
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103
This 1912 Vernacular Craftsman represents a High-Potential Investment Opportunity, listed at $2,350,000—positioned well above the $2,027,948 Fair Market Value. While the property requires significant capital for a comprehensive restoration, its Condition Rating of 5 is offset by Mills Act eligibility, which offers substantial tax-saving potential. Featuring a 2-story cathedral living room and ocean views, this historic asset is ideal for Value-Add Investors or Owner-Occupants seeking to restore a unique architectural landmark in the prestigious Upper Eastside.
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 512 E Arrellaga Street Subject | $2,350,000* List Price | 3 | 2 | 2,974 | $682 | - |
A 1803 Grand Avenue Sold | $1,995,000 | 3 | 3 | 2,568 | $777 | 0.3 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Property is extensive renovation needed.
Built in 1912 and held by the same family since 1944, this historic home is described as 'lost in time' and requires a full revival. While the Craftsman architecture is a significant asset, the property lacks any evidence of modern updates to the kitchen, baths, or major systems in over 50 years, necessitating a comprehensive rehab to meet current safety and functional standards.
This 1912 Vernacular Craftsman features rare Greene & Greene-style shingling and a stunning two-story wood-paneled cathedral living room, offering irreplaceable character and historic integrity.
The property's eligibility for the Mills Act provides a significant financial advantage through substantial property tax reductions, helping to offset the costs of a high-end restoration.
Situated just blocks from the downtown Theater District and city parks, the home offers a prestigious address complemented by rare ocean views from the expansive second-story terrace.
Described as 'lost in time,' the property requires a comprehensive and likely costly renovation to modernize the living spaces and infrastructure to meet contemporary standards.
With the home being held by the same family for over 80 years, buyers should anticipate significant updates needed for aging systems such as plumbing, electrical, and structural elements.
Discover this hidden-in-plain-sight Santa Barbara treasure - a historic piece of architecture owned by the same family for over 80 years, for sale for the 1st time since 1944! The home appears seemingly lost in time at the edge of the Upper East as it rises to the Lower Riviera, now available for the next owner to revive the home to a new splendor. Built around 1912 in a Vernacular Craftsman style, the rustic board-and-batten wood exterior is immediately distinctive on the 1st story, with a Greene & Greene-style shingling and design motif on the 2nd story. A church-like window graces the front of the home and upon entering you are greeted by a wood-paneled 2-story cathedral style grand living room. A large traditional dining room and upstairs bedrooms continue the rich paneled interior décor, which can be preserved and incorporated, or re-imagined differently in a buyer's renovation. The nearly 3,000 square-foot home has been approved to be eligible for Mills Act status, to potentially significantly reduce the property taxes and help offset some of the upgrade expenses. A pleasant surprise is the ocean views from the expansive 2nd story terrace, as well as a generous-sized backyard with mature trees. The premier location is only 6-7 blocks to downtown's Theater/Arts District with its acclaimed performing arts venues and numerous fine dining restaurants, and within 2-3 blocks to notable City parks. For the buyer who yearns for an historic home with its own special identity, 512 East Arrellaga offers an intriguing opportunity to bring the magic back to life!
No exterior & parking available.
No sensitive facilities data found.
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 2.0 | 2.0 | 50% |
| Square foot | 2,974 | 2,428 | 79% |
| Lot Size | 7,405 | 9,583.2 | 47% |
| Price | $2.35M | $2.35M | 50% |
| Price per sq ft | $790 | $1.7K | 16% |
| Built year | 1912 | 1928 | 11% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 35 | 197 | 5% |
May 9, 2026
$2,350,000
Initial Listing