A circular home perched on a hillside in Los Altos Hills, California, got a modern makeover that anchored it firmly into the 21st century.
The architecturally distinct, 5,103-square-foot circular house was thoroughly renovated by San Francisco-based practice Feldman Architecture, to extraordinary results.
The extensive remodel brought the house down to its studs, completely rebuilding the geometrically unique structure to make the most of its prime location — on a hillside in Silicon Valley, surrounded by a lush nature reserve.
The end result is a beautiful enhancement of the house’s original form, one that delivered both a refreshed exterior design and inviting, contemporary living spaces that open to the surrounding nature.
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The owners fell in love with its unique architecture
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
According to the architecture firm, the owners of the Los Altos Hills house fell in love with its quirky architecture and only had a modest remodel in mind for their newly purchased home.
However, after moving in, the need for a more comprehensive renovation soon became apparent. Apart from some dated living spaces, the house also featured low eaves that obstructed access to views.
They hired an award-winning design practice to breathe new life into the 1960s-built home
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
They commissioned Feldman Architecture — an award-winning design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are site-sensitive and carefully crafted — to upgrade the home, now aptly named the Round House.
An extensive remodel transformed the circular house
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Built in the 1960s, the circular home’s original structure — referred to as the “doughnut house” — had an open-air courtyard in the center.
It “was really interesting and very awkward at the same time,” said Steven Stept, Project Principal. The public living areas faced the private wooded hillside, while bedrooms opened onto sprawling, exposed views of Silicon Valley.
The Round House’s central courtyard was turned into a kitchen with a skylight
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
The original central courtyard, once open to the sky, was turned into the kitchen — fitting for the home’s residents, an aspiring baker and a family of food enthusiasts.
The award-winning kitchen now features a large circular skylight that streams daylight into the space, creating a makeshift sundial that illuminates different sections of custom, curved casework throughout the day.
Contemporary living spaces and an open floorplan define the interiors
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
From the main entrance of the 5,103-square-foot home, visitors can effortlessly progress through the open-plan living room, kitchen, and spacious deck, which now feature a clean, decidedly contemporary design that makes each space more inviting and polished than the last.
Pie-shaped rooms provide privacy
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
A concentric hallway traces the kitchen, leading to discreet pie-shaped rooms carefully arranged to separate private spaces from common areas.
See also: Revisiting The Domestead, a unique geodesic dome house in L.A.
Making the most of its 180-degree views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
An outdoor deck has been strategically carved out at the intersection of the living room and kitchen – framing sprawling views of the South Bay — which are also observed through the home’s generously sized windows.
They also added a wrap-around walkway to take in the views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Not settling for the outdoor deck alone, they also added a wrap-around walkway which provides each of the bedrooms with outdoor access.
Seamless transition to the outdoor areas
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Tall, curved pocket doors vanish into the walls, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Meanwhile, outside, curved landscape walls radiate outward and blend into the thoughtfully designed softscape.
A challenging project, executed beautifully
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Due to the challenges posed by the house’s unusual circular form, the project team had to look for creative solutions at every step of the way.
Since most conventional solutions favor straight geometry, thinking out of the box was central to the renovation project, with the team constantly adapting to the constraints of the unique project.
The team behind the project
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
While Feldman Architecture spearheaded the architecture and interior design aspects of the renovation — with Partner in Charge Stephen Stept and Anjali Iyer, Project Architect at the helm — the Round House’s stellar remodel was a team effort.
Baywest Builders served as the general contractor, Variegated Green handled the landscape design, with Lea + Braze Engineering (civil engineer), BKG Structural Engineers, Romig Engineers Inc. (geotechnical consultant), Tucci Lighting (lighting designer), Urban Tree Management (arborist) also contributing.
More stories
Menlo Park’s priciest home is a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living
Home of the Week: A dramatic Greek Temple-like villa in Berkeley with views worthy of Olympus
A jaw-dropping mid-century modern estate — inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater — breaks local record
A circular home perched on a hillside in Los Altos Hills, California, got a modern makeover that anchored it firmly into the 21st century.
The architecturally distinct, 5,103-square-foot circular house was thoroughly renovated by San Francisco-based practice Feldman Architecture, to extraordinary results.
The extensive remodel brought the house down to its studs, completely rebuilding the geometrically unique structure to make the most of its prime location — on a hillside in Silicon Valley, surrounded by a lush nature reserve.
The end result is a beautiful enhancement of the house’s original form, one that delivered both a refreshed exterior design and inviting, contemporary living spaces that open to the surrounding nature.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
The owners fell in love with its unique architecture
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
According to the architecture firm, the owners of the Los Altos Hills house fell in love with its quirky architecture and only had a modest remodel in mind for their newly purchased home.
However, after moving in, the need for a more comprehensive renovation soon became apparent. Apart from some dated living spaces, the house also featured low eaves that obstructed access to views.
They hired an award-winning design practice to breathe new life into the 1960s-built home
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
They commissioned Feldman Architecture — an award-winning design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are site-sensitive and carefully crafted — to upgrade the home, now aptly named the Round House.
An extensive remodel transformed the circular house
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Built in the 1960s, the circular home’s original structure — referred to as the “doughnut house” — had an open-air courtyard in the center.
It “was really interesting and very awkward at the same time,” said Steven Stept, Project Principal. The public living areas faced the private wooded hillside, while bedrooms opened onto sprawling, exposed views of Silicon Valley.
The Round House’s central courtyard was turned into a kitchen with a skylight
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
The original central courtyard, once open to the sky, was turned into the kitchen — fitting for the home’s residents, an aspiring baker and a family of food enthusiasts.
The award-winning kitchen now features a large circular skylight that streams daylight into the space, creating a makeshift sundial that illuminates different sections of custom, curved casework throughout the day.
Contemporary living spaces and an open floorplan define the interiors
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
From the main entrance of the 5,103-square-foot home, visitors can effortlessly progress through the open-plan living room, kitchen, and spacious deck, which now feature a clean, decidedly contemporary design that makes each space more inviting and polished than the last.
Pie-shaped rooms provide privacy
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
A concentric hallway traces the kitchen, leading to discreet pie-shaped rooms carefully arranged to separate private spaces from common areas.
See also: Revisiting The Domestead, a unique geodesic dome house in L.A.
Making the most of its 180-degree views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
An outdoor deck has been strategically carved out at the intersection of the living room and kitchen – framing sprawling views of the South Bay — which are also observed through the home’s generously sized windows.
They also added a wrap-around walkway to take in the views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Not settling for the outdoor deck alone, they also added a wrap-around walkway which provides each of the bedrooms with outdoor access.
