It seems the more closely guarded or closed off something is, the more we become curious about and even fascinated by it. With modern technology, social media, etc., it is rare to find anything that is not at least somewhat accessible to the public eye. That is not the case, however, with this vacant historic mansion in Santa Barbara, CA - until now, that is.
The French-style, 23,000-square-foot mansion known as Bellosguardo, meaning “beautiful lookout,” was built in 1936 and sits on a sprawling 24-acre estate perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the coast of Santa Barbara.
Bellosguardo was just one of the mansions belonging to the copper heiress, Huguette Clark, who lived a reclusive lifestyle with her mother, Anna Clark for many years. It was a vacation home, with their primary residence being in New York City, but was rarely used.
Huguette was the youngest daughter of Senator (and copper magnate) William A. Clark, and was herself known as a recluse, an art collector, an artist, and a philanthropist.
The grand mansion is full of ornate details, gorgeous chandeliers, six suites, a music room, an art studio, and a library. The grounds were as intricately designed as the house itself, from the floral design of the stone courtyard out front to the rose garden.
After 1951 or so, Huguette and her mother stopped coming to Bellosguardo, leaving it completely furnished and virtually frozen in time.
Anna passed away in 1963, leaving the home to Huguette who never visited again, but instructed the staff to maintain everything exactly as it was (and to change nothing), including furnishings, art, and a massive doll collection. Cars, including a Chrysler convertible and Cadillac limousines with 1949 license plates sat motionless in the carriage house.
In 2011, Huguette died at the age of 104. She had spent some 20 years in a Manhattan hospital and had not set foot on the grounds of Bellosguardo for over 50 years. In her will, she directed that the property be given to a newly formed Bellosguardo Foundation with the purpose of promoting the arts.
Today, the mansion - unseen for nearly 70 years - sits exactly as it was left decades ago - silent, isolated, and perfectly preserved. Residents of Santa Barbara have long been fascinated by the protected property, wondering what it was like on the inside.
Finally, after much preparation, Bellosguardo will open its doors and allow the public to step into its historic grandeur, beginning with small docent-led tours offered to financial supporters and eventually opening for daily tours.
The goal is for people to come and enjoy this magnificent estate, from picnics on the grand lawns to music events and recitals to viewing art from around the world.
I personally cannot wait to tour this stunning property where time has virtually stood still. What do you think? Did you know about this vacant historic mansion in Santa Barbara? Find out more on the Bellosguardo Foundation website. If you love local history, check out this tour of Santa Barbara history and architecture!
Looking for more inspiration? Be sure to peruse our collection of the best things to see and do in SoCal.
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