In the picturesque coastal town of Santa Barbara, Jennifer Miller Studio was entrusted with transforming a 1930s cottage once built by the legendary Moody sisters. The team worked within stringent historical preservation guidelines to restore key elements while adding modern touches to enhance functionality. Photography by Michael Clifford captures the essence of coastal living, blending the charm of the past with fresh, timeless details, creating a serene and inviting home that feels like a year-round vacation retreat.

From the designer… Jennifer Miller of Jennifer Miller Studio (JMS) was commissioned by longtime clients to redesign this historic Santa Barbara home, one that had a fascinating history. It was built in the 1930s by the Moody sisters, a legendary foursome who built over 35 houses in Santa Barbara and Montecito between the 1930s and 40s. The houses were designed to resemble fairytale cottages, with irregular patterned roof shingles, odd structural placements, leaded glass paned windows, wood floors, and exposed rafters. Over the decades, some of the cottages remained intact, while others were upgraded, remodeled or completely torn down. This home was an example of a remaining Moody house that underwent unfortunate remodeling, retaining only a few of the original characteristics. For the design team, JMS, Two Trees Architects and Unander Construction, this presented one of the biggest challenges. Working within the Coastal Commission and Historical Committee guidelines and requirements, the team was able to honor the historical elements of the house and keep the original front vestibule, front door and leaded windows, while adding square footage and creating flow to meet the needs for the family.

Designed to invoke the feeling of being on vacation year round and bring the coastal appeal of its surroundings into the clients’ everyday life, the team reoriented the property by adding a pool and cabana to the original front, which overlooks the ocean, and adding a garage and driveway to the rear entrance. Inspiration for the design was found in the local architecture and in the beach located just outside the property. The team chose soft neutrals and blue tones to mirror the surrounding environment, taking cue from the natural stone and ocean landscape, adding painted wood paneling, plaster walls and accents of natural metals.

In the kitchen, white washed oak is used on the cabinets and flooring, with a honed marble countertop to give life and depth to the darker space. Appliances and fixtures are top of the line; Lacanche range, SubZero refrigerator, Waterstone plumbing fixtures, paired with Rose Uniacke lighting and seating.

Chevron pattern wood floors add a unique and custom feel to the main thoroughfare. Stone clad walls were chosen for the main living area and to frame the fireplace. The team and owners all noticed and commented that “magic happened” when the stone was installed, grounding the space with a sense of calm and purpose. The finishes throughout the home are timeless, with materials, lighting and hardware echoing the old estates of Montecito and Santa Barbara. Although the property is beach front, the design aims to honor, refine and update the elegance of the historic details, like the leaded windows in the living area, which are balanced with new features such as the steel doors found in the wine room and gym.

The primary bedroom is draped in elegant blues. Holland & Sherry linen wallpaper is accented by vintage and boutique textiles in simple prints to create a sense of calm. Just off the primary bedroom, the primary bath continues the old world style with polished nickel, European sourced plumbing fixtures, large slabs of marble, plaster walls with light wooden flooring.

The newly situated front of the main house offers various entertaining and lounging options. Just outside the main living space is an outdoor dining and living area, leading to a cozy fire pit and steel fountain. The Cabana was built as an indoor/outdoor living area, with folding pocket doors for ease of use. The space is used for relaxing and entertaining. Overlooking the ocean, the design is slightly more casual than the main house, but hosts the same color palette and natural materials used throughout the rest of the property.

To maximize space and use on the property, the team built a new cedar-clad, metal roof outbuilding to host the garage and gym. It is built into the hillside and surrounded with locally sourced boulders that create a retaining wall. The gym features an infrared sauna, steam room, yoga area and a spa-like bathroom.

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Jennifer Miller Studio · Photography: Michael Clifford · Architect: Two Trees Architecture · Builder: Unander Associates, Inc.