Seamless transition to the outdoor areas
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Tall, curved pocket doors vanish into the walls, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Meanwhile, outside, curved landscape walls radiate outward and blend into the thoughtfully designed softscape.
A challenging project, executed beautifully
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Due to the challenges posed by the house’s unusual circular form, the project team had to look for creative solutions at every step of the way.
Since most conventional solutions favor straight geometry, thinking out of the box was central to the renovation project, with the team constantly adapting to the constraints of the unique project.
The team behind the project
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
While Feldman Architecture spearheaded the architecture and interior design aspects of the renovation — with Partner in Charge Stephen Stept and Anjali Iyer, Project Architect at the helm — the Round House’s stellar remodel was a team effort.
Baywest Builders served as the general contractor, Variegated Green handled the landscape design, with Lea + Braze Engineering (civil engineer), BKG Structural Engineers, Romig Engineers Inc. (geotechnical consultant), Tucci Lighting (lighting designer), Urban Tree Management (arborist) also contributing.
More stories
Menlo Park’s priciest home is a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living
Home of the Week: A dramatic Greek Temple-like villa in Berkeley with views worthy of Olympus
A jaw-dropping mid-century modern estate — inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater — breaks local record
Venice is many things; a quintessential beach neighborhood, trendy foodie hotspot, hipster enclave, you name it. But most of all, it’s a unique slice of California that offers a completely different vibe — and its own take on waterfront living.
That’s why when it comes to real estate listings, Venice Beach falls into a category of its own. Every home that lands on our desk outdoes itself either in terms of unique architecture, picture-perfect interiors, or artsy features.
Today’s treat: a rare luxury waterfront home facing the Venice Canals that boasts interiors revamped by famed Italian design firm Boffi, that recently landed on the market asking $6,298,000.
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Canal living in Venice Beach
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Recently listed with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass, the Venice Beach house is located just a few blocks from vibrant Abbot Kinney and key attractions like the Venice Boardwalk and the Marina.
Its prime location places it right at the heart of the Venice Canals, recognized as one of the most unique neighborhoods in all of Southern California.
The specs: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The waterfront residence spans 3,816 square feet of luxuriously appointed living space, with a total of 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 1 half-bath.
With several outdoor spaces and indoor-outdoor living areas to take in the Canal views, the home has quite a few standout amenities, including two rooftop decks — one with a cold plunge — and a canal-front deck that leads to a private barge.
Designer interiors revamped in 2021
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Location aside, the Venice Beach house has elegant, refined interiors, thanks to an extensive 2021 renovation carried out by the esteemed Italian design firm Boffi — a globally renowned brand best known for its designer kitchens and bathrooms.
As a result, the home boasts sleek finishes balanced by rich textures like herringbone wood floors, a limestone gas fireplace, and metal accents, creating a space that looks like it was taken straight out of an interior design magazine.
Large, open-floor main level overlooking the canals
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The heart of the home is the expansive, open-plan main level, bathed in natural light from large windows and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that overlook the canal.
A gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The gourmet kitchen with its clean, sleek design, comes equipped with high-end Gaggenau appliances, temperature-controlled wine storage, a walk-in pantry, European-style lacquer cabinetry, and Calacatta countertops.
A sunlit family room with a wet bar
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Heading upstairs, we find another great space for the family to gather, a sunlit family room that also has a wet bar with a dishwasher.
The primary bedroom has soaring ceilings
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The primary bedroom is a serene retreat with high ceilings, a spacious custom closet, and a lavish ensuite bath.
See also: LOVE, Art, and Cozy Living Close to the Venice Canals
A primary bathroom with a marble-clad shower
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
A luxurious escape in itself, the ensuite bath comes with a marble-clad steam shower, a soaking tub, and an accent wall of Domenico Mori handmade clay tiles.
State-of-the-art home tech throughout
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The house has a private elevator, as well as state-of-the-art home tech like the Crestron home automation system, surround sound, and a Lifesource whole-house water filtration system.
The house has two rooftop terraces, one with a cold plunge
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The Instagram-worthy outdoor space comes with 360-degree views, two rooftop terraces — one with a cold plunge — and plenty of room to lounge and entertain. The deck is surrounded by glass walls, so views are completely uninterrupted.
And a canal-facing deck
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Acting as an extension of the main living area is a canal-front deck equipped with an automatic canopy, firepit, and ample al fresco dining space. The deck also provides access to one of the home’s most unique amenities: a private barge.
There’s also a private barge
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
For future residents who want to take the party on the water, the waterfront home comes with a private, motorized barge that’ll allow them to cruise the canal and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
Now listed for $6.3 million
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The Venice Beach house is currently listed for $6,298,000 with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners, Compass.
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Located in the heart of Washington state, Wenatchee is a beautiful place to settle down. Known as the “Apple Capital of the World,” it’s surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains. With its four distinct seasons and agricultural roots, Wenatchee is a great destination for outdoorsy types and homebodies alike. But is it the right place for you? Let’s explore the pros and cons of living in Wenatchee and calling Washington home.
Wenatchee at a glance
Walk Score: 47 | Bike Score: 46 | Transit Score: 33 Median Sale Price: $500,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,625 Houses for rent in Wenatchee | Apartments for rent in Wenatchee | Homes for sale in Wenatchee
1. Pro: Access to nature
Living in Wenatchee offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities. With the Cascade Mountains nearby, you can hike, bike, and ski throughout the year. In warmer months, the Columbia River is great for boating, fishing, and kayaking, making Wenatchee ideal for anyone who loves being outside.
2. Con: Limited public transportation
Public transportation in Wenatchee is relatively limited. The LINK transit system serves the area, but routes and schedules may not align with everyone’s needs. This makes owning a car essential for most residents, especially if you need to commute for work or want to explore areas outside the city.
3. Pro: Affordable cost of living
Compared to larger cities in Washington, like Seattle, the cost of living in Wenatchee is more affordable. Housing, while slightly above the national median of $434,050 is reasonably priced. Apartments are on par with West Coast standards, ranging in price from $1,435 to $1,937, on average.
4. Con: Distance from major cities
Wenatchee’s location, while scenic, comes with the downside of being far from major hubs. Friends living in Seattle are about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, which limits access to the job markets, shopping, and entertainment options found in larger cities.
5. Pro: Strong agricultural industry
Wenatchee’s economy is driven by agriculture, particularly apple production. Living in Wenatchee means being close to fresh, locally-grown produce and supporting an industry that shapes the town’s identity. The seasonal beauty of apple orchards also adds to the charm, especially during harvest festivals.
