There’s a place in Santa Barbara so tucked in, you can walk past it without noticing — but if you do find it, El Caserio feels like stepping into a daydream. This enclave of 9 custom Spanish-style homes lies just east of the Presidio, bordered by E. Canon Perdido, Garden, Laguna, and E. Carrillo. What feels like a hidden courtyard cluster is actually a vibrant little architectural pocket that’s quietly legendary among locals.
From Yesterday to Today: Stories & Sales
Historically the homes were built in the 1940s and ’50s (some with roots earlier), and many of the original design sensibilities still shine — arched doorways, Saltillo tiles, courtyards, and the dance between indoor and outdoor spaces.
In recent months, a few homes in El Caserio have changed hands or stirred whispers:
- Unit F (924 Garden St #F) is currently listed for $3,325,000, with 3 beds and 3 baths in ~1,539 sq ft plus a Guest Studio — a classic Caserio that blends timeless charm with thoughtful updates.
- Unit D went under contract quickly with multiple offers with an asking price of $2,595,000. Hopefully we'll know soon what that closes for!
- Unit E sold off-market recently for $2.995 million. It features a “wall of windows” redesign that highlights just how flexible these Spanish cottages can be in the hands of a thoughtful remodeler
These sales underscore one thing: listings in El Caserio don’t stay on the market long. The scarcity, charm, and downtown location make each offering a little event.
The Fashionable Inhabitant: Wendy Foster
If you’ve ever shopped local lines or wandered State Street boutiques, you might know the name Wendy Foster. She’s one of Santa Barbara’s style pillars, and she (along with her husband, Pierre Lafond) has lived in one of the El Caserio homes for decades.
One...yes, one of her homes.. in El Caserio is a charming one-bedroom adobe”— modest, but brimming with personality. She and Pierre (yes, Pierre Lafond!) have built a lifestyle brand rooted in Santa Barbara, from fashion storefronts to a gourmet market and vineyards. The fact that someone with such a local aesthetic sensibility calls Caserio home feels right — the enclave mirrors her eye for balance, history, and understated style.
Why El Caserio Still Matters
El Caserio is more than a pretty grouping of homes — it's about a philosophy of community, craftsmanship, and keeping character alive in the city core. The residents guard that spirit by preserving original elements while allowing for gentle, seamless updates.
Hope they pull at your charming heart strings like they do for me!!
