Casa del Herrero facts for kids
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Casa del Herrero
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 Location in California
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| Location | 1387 E. Valley Rd., Montecito, California |
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| Area | 10.9 acres (4.4 ha) |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Other, Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000002 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 29, 1987 |
| Designated NHL | January 16, 2009 |
Casa del Herrero is a special historic house and garden in Montecito, California. It is also known as the Steedman Estate. This beautiful place is near Santa Barbara, California.
A famous architect named George Washington Smith designed it. Many people think it is one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the United States. This style looks like old Spanish buildings.
The Casa del Herrero is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also named a National Historic Landmark in 2009. Today, a non-profit group called Casa del Herrero takes care of the whole 11-acre property. They work to keep the house and gardens looking great for everyone to visit.
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History of Casa del Herrero
Casa del Herrero means "House of the Blacksmith" in Spanish. It was built for a man named George Fox Steedman and his wife. They moved to California from St. Louis.
Building the Estate
The architect George Washington Smith designed their home. The house was finished in 1925. The Steedmans moved in on the same day as the big 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake.
George Steedman was an inventor and engineer. He also loved architecture. He brought together many experts to create the Casa del Herrero. These experts included architects, garden designers, and people who knew a lot about old art.
Steedman was involved in every small detail. He helped choose the buildings, furniture, and even the plants for the gardens. In the 1930s, another architect, Lutah Maria Riggs, added an octagonal (eight-sided) library.
Family Legacy
George Steedman passed away in 1940. His wife continued to live in the house until she died in 1962. Their daughter, Medora Bass, then lived at the Casa until 1987.
Her son created the organization that now runs the estate. This group was started in 1993. They make sure this historic place is preserved for future generations.
Visiting Casa del Herrero
You can visit the Casa del Herrero house, gardens, and even a blacksmith workshop. These visits are led by guides called "docents." Docents are like expert tour guides.
Tour Information
Tours are available only by making a reservation. The Casa del Herrero group offers tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You need to book your spot ahead of time.
If you want a special tour, you can arrange a private visit. The address for Casa del Herrero is 1387 East Valley Road, Montecito, CA 93108.
See also
In Spanish: Casa del Herrero para niños
- History of Santa Barbara, California
- Mediterranean Revival Style architecture
- Spanish Colonial style architecture
- Bellosguardo Foundation - another Santa Barbara mansion