6. Con: Hot summers
While certainly not one of the hottest cities in the U.S., summers in Wenatchee are still quite hot. Temperatures often rise into the 90s, and heatwaves can stretch for several days. For those who prefer milder weather or aren’t equipped to handle the heat, Wenatchee summers might be uncomfortable.
7. Pro: Growing arts scene
Despite its smaller size, Wenatchee has a surprisingly strong arts scene. The Numerica Performing Arts Center regularly hosts concerts, plays, and other performances. The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, which has exhibits on local history and the area’s contributions to Washington culture, is also definitely worth a visit.
8. Con: Lacking job opportunities in certain fields
While the agriculture and healthcare industries are strong, Wenatchee may have fewer job opportunities for professionals in tech, finance, or other specialized fields. Those seeking employment in niche fields might find it challenging to secure high-paying jobs without commuting or working remotely.
9. Pro: Excellent local produce
Beyond apples, you can find some of the best cherries, pears, and peaches in the country at local farmers’ markets in Wenatchee. The city’s agricultural bounty means fresh fruits and vegetables are available year-round, contributing to a healthier and tastier lifestyle. This has also been a major factor in the growing restaurant scene in Wenatchee.
10. Con: Seasonal traffic
Wenatchee experiences a noticeable increase in traffic during the harvest season and summer months, as tourists and seasonal workers flock to the area. While traffic is generally manageable, these seasonal surges can cause congestion and unexpectedly alter routines.
11. Pro: Emphasis on education
For families, Wenatchee has a solid education system, with respected public schools and nearby Wenatchee Valley College for higher education. The city’s investment in education ensures that students gain the skills they need to succeed and adds to Wenatchee’s reputation as a Washington college town on the rise.
A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a newly built Menlo Park house recently came to market with a price tag that places it miles ahead of the competition.
The $14,200,000 house — located smack dab in central Menlo Park — is currently the most expensive house for sale (by far) in the tech-heavy city, which serves as home to social media giant Meta and is also where Google was born.
Fitting for a place that attracts tech’s brightest (and richest), Menlo Park’s real estate market is among the priciest in the country, with the median home sale price sitting at a hefty $2.6 million, according to Redfin’s data.
Priced at $14.2 million, the centrally located Menlo Park house is the most expensive home for sale in the San Francisco Bay Area city, with the runner-up asking almost a full $3 million less.
But a quick look at the 8-bedroom home makes it clear that the property is also the city’s finest option, pairing a stellar location with a gorgeous contemporary design that takes California’s iconic indoor-outdoor living trend to new heights.
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Menlo Park’s most expensive home
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Newly completed in 2024, the May Brown Avenue house sits on a 0.64-acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac just moments from Menlo Park’s vibrant downtown.
With a stylishly appointed, contemporary main house, and an equally modern guest house, the Menlo Park property offers a total of 8 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms, plus a half bath, and a large backyard between the two with a plethora of outdoor amenities.
Representing the property is Billy McNair with the McNair Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.
Developed by a tech-driven real estate company
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The builder is the present owner, Nitin Handa, of Handa Developers Group — a Silicon Valley-based, tech-driven real estate development company that has developed a unique approach to acquisitions and construction, which allows them to complete every project within a set timeframe and budget.
Within 9 years, Handa Developers Group has completed more than 87 real estate deals, raising more than $77 million in capital to complete projects in three U.S. states.
Indoor/outdoor living defines the 7,600+ sq. ft. house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Given their track record, Handa Developers Group knew how to adapt their Menlo Park project to suit the needs of wellness-minded Silicon Valley buyers, and created a contemporary home that perfects the sought-after, indoor-outdoor living trend — which blurs the lines between the two spaces.
“The culture in Silicon Valley often emphasizes innovation and modern living,” Nitin Handa, Founder and CEO of Handa Developers Group, shares exclusively with Fancy Pants Homes. “When we began designing this estate, we immediately knew the property lent itself to an indoor-outdoor situation”.
Seamless transition from outdoor to indoor spaces
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
“We wanted to create a seamless and flexible living environment that would reflect the value aesthetics and functionality of this part of the Bay Area,” Handa tells us.
As a result, the Menlo Park house embodies the indoor-outdoor living trend to perfection, with its well-proportioned rooms being fitted with folding doors that open up to the outside areas.
More than a home, it’s a lifestyle
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
“1170 May Brown is more than just a home. It’s a lifestyle,” says listing agent Billy McNair, founder of McNair Group with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.
“Many people in Silicon Valley prioritize wellness, and there is a strong culture of socializing and entertaining. Indoor-outdoor spaces promote a healthy lifestyle and are perfect for gatherings, whether for casual barbecues or more formal events.”
Unassuming from the front
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The house welcomes residents and guests with a circular motor court and an elegant facade that — despite its clean lines and polished look — doesn’t give away the luxury we find inside.
Pivot door opens up to a grand foyer
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Past the pivot entry door, bright, light-flooded rooms come into view from the grand foyer.
Formal spaces greet guests
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Here, formal spaces are ready to welcome guests, including a formal living room with a fireplace.
The formal dining room has a wine gallery
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
A formal dining room with a temperature-controlled wine display wall is on the other side of the foyer.
The heart of the home is a large, open floor-plan living area
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen-family great room, a stylish and decisively contemporary living area that opens up to the party-ready backyard.
With a gourmet kitchen
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The fully appointed gourmet kitchen features a large center island, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a wet bar, and folding doors that seamlessly blend the interior and exterior spaces.
Cleverly masked appliances
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
As not to infringe on the contemporary design, many of the appliances have been cleverly masked (as were the electric outlets) to maintain a clean, modern look.
Living area with a fireplace
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Completing this space is a lounging area with a large fireplace and comfortable seating.
The primary suite
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Heading upstairs, we find the generously sized primary suite that has a fireplace, dual walk-in closets, a spa-like bathroom, and access to an expansive terrace that spans the entire upper level of the home.
All bedrooms have en-suite baths
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The upper level also includes a family lounge space and four other bedrooms, all en suite.
See also: This historic home off Lombard St. has some of the best views in all of San Francisco
A stylish home office
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Additional amenities include a large recreation/media room with a wet bar, a main-level guest suite with private access, and a refined executive office.
Even the powder room is the epitome of luxury
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Each space in the house has been carefully appointed with elegant, stylish finishes. So much so, that even the powder room (the only half-bath in the entire house) is ultra-luxurious.
Mudroom and utility areas
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
While we rarely pay much attention to utility rooms, in this particular case we have to give a nod to the beautifully designed mudroom, which expertly conceals a washer and dryer behind sleek, screened doors.
