Architecture Wednesday: Santa Barbara’s Weird and Wonderful Whale House

The Whale House, built in 1978, is a one-of-a-kind, architecturally magical masterpiece from head to tail—literally!

The Whale House was designed by Michael Carmichael as a whimsical expression of artistry set amongst peaceful oak and sycamore trees and seasonal Mission Creek with the wavy cedar shingled exterior giving the home a homogenous “skin” to blend in with the natural surroundings. And, since an artistic home needs a unique entrance, you enter through the whale’s mouth and let the imaginative lifestyle begin.

Three floors of creative genius encompass the head of the whale, including a spiral stairwell open to the outdoors, a rock-covered elevator shaft, and 270 Belgian leaded and stained-glass windows to take in the tranquil 360-degree views; there are walls of undulating Venetian plaster and massive wood beams and columns.

The “belly” of the whale is a relaxing interior courtyard with serene bamboo-lined outdoor shower, plenty of room to entertain guests, and a 75-foot glistening lap pool that flows from the courtyard into the grotto of the whale’s tail.

On the second Floor, overlooking the pool below, is a well-equipped kitchen, living room and dining room that all connect in a 360-degree circle. The third floor holds the primary suit, and features a jetted spa tub in the room, a sitting area, and balcony overlooking the pool; for the working professional, perch at the high-top table, and bring a laptop to create a tree house working environment high above the seasonal Mission Creek below. On the fourth floor is a light-filled suite, another bathroom, with tall windows and a claw foot tub.

Mission Canyon is a magical wooded neighborhood, yet only minutes from beloved attractions like the Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden, the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, and the nearby downtown area.

It was for sale, but is also available on Vrbo, in case you don’t watch to buy, you just want the experience of Jonah.

Dwell

Architecture Wednesday: Toro Canyon House

I always wanted a getaway house and this just might be it … though to “get away” it might require a seven-hour flight followed by a bit of a drive, but still …

Toro Canyon House is located on a large plot of land near Montecito at the top of a mountain and adjacent to national park land so it’s all about the beauty and the nature and the quiet.

The road, which had to be built for access, brings the visitor to a point below the house, where a set of stairs leads up to the entry space and the front door, which, when open, reveals views of the Santa Barbara coastline through the courtyard.

With so much open space, the house feels almost like a pavilion, with the house organized around three courtyards; the primary one being the heart of the house and serving as the entrance and the outdoor living room. The courtyards bring in ample natural light and ventilation but also protect the home, and the rooms, from the strong winds that can race across the mountain.

The thick, rough concrete walls were custom color-mixed to match the dark red and brown tones of the earth at the site — would you have it any other way? The walls form a rugged shell that punctuated by large openings and Alaskan cedar wood siding.

It’s the house of house where one can get away, right out in the open.

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