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!
For sale
$4,950,000
118 E Islay St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
4beds
3,257sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1887
10,018 Square Feet Lot
$4,589,800 Zestimate®
$1,520/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- 201 days
- on Zillow |
- 1,208 |
- 39 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: March 06, 2025 at 04:29pm
Listed by:
Ken Switzer 01245644 805-680-4622,
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Source: SBMLS,MLS#: 25-272

Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Forced Air
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Refrigerator, Gas Range, Tankless Water Heater, Dishwasher, Water Softener Owned
- Laundry: Laundry Room
Features
- Flooring: Hardwood, Tile
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Living Room, Dining Room, Other
Interior area
- Total structure area: 3,257
- Total interior livable area: 3,257 sqft
Property
Parking
- Parking features: Garage
- Has garage: Yes
Features
- Patio & porch: Deck
- Exterior features: Yard Irrigation T/O
- Fencing: Fenced
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Setting
Lot
- Size: 10,018 Square Feet
- Features: Level, Near Public Transit
- Topography: Level
Details
- Additional structures: Workshop
- Parcel number: 027111002
- Zoning: E-1
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Victorian
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Wood Shingles
- Foundation: Raised
- Roof: Composition
Condition
- Excellent
- Year built: 1887
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: 15 - Upper Eastside
Location
- Region: Santa Barbara
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,520/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $2,862,957
- Annual tax amount: $30,301
- Date on market: 1/18/2025
- Listing terms: Cash,Ctnl
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