A media room with a wet bar
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Another room of the house that nails the indoor-outdoor transition is the media (or recreation) room, a flexible space appointed with a wet bar that can have several uses.
The landscaped backyard is like an extension of the house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The large backyard area invites guests to step outdoors with its vibrant greenery and several seating areas.
Outdoor amenities
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Outside we find a pool and spa, multiple entertaining terraces, an outdoor kitchen, a BBQ pavilion with bar seating, and privacy landscaping.
There’s also a guest house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Facing the pool is a one-bedroom guest house with a full kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Equally stylish as the main house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Benefitting from the same indoor-outdoor living design, the stylish guest house mimics the clean, contemporary design present throughout the main house.
Located in the heart of Menlo Park
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The house is located just a stone’s throw from Menlo Park’s downtown district on Santa Cruz Avenue, a lively street with plenty of options for shopping and dining, making it a great option for buyers looking to settle down in a vibrant, walkable area.
Now up for grabs for $14.2M
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The newly built house is listed for $14,200,000 with Billy McNair of the McNair Group. And while the price point currently makes it the city’s priciest listing, its design and location — and proximity to top public and private schools, Stanford University, and major tech campuses — will likely turn it into Menlo Park’s most expensive home, as soon as a wealthy buyer lays eyes on it.
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If Alanna Gold, Selling Sunset‘s newcomer agent, and her ultra-modern desert house left you yearning to see more of Pioneertown — the 1880s-themed town in San Bernardino County originally developed as a shooting location for Westerns — we have a spectacular find for you.
A nearly 13-acre desert oasis with a private compound (and its own boulder-topped mountain) recently came to market, and it’s quite the showstopper.
Previously featured in Travel + Leisure Magazine, the home is the birthplace of Mojave Desert Skin Shield, an organic, Ayurveda-inspired skincare line and wellness practice founded by Patricia Vernhes, who owns the property along with her husband, Nicolas.
It has also served as a healing place, where Patricia’s practice offered soothing sound therapy, facials, and tea meditation, and where integrated wellness retreats were held.
Consisting of a 5-bedroom main house, a fully air-conditioned ADU, and nearly 13 acres of desert land including a private boulder-topped mountain and breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding mountain ranges, the compound is now listed for $2,890,000 with Angela Gollan at Compass.
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The Pioneertown house sits on 13 acres close
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
The generously sized property spans 13 acres and is surrounded by mountain ranges and three flat-top mesas. Per the listing, it benefits from a unique microclimate 4,000 feet above sea level, which means it experiences cooler summers than nearby Joshua Tree and sunny, mild winters with occasional snowfall.
And has its own boulder-topped mountain
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Adding to the calming desert views is the boulder-topped mountain included on the property, which acts like a fairly unique “amenity” in itself.
A reflection of its owners’ artful aesthetic
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Heading into the Pioneertown house, bright, light-filled interiors are accented by vibrant pops of color and natural materials like wood and stone.
“Nicolas and Patricia have such great style and a really artful, beautiful aesthetic, and they have transformed this once dusty desert ranch house into an artist’s sanctuary and place of healing, with impeccable design and European sensibilities,” listing agent Angela Gollan tells us.
It has a grand living room with a fireplace
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
The living area is anchored by a fireplace, with vaulted beam ceilings towering over the space.
The open kitchen was recently upgraded
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Right behind the living room, we find the recently upgraded kitchen, with a sunny dining area to the side.
Recording studio features
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
According to the agent, “The living room of the main home is wired as a Live room for recording, and the guest house is a recording studio!”
The house has 5 beds and 5 baths
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Spanning approximately 3,000 square feet, the ranch-style house packs 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering calming desert views.
Unique bathroom finishes
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
The primary bathroom has a soaking tub and a unique stone-wall shower designed by the legendary “Pappy” of Pappy & Harriet’s fame (a famous local cantina used in countless old Western films like The Cisco Kid, The Range Rider, The Gene Autry Show, and Annie Oakley).
And a screened-in patio that seats 8
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Right outside the living area, we find an expansive screened-in patio with a custom BBQ and seating for eight.
A fully air-conditioned ADU
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
A 450-square-foot, fully air-conditioned ADU with a full bath adds some great flex space that can be easily turned into a yoga or music studio, artist retreat, or guest suite.
Designed for wellness and relaxation
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
According to an older Travel + Leisure Magazine article featuring the property, owner Patricia Vernhes studied ayurvedic yoga therapy and apprenticed at Integratron — Joshua Tree’s fabled sound-bath temple — before settling down in the area and opening her own wellness practice on the serene desert property.
Here, she offered wellness services like sound therapy in the outdoor bath surrounded by 20 quartz singing bowls. She later developed her skincare brand, Mojave Desert Skin Shield, while living here.
Sustainability features
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
For sustainability and self-sufficiency, the home was outfitted with solar panels and a 600-foot well.
“The promise of the California Desert is still strong”
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
While the local real estate market isn’t immune to the challenges the entire state of California has faced recently, Gollan is confident that the area will continue to thrive:
“We’ve seen property values dip and homes sitting on the market much longer than in years prior. But the promise of the California Desert is still strong,” she says. “There is a lot of infrastructure out here now that was built during the last several years that isn’t going anywhere. The geological beauty and cotton candy sunsets aren’t going anywhere, and the community is still growing. So although we are seeing fewer people try to start Airbnbs in the Joshua Tree area, the wanderers will never stop heading this way to explore the mystic promise of the desert.
Located next to Sand to Snow National Monument
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
And the Pioneertown compound has that desert appeal in spades. Plus, it’s adjacent to the 154,000-acre Sand to Snow National Monument — an ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California — promising uninterrupted views that will remain forever unspoiled.
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Tucked along California’s sun-drenched coast, Santa Barbara is renowned for its stunning beaches, charming Spanish architecture, and extensive wine scene. But beyond the iconic palm-fringed shores and bustling State Street, this coastal city offers a wealth of unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary tourist trail. Santa Barbara invites explorers to uncover its lesser-known treasures and discover more than what it’s more commonly known for.
Whether you’re searching for a cozy home in Santa Barbara, exploring available apartments, or looking for a rental property, you’re in for an exceptional experience. If you’re eager to go beyond the basics and uncover unique things to do in Santa Barbara, keep reading to discover the city’s enchanting side and see what makes Santa Barbara an extraordinary place to consider moving to.
1. Explore local culinary eats
Eating local in Santa Barbara is a culinary adventure that highlights the region’s rich agricultural bounty and coastal flavors. From farm-to-table restaurants to vibrant farmers’ markets, you can savor dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Embrace the local food scene by dining at charming bistros, exploring artisanal food shops, and enjoying seafood that reflects the city’s maritime heritage.
