MISSION CANYON

Location:
One of the easiest neighborhoods within Santa Barbara to describe geographically, Mission Canyon simply surrounds the street and canyon bearing its name. The area is bounded by the Upper Eastside and the Old Mission to the South, and the mountains to the North.

Characteristics:
Ethel Barrymore, the late empress of stage and screen, once told a friend, "Fortunate indeed is the person who can live in Santa Barbara, and doubly blessed if his home is located in Mission Canyon."

Long gone are the mud huts of the Chumash village that stood alongside the famous Mission, first built at the foot of this canyon in 1786. But these early inhabitants chose a prime location, with its proximity to water and shady breezes. American newcomers during the 1850's were quick to appreciate the boulder strewn beauty of Mission Canyon as well, and they began to move in and build homes. Above them were a series of rocky cascades known as the Seven Falls. Homes in Mission Canyon range from the humble abode to magnificent mansions like Glendesarry, on the quiet lane of the same name. This sprawling half timbered Tudor manor house was one of the fine homes built before the turn of the century by Christoph Tornoe, a gifted Danish artisan.

Price Range:
$620,000 to $1,800,000