K
Ken Switzer
Listing Agent

Price History

Date
Event
Price
04/07/15
Sold
$2,415,000
Condition Rating
Excellent
Despite its 1887 build year, this property has undergone a 'meticulous and impeccable authentic restoration' by a renowned historical architect, including a 'spectacularly-designed newer kitchen and primary bathroom.' The images showcase a high-end, modern kitchen with professional-grade Viking appliances, white shaker cabinets, and a farmhouse sink. The bathrooms are exquisitely updated with period-appropriate yet new fixtures, such as clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and hexagonal tile flooring, all in pristine condition. Significant recent upgrades like an almost-new roof, new upstairs A/C, rebuilt deck, and structural enhancements ensure the property is in virtually new, turnkey condition, blending historic charm with modern luxury and functionality.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Iconic & Historic Significance: One of Santa Barbara's most iconic homes, a gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian built in 1887 by prominent financier Joseph Howard, offering unique historical provenance.
Prime Upper Eastside Location: Situated at the beginning of the exclusive Upper East neighborhood, just blocks from downtown's Theatre/Arts districts, fine dining, and retail, with a rare low-traffic, low-noise mid-block position.
Meticulous & Authentic Restoration: The property has undergone a meticulous and impeccable authentic restoration by renowned historical architect Peter Becker, blending historic details with luxurious new conveniences.
Extensive Modern Upgrades & Turnkey Condition: Features a spectacularly-designed newer kitchen and primary bathroom, an almost-new roof, rebuilt deck, added structural elements, outdoor kitchen, new irrigation, and private low-maintenance yards.
ADU Potential & Versatile Outbuilding: Includes a carriage house converted into a 2-car garage plus workshop with loft space above, offering significant potential for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Cons

Partial Cooling System: The description specifies 'new A/C for upstairs,' implying that the downstairs or other areas may not have air conditioning, which could be a comfort consideration for some buyers.
Historic Property Maintenance: Despite extensive restoration, owning a property built in 1887 may entail specific maintenance requirements or considerations inherent to historic structures that differ from newer homes.
Specific Architectural Style Appeal: The distinct Queen Anne Victorian architectural style, while a strength for many, may not appeal to all luxury buyers who prefer more contemporary or different traditional aesthetics, potentially narrowing the buyer pool.
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