Ocean views
Across the street from Santa Barbara’s pristine East Beach sits Convivo Restaurant & Bar, a “Nomad Italian” restaurant, featuring expansive patios with views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Indulge in their seasonally changing menus that include consummately crafted cocktails and spectacular seafood starters. So settle in, savor delicious wood-fired pizza, and let the calming sounds of the ocean enhance your dinner.
Join a pasta club
Each week, Aperitivo spotlights a different Italian region, showcasing its distinctive flavors and wines. When joining their pasta club, you’ll enjoy freshly handmade pasta paired with house-made sauces and expertly chosen wines from the featured area. Every gathering features unique recipes and cooking techniques, creating a vibrant community experience centered around a shared love of Italian cuisine.
Eat a bountiful brunch
Indulging in brunch is not a feat that someone often regrets. Take in the joys of brunch at Scarlett Begonia, an innovative, sustainable restaurant found right off State Street. From the delectable Yukon Gold Cinnamon Roll to the exquisite Smoked Salmon on Brioche, these dishes just touch the surface of a wide range of brunch-focused dishes featuring organic eggs and sustainable meat and fish.
2. Take in a winery off the beaten path
Exploring wineries in Santa Barbara County is a captivating journey through stunning landscapes and world-class wine. The region’s diverse terroirs produce a range of exceptional wines, from crisp Chardonnays to bold Syrahs, each reflecting the unique character of the area. The experience offers not just an opportunity to savor fine wines but also to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of California’s Central Coast.
Farm-to-table
From their comprehensive farm-to-table menu to the award-winning wine, Vega Vineyard is an absolute must-visit. Beyond the exceptional food and wine, Vega boasts a working farm, tractor rides, a petting zoo, a playground for kids, and even cabana rentals. It’s a unique destination where you can easily spend an entire day enjoying a wide range of activities.
Southern hospitality
Presqu’ile is a winery dedicated to the relentless pursuit of growing and crafting cool-climate premium wines. From an elegant Pinot Noir to a méthode champenoise sparkling wine, the family winery works to express the estate and select sites in Santa Barbara County. Rooted in the family’s tradition of warm and welcoming Southern hospitality, Presqu’ile provides an unparalleled guest experience.
Private, guided tour
Embark on a wine adventure with a personalized tasting tour with Rooted Vine Wine Tours, featuring family-owned and independent wineries. Explore unique varietals with fascinating histories, savor a gourmet picnic lunch, and meet passionate local winemakers dedicated to their craft. The tour guide can pick you up from your home or hotel, so you can relax without worrying about driving or parking.
Party bus luxury
Taking a wine-tasting tour in Santa Barbara County on a party bus elevates the experience with a blend of fun and luxury. Golden Rooster Transportation provides a festive atmosphere, complete with extensive wine country knowledge that makes each stop at award-winning wineries even more enjoyable. This vibrant approach allows you to fully savor the region’s exceptional wines without the hassle of driving or logistics and is a unique thing to do in Santa Barbara.
3. Gallop on the sand
Horseback riding on the beach is a unique activity to do in Santa Barbara that combines the thrill of equestrian adventure with the stunning beauty of the coastline. As you ride along the sandy shores with Summerland Beach Rides, you can enjoy panoramic ocean views and the soothing sounds of the waves. It’s a unique way to connect with nature and explore Santa Barbara’s scenic beauty from a different perspective.
4. Enjoy the keys at The Red Piano
The Red Piano is Santa Barbara’s premier piano bar, where live music, audience sing-alongs, and expertly crafted cocktails create a one-of-a-kind experience. Situated on Lower State Street, this lively venue offers a dynamic atmosphere where performers keep the energy high and every night turns into an unforgettable celebration. Whether you’re new to town or a seasoned local, The Red Piano is the place to make lasting memories.
5. Find your new favorite cupcake
A visit to a cupcake café is a delightful treat for the senses, offering a charming and cozy atmosphere where you can indulge in a variety of delectable cupcakes while sipping fine-brewed coffee.
“Someone new to or visiting Santa Barbara should make the time to visit Crushcakes & Café, whether it be for a cupcake and some coffee or for their delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options,” shares Karyn Laver, director of The Dance Network, a dance studio in Santa Barbara. “This locally owned restaurant has been one of my favorite places to go since they first opened in 2008 and they never disappoint.”
Each bite-sized creation is often a work of art, with unique flavors and creative toppings that cater to every palate. The café’s inviting ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a casual catch-up with friends or a sweet escape from the everyday hurry.
6. Admire artwork at Elizabeth Gordon Gallery
Venturing into an art gallery provides a serene space for reflection and inspiration, making it an ideal spot to appreciate both local and international talent. Each exhibit invites you to engage with art in a meaningful way, enriching your visit to Santa Barbara. At Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, you can explore a diverse array of artworks, from contemporary pieces to modern works. Looking for a new monthly adventure? Every month, they host a First Thursday event for locals and visitors to enjoy and take in the masterpieces as a unique thing to do in Santa Barbara.
7. Consume coffee cocktails at Cajé
A must-visit spot in the city is Cajé, where they’re renowned for their inventive coffee cocktails and unmatched atmosphere. This stylish café combines innovative drinks with a warm, inviting vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind or socialize. With their craft coffee blends to delicious and ambitious cocktails, Cajé is a unique thing to do in Santa Barbara.
8. Savor seafood finds
Enjoying fresh seafood is another unique thing to do in Santa Barbara, thanks to the region’s rich maritime heritage and proximity to the ocean. From succulent shrimp and perfectly grilled fish to delectable calamari, local seafood restaurants offer a range of dishes that highlight the freshness and quality of the catch.
“If you’re new to Santa Barbara and love fresh seafood: wake up early Saturday morning and head down to the Saturday Fisherman’s Market on the pier at the harbor, “ says Benjamin Silver at Silver Wines. “My favorite business is Garrigan Seafood, where the fishermen catch fresh Spiny Lobster, Rock and Spider Crab, and Rockfish throughout the year.”
Dining on fresh seafood by the sea not only provides a taste of the ocean but also a glimpse into the region’s vibrant coastal culture.
9. Meander through the Funk Zone
The Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood known for its artistic and creative atmosphere. Located between State Street and the waterfront, this area is famous for its colorful street art, craft breweries, and wine-tasting rooms.
Melissa Hopf with Totally Cali Tours shares that at Fox Wines, a spacious warehouse-like space filled with a collection of local food/drink and art-focused businesses, you can enjoy regional wines that highlight the best of the area while grabbing farm-to-table bites from The Nook. The space is filled with local art and frequently hosts pop-up events featuring local artists and craftspeople, as well as live music.
