The Casa Loma estate, perched on Samarkand Drive in Santa Barbara is looking for a new owner. This historical masterpiece, aptly lending its name to the Casa Loma neighborhood, or Hill House Tract, was the first to go up on the Samarkand Hills in 1924, locally known as “The Land of Heart’s Desire”.
Edward M. Morgan, Frank Harris Hitchcock, and Earle Lewis Ovington and the Blériot XI © United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division
The residence was built and inhabited by Earle Ovington, American aeronautical engineer, aviator and inventor, and MIT graduate who worked in the laboratories of both Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Ovington is credited as the first unofficial air mail pilot in the United States and founder of the Casa Loma Air Field in Santa Barbara, based on the 1500 foot airstrip Earle established in at 3030 Samarkand.
Although the original “airport” offered no lights, hangars, repair or loading facilities – the Casa Loma was Santa Barbara’s only government-listed air strip at the time, and attracted such aviation celebrities as Charles Lindbergh flying a replica of his Spirit of St. Louis, Jimmy Doolittle—the future Tokyo raider, Amelia Earhart, Hap Arnold, and others. Lovingly known as “The Flyer’s Club”, the residence served as a sales office and meeting place for aviators and persons interested in purchasing lots in the Casa Loma Subdivision.
Steeped in rich history, this stunning estate is ready for new stewardship into the 21st century.
During our home debut, we had over 250 people through, many of which told incredible stories of renowned and celebrated individuals gracing these walls. A lot of the neighbors were interested in seeing it because it hasn’t been available in over 50 years!” said Nate Minkel, listing agent with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty.
With it’s unique, three-level Spanish-style residence and legal guest apartment, the old world charm is palpable and the potential is endless.
Beautiful mountain and St. Anthony Seminary views from the home and backyard, and spacious living areas make this home a special treat. In the main house, you will find a commodious living room with soaring ceilings, flowing wood floors and a fireplace, a formal dining room, breakfast nook, kitchen, laundry, six large bedrooms and three bathrooms. The separate guest apartment has its own living room, dining room and bar, kitchen, breakfast nook, plus two additional bedrooms and a bath.
This estate is situated on approximately 0.61 acres with a backyard abundant with space featuring a half basketball/shuffle board court and room for a pool, tennis court or more, plus two patios to enjoy the views and outdoor living.
To learn more or schedule a viewing, click below.
Some historical information courtesy of:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earle_Ovington
http://www.sboutdoors.com/samarkland.html
https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/SBdocuments/Advisory_Groups/Historic_Landmarks_Commission/Archive/2018_Archives/04_Historic_%20Structures_-_Sites_Reports/2018-03-08_March_07_2018_Item_4_2932_Hermosa_Rd_HSSR_2-1-18.pdf
