Santa Barbara Plans Week of Historic Tours, Events

A historic Santa Barbara homes tour and a tour of the Montecito estate Casa del Herrero will be among the highlights of a series of events marking Santa Barbara Preservation Week, May 13-21.

The celebration of the architectural heritage of the city and county of Santa Barbara is a countywide effort to recognize the area’s historic resources and preservation efforts. Hosted by more than a dozen organizations, costs will vary for the public tours, lectures and receptions, but many of the events are free.

Among the tours are:

Saturday, May 13, Historical Downtown Walking Tour: Discover the rich architectural heritage of Santa Barbara. The tour departs at 10 a.m. from the steps of City Hall at De la Guerra Plaza. Call the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara for details, (805) 965-6307. Cost is $5.

Monday, May 15, Tour Casa del Herrero: Spend the day in the midst of Spanish life on a tour through the historic Casa del Herrero. The 11-acre estate has been painstakingly restored to the original vision of its famed architect George Washington Smith and its creator George Steedman. Tours depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the cost is $10 per person.

Sunday, May 21, Pearl Chase Society’s Historic Homes Tour: Preservation Week culminates in a chance to tour an eclectic selection of Santa Barbara’s turn-of-the-century homes, including distinctive examples of Queen Anne, Tudor, Mission and Colonial Revivals. For tickets or details, call (805) 961-3938. Cost is $35.

For a complete calendar of events, call (805) 965-9695.