For beer lovers, Topa Topa Brewery and Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop are also in the same building, offering a great selection of local brews.
Wallace Piatt, owner and operator at Rodeo Art Gallery, shares his favorite pastime in the city, “Take a walk down Cabrillo Blvd beachside through The Funk Zone for a true American Riviera experience. Pop into Flor de Maiz or Oku, which is on your way to our own creative corner,” Piatt continues. “Stop by the famous boutique, Loveworn, and Rodeo Art Gallery—all of which are located within just two minutes of each other.”
Located right next to the waterfront, the Funk Zone is the perfect place to explore one of Santa Barbara’s coolest neighborhoods and easily try out a unique thing to do.
10. Experience the ballet
Attending a ballet performance is a mesmerizing experience that combines grace, athleticism, and artistry. As you watch the dancers glide across the stage, their elegant movements and expressive choreography bring the music to life in a captivating way. Santa Barbara Festival Ballet is celebrating its 49th Nutcracker Anniversary at the historic Arlington Theatre this year with a live symphony orchestra. Whether it’s a classic ballet or a contemporary work, the ballet offers a unique and enchanting escape into the world of dance and creativity.
In addition to putting on stunning performances, Santa Barbara Festival Ballet also provides exceptional training for dancers, new and experienced, with a personalized touch to help each artist grow uniquely and confidently.
11. Sip at Third Window Brewing
Third Window Brewing offers a unique ranch-to-beer garden experience. Sourcing wheat, oak, and beef from their family-owned ranch in Los Olivos, they craft estate beers, oak-smoked BBQ, and wood-fired pizzas. On tap, you’ll find award-winning Belgian-inspired beers brewed on-site, along with wagyu smashed cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. Don’t miss their weekend and nightly specials featuring Texas-style BBQ, house-made pretzels, tri-tip sandwiches, and FP Ranch steak dinners. With its lush, laid-back beer garden welcoming people and pets, it’s the perfect spot for great food, refreshing drinks, and friendly faces.
12. Support the arts
The Museum of Sensory & Movement Experiences is an immersive destination dedicated to exploring the evolution of interactive art. Through a rich array of experimental time-based installations—both contemporary and historical—the museum invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the development of interactive artistic expressions. Each exhibit is designed to engage the senses and provoke reflection, offering a hands-on experience of how art has evolved over time.
Complementing this experience, in the same building, The Arts Fund Community Gallery provides a vibrant platform for local talent. By presenting thought-provoking and dynamic works, the gallery plays a crucial role in celebrating and advancing the local art scene, making it an essential part of the museum experience. Together, these two spaces create a comprehensive exploration of art, blending historical context with contemporary innovation and local creativity.
13. Catch a wave
Santa Barbara is not only one of the most beautiful towns in California, but it’s also an ideal spot for learning how to surf. There’s no better way to experience the charm of a beach town than taking in the coastline from the ocean. The perspective from the water is mesmerizing and humbling.
“I went to college at UC Santa Barbara and lived in ‘SB’ (as the locals call it) for over 10 years. During my time in SB, I fell in love with this enchanting town, where a stunning mountain backdrop meets the sparkling sea,” says Vanessa Rivers, founder of Surf Lessons with Vanessa and co-founder of We Are Travel Girls.
“If you’re visiting or live in Santa Barbara, I highly suggest surfing at Mondos, which is, in my opinion, the very best place to learn on the West Coast,” suggests Rivers. “People call Mondos the Waikiki of California because it offers a long, mellow wave and a shallow sand bottom, making it easy to paddle out and catch waves.”
Photo courtesy of Vanessa Rivers at Surf Lessons with Vanessa
14. Embark on a dolphin cruise
Set sail on a dolphin cruise and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of these playful marine mammals. Betsy Woyach, owner and director of Momentum Dance Company, recommends, “Take the time to experience the Double Dolphin Cruise from Santa Barbara Sailing Center. This experience is quintessential Santa Barbara—the wharf, the views, the ocean, it’s a definite 10 out of 10 experience.”
As you glide across the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean, watch in awe as dolphins dance and leap beside your boat, creating memories that will ripple long after the journey ends.
15. An itinerary for the perfect day
Crafting the perfect itinerary for a day in this coastal city involves a blend of sightseeing and delicious food. Need a hand putting together the perfect day of unique things to do in Santa Barbara? Captain Spencer MacRae, co-owner with his wife, Courtney, of SunSwept Sailing has it all figured out. “Our family has called Santa Barbara home for seven generations and loves ‘touristing’. If you are looking for the quintessential Santa Barbara experience, we suggest starting with a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Sky’s the Limit Ballooning over the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.
“Then visit one of the amazing bakeries, like Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, before starting a wine tour with Rooted Vine Tours complete with lunch and local Olive Oil Tasting at Rancho Olivos,” suggests MacRae. “Finish off the afternoon aboard Yacht Kelpie for an authentic sailing experience along the American Riviera with SunSwept Sailing.”
MacRae also recommends ending the night at a beloved dining spot. “Top off the evening with casual fine dining and drinks at Toma, an Italian seafood restaurant across from the harbor. As a bonus, if the weather is lovely, spend an extra day exploring the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary.”
Unique things to do in Santa Barbara, CA: Final thoughts
From world-class wineries and charming local boutiques to exhilarating outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind dining spots, Santa Barbara offers something for everyone seeking a fresh perspective. Embrace the opportunity to uncover these distinctive activities and make your home truly memorable, leaving with a deeper appreciation for all that this coastal gem has to offer.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Learn expert tips and tricks for saving money on holiday travel booking, from the best time to book to when you should use rewards points.
When should you book your holiday travel? How can you save money on travel during the busiest travel season? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle talk to travel rewards Nerd Sam Kemmis about how to save money when booking holiday travel, with tips and tricks on using companion fares, the optimal time to book holiday flights, and understanding the fine print of airline programs. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of standby flights, the value of subscribing to flight deal newsletters, and the advantages of using credit card points and transferring them to partner airlines. By exploring these topics, the hosts aim to provide listeners with actionable advice to make holiday travel more affordable and less stressful.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
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Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go. And if you don’t want that to break the bank, have we got an episode for you — and Grandma. Today, tips and tricks for saving money on holiday travel booking.
Sam Kemmis:
Because changing and canceling flights for most airlines is a lot easier now than it used to be, and there aren’t as many change and cancellation fees, that actually is a pretty good strategy.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Meghan Coyle:
And I’m Meghan Coyle.
