Description
"The Olives" was named and built circa 1885 by Lucy A. Brinkerhoff, the widow of the esteemed Physician, Mayor and Santa Barbara visionary,
"The Olives" was named and built circa 1885 by Lucy A. Brinkerhoff, the widow of the esteemed Physician, Mayor and Santa Barbara visionary, Samuel A. Brinkerhoff M.D., on the northernmost tract of land sold by the Old Mission Santa Barbara. This unique and beautiful deemed-Historical Home, designed by the pre-eminent architect, Peter Barber, features an elegant garden with numerous fruit trees, tropical plantings, an herb garden, a vegetable garden and a stylish chicken coop on a .58 acre lot in Santa Barbara's coveted "Upper East". Attributes include circular paver driveway, rock walls, plaster walls, old growth redwood fences, gates, deck, large circular stone fountain, three car beamed ceiling garage, separate 500 sq.ft."movie" house with bathroom, gardener's storage, and a unique "dog house" made from the top of the original circa 1885 water tower. Cammillo Franceschi Fenzi, the son of the famous Italian horticulturist, bought "The Olives" around 1917 and his family lived in this home for 75 years. The enormous avocado tree planted on "The Olives" property plus pineapple guavas, fort-night lilies, and many tropical flowers and plants were from the huge specimen collection that Dr. Francesco (Fenzi) Franceschi had propagated or imported from world-wide locations. Dr. Francesco Fenzi Franceschi lived in a home nearby on the Riviera where he had an exotic plant nursery. He was instrumental in the beautification of Santa Barbara and Montecito and was responsible for the Stone Pines on Anapamu St.plus the large palm trees that are part of the historical beachfront in Santa Barbara. He imported a large variety of trees to Santa Barbara and was the original landscaper behind the historical El Mirasol property which is now Alice Keck Park. The Handelman family, the present owners of "The Olives", bought the home from the estate of the Grandson of Cammillo and have worked to respectfully preserve the beauty and integrity of "The Olives" and the gardens. Steven Handelman is an internationally known Santa Barbara Craftsman. His legacy is another link in the creative heritage of this wonderful, historical home. Dr Franceschi's first partner in Santa Barbara was the renowned artist and craftsman Charles Eaton. Historical information regarding these visionaries can be found on Google. The 6,454 sq.ft. interior contains large rooms with wide crown moldings, inlaid hardwood floors, wood beamed high ceilings, 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, upstairs laundry room, seven wonderful gas logged fireplaces, formal dining room, living room, parlor, library with built in bar featuring Dr. Brinkerhoff's sink, sunroom, amazing 4 room attic, stained glass, custom designed lighting, original rock lined cellar with windows, fabulous porches and original details too numerous to mention. All electricity, plumbing, bathrooms, roof,kitchen and butler's pantry are updated with modern features while reflecting the charming ambiance of this lovely family home that could never be duplicated in the 21st century.
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