Sean Pyles:
And this is episode two of our Nerdy deep dive into holiday travel and the costs therein. And Meghan, I know you and I are both in the camp of avoiding holiday travel if at all possible. As much as we love our families, sometimes the hassle of getting to them just isn’t worth a wing and a leg of, you know… turkey.
Meghan Coyle:
Yeah. I heard what you did there, Sean. As we know, plenty of people do brave the crowds and the lines and the delays to see their loved ones over the holidays, so we are here to help smooth that process as best we can, especially when it comes to what you’re spending on that travel.
Sean Pyles:
The holidays are infamous for higher prices, especially on airfares, and there are definitely ways to save money if you’re willing to be a little flexible.
Meghan Coyle:
Sean Pyles:
Ooh, I love secrets, and we’re going to share lots of them today. So listener, perk up your ears like you’re listening for sleigh bells in the distance because we’re going to drop a lot of insider knowledge on you today. It’s our holiday gift to you.
Meghan Coyle:
That’s right, wrapped up all pretty and nice.
Sean Pyles:
We want to hear what you think too, listeners. To share your ideas and experiences around holiday travel with us—the good, the bad, and the insanity—leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373, that’s 901-730-NERD, or email a voice memo to [email protected]. So Meghan, who are we hearing from today?
Meghan Coyle:
Today, our guest is our Nerdy colleague, Sam Kemmis, and we’re going to explore all the ways you can save yourself some cash when you’re booking holiday travel, and you don’t necessarily need to redeem your points to do it.
Sean Pyles:
That’s coming up in a moment. Stay with us.
Meghan Coyle:
Hey, Sam. So great to have you back on the show.
Sam Kemmis:
It’s so great to be here.
Meghan Coyle:
What are your travel plans for the holidays?
Sam Kemmis:
They’re not the most exciting, but I’m going to go home to Montana, where I’m from, with my kids to see family.
Meghan Coyle:
Aw, that sounds really sweet.
Sam Kemmis:
Meghan Coyle:
Is it going to be cold there?
Sam Kemmis:
Oh, yeah. It’s always cold. I always go for the cold snap. It always gets into the negative temperatures while we’re there.
Meghan Coyle:
Sam Kemmis:
This is always the question, and I wish I had that silver bullet where I’m like, “Here’s the one weird trick to saving money on holiday travel,” but the truth is it’s hard to do. But I do have a few tricks up my sleeve. So one of them is using companion fares. My partner and I both have the Alaska companion fare, which is great because we have two kids, and it lets us book a second ticket for just a little over $100 no matter how much the first ticket costs. Because you’re spending the same amount on that second ticket no matter what, the more expensive your first ticket is, the more value you’re getting from it. Holiday travel tends to be pretty expensive, so I usually save that companion fare for the holiday so I can kind of maximize that difference between the $100 and whatever I end up paying for the actual fare.
Meghan Coyle:
So it’s kind of like you’re almost using your companion fare as a kid discount, a child discount on your airfare for the holidays.
Sam Kemmis:
I wish my oldest was still young enough that I could put her on my lap. That’s the real discount for the holidays. In a pinch, I use companion fares. Alaska has a great one, but there’s also one from Delta. Southwest has its sort of famous one. There are some companion fare options out there.
Meghan Coyle:
And tell us how Alaska’s companion fare works. I believe you get that through a credit card, is that right?
Sam Kemmis:
Yes. You get it through its co-branded credit card and you get one of them to use every year.
Meghan Coyle:
Is this an annual tradition of yours to use the companion fare on the holidays?
Sam Kemmis:
Yeah, I guess it is becoming one as my kids get older. It used to be I would try to just book the most ludicrous flight that would still qualify with stopovers and multi-cities and going to Costa Rica and whatever I could do. But for one thing, Alaska has sort of changed the terms of it so it’s not so easy to do that. And now, yeah, not as exciting and my most expensive trip is usually home for the holidays.
Meghan Coyle:
Makes sense. Yeah. And I know some of the other companion fares have different terms and things like that, but Southwest’s companion pass lets you get flights for a discount for the entire year, so the holidays are also a great time to use that for a really high value.
Sam Kemmis:
Just no blackout dates on those, as far as I know.
Meghan Coyle:
That’s what we’re looking for for holiday travel because the travel companies know that these are such high demand times. You have to be really careful with the deals. Let’s talk about when you book your holiday travel. Have you done that already?
Sam Kemmis:
I have not. I have learned from covering this beat for so long that it’s actually usually better to wait until the fall to book, and maybe even a little later in the fall. So that’s easy for me because I’m a procrastinator, but I know there are a lot of people who want to book as early as possible. But the data show that booking months in advance doesn’t actually save you money. One piece of data I got from Google Flights that they shared with me showed that the lowest prices for the holidays usually happen between 80 and 20 days before departure, so about one to two months before departure, and that’s true for both Thanksgiving and the December holidays. If I’m booking for Christmas, that will put it somewhere in October, likely, that I’m booking. That’s a rule of thumb, but every year is different. It could be that if you wait until that 20-day cutoff that prices will actually go up, or that may be when prices are actually lowest. Just like anything that revolves around supply and demand, there’s no way to really play the market. Booking way in advance is usually not a great idea.
Meghan Coyle:
Okay, that makes me feel a lot better because I haven’t even started thinking about it yet.
Sam Kemmis:
I know. It’s like 95 degrees here. It’s hard to imagine.
Meghan Coyle:
I know we’re talking a bit early about holiday plans, and one thing I wanted to float out there is that you could book something now and kind of lock in a lower rate, and then you might be able to rebook it or change it or cancel it if something happens, your travel plans change, or even the price goes down. Can you talk a little bit about that and why that might be a good option for the holiday travel?
Sam Kemmis:
Yeah, because changing and canceling flights for most airlines is a lot easier now than it used to be, and there aren’t as many change and cancellation fees, that actually is a pretty good strategy. If you’re just one of those people that doesn’t want to wait and you see a decent price right now, you can always book it now and, like you said, either change the ticket when you see a better price and you might get a refund on that difference, or just cancel your ticket outright and rebook the lower price. So that’s not a bad idea.
You want to be a little careful, though, to make sure that you’re actually booking a refundable flight. And that doesn’t mean a fully refundable fare, but usually basic economy flights and flights with budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier do not have full cancelability. They won’t offer a full refund, especially those basic economy tickets. You want to watch out booking those. You probably won’t be able to get your money back. The same thing applies for hotels. Hotels are usually a lot easier. They’re usually much more flexible in terms of letting you rebook and even cancel last-minute. You can always book some hotel rooms in advance as long as you’re checking that fine print and making sure that you can cancel it later.
Meghan Coyle:
Something I used to do in college as well was I would take advantage of same-day changes and standby to help save a bit of money on holiday travel. I’ll tell you how this worked and then you can tell me if that was a good strategy or not to use.
Sam Kemmis:
Yeah, I want to hear about this.
Meghan Coyle:
I went to school out of state, so I had to fly home for the holidays. The cheapest flights were usually these super early morning, 6:00 AM flights, or maybe they would have some stops or I would take the red eye. I mean, these were just awful flights I was booking. But if you look into some of the same-day change policies and standby policies, you might actually be able to sometimes call your airline ahead of time, like the day before, or even look in the app and see if there was any availability on a better flight. As long as your departure airport and your arrival airport didn’t change and you were still taking off on the same calendar day, you can save a lot of money by just taking any of those extra seats on a better-timed flight. Something I would do is I would book maybe the earliest flight back on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and then I wouldn’t actually get up at 6:00 AM after eating tons of turkey the day before. I would just check on Thanksgiving and change it, sometimes for free if you have elite status, or there’s some type of policy that’ll let you change for free, or I would pay a pretty nominal fee, like $75, and fly back at a much more normal time. What did you think about that strategy?
Sam Kemmis:
That’s not bad, and I’ve definitely done things like that. I think it’s for sure a good college student strategy because it works as long as you’re pretty flexible on what actually ends up happening. You can have this great plan and, “Oh, I’m going to change it to a better flight,” and there may just not be better flights available. Or you could sort of go on standby, that fills up, and then you’ve got to get over to your actual flight or onto another standby. You could kind of end up in this purgatory where you’re not on any flight.
Meghan Coyle:
Sam Kemmis:
Obviously, I’m speaking in generalities because every airline is going to have different policies for this.
Meghan Coyle:
Sam Kemmis:
I love it. I love that kind of thing. I’ve done that with red eyes where I’ve booked a red eye that’s way cheaper and then just said, “Oh. Actually, could I just fly a normal flight?” and it works out. Totally a possibility if you’re willing to put in a little extra uncertainty work.
Meghan Coyle:
That’s a good call out. And probably wouldn’t work if you have multiple people traveling, like your family, so that would make it a bit more difficult.
Sam Kemmis:
Yeah, I think my kids would break up with me.
Meghan Coyle:
So where should people look for deals, whether on hotels or airlines, for holiday travel?
Sam Kemmis:
Airline deals themselves can be tough for the holidays. You might see airlines promote different sales, but usually those have blackout dates that are actually around the holidays. And so unless you’re willing to fly quite far off from the holiday itself, that’s probably not going to apply. That said, it might be worth subscribing to some flight deal newsletters or social media accounts. You can find those on Instagram or TikTok, and email newsletters are all over the place. And every once in a while, those will have deals around the holidays, especially internationally, especially around Thanksgiving. Because other places don’t celebrate our Thanksgiving, you can find deals around then for sure. Hotels also might have some deals around the holidays depending on how popular that particular property is around that particular holiday, so it’s worth going to the hotel’s website to see if they have any packages that might be a good deal.
Meghan Coyle:
I know we talked about this earlier in the episode—your credit card can come in handy for saving cash on travel purchases. Yours was through a companion fare through your Alaska co-branded card. What are some other situations where you should maybe look at your credit card and see how it can save you cash for holiday travel?
Sam Kemmis:
There’s a few options. One is using your credit card points. The most obvious way to do that is through the booking portal that the credit card has, so Chase Travel or AmEx Travel, whatever it is. Then you’re basically using the points for a fixed value, so you’re essentially buying cash tickets and using the points to pay for those cash tickets. If you’ve got a big pile of points and you want to use them up and you’re going to book a flight anyway, that’s not a bad way to do it. But there is another way to do it, which is to transfer those credit card points to a partner airline, and then book award travel through the partner airline. For instance, you might transfer them to American Airlines and then book using miles through American. So I say that’s another option. We’ve looked into the data and have seen that those bookings don’t usually offer a better cent-per-point value than booking at any other time, but they’re also not much worse. If a flight is twice as expensive as it normally is around the holidays, it will probably be about twice as expensive using miles. So again, there’s no free lunch here, there’s no way to game the system, but you might be able to find a little bit more value by transferring those credit card points to an airline and then booking through the airline.
Meghan Coyle:
Okay. Yeah, that makes sense. And you could also do half points, half cash in a lot of cases if you’re booking through the portal, right? So that might be a way to save some cash as well.
Sam Kemmis:
Yeah, it’s all relative. Do we call our credit card points cash? Are they their own thing? What is it?
Meghan Coyle:
Now we’re getting super nerdy. Are they cash?
Sam Kemmis:
Yeah. Yeah. Sometimes, also, your credit card might have cash back offers on certain hotels or other travel opportunities. Chase offers or AmEx offers might give you 10% back on a statement credit, so you could add that offer to your travel card before you book. Some travel credit cards offer statement credits on travel purchases either booked through the issuer’s travel portal or booked directly with a certain airline or a hotel. That’s a way to offset both the airline cost and the hotel cost.
Meghan Coyle:
Okay. Now let’s make it a little bit spicy. Let’s say you don’t have to go home for the holidays. You want to use that time off to go somewhere else. What are some good ways to save money on this type of holiday travel that’s more like a vacation?
Sam Kemmis:
One option is to go international. Like I said, other countries aren’t necessarily celebrating Thanksgiving. Some don’t celebrate Christmas or the same holidays in December. It might be worth looking at some of those countries to see if there’s some cheaper flight options. And then you can always check out Google Flights or Skyscanner search tools and put in “Anywhere” for the destination. Just be like, “Surprise me,” and just see what’s cheap.
Meghan Coyle:
I love that. You could end up literally anywhere for the holidays. Any other tips for saving on holiday travel without using your points?
Sam Kemmis:
I plug this all the time. I’m always promoting selling your family on doing Thanksgiving the week before or after actual Thanksgiving because…
Meghan Coyle:
Oh, yeah. I remember you wrote an article about this.
Sam Kemmis:
I did, and nobody ever cares and nobody ever bites, but I’m going to say it again. If you just convince your family to do it the week after, airfare will be half as expensive. There will be so much availability for vacation rentals, anything you need, and it still feels like the holiday. It doesn’t really matter as long as you all agree. Then you could extend that out to anything and be like, “Is anything real? Is everything arbitrary? Is it all just in our minds?”
Meghan Coyle:
And with that, we’ll leave everyone with a lot of existential questions.
Sam Kemmis:
That’s right.
Meghan Coyle:
Well, Sam, I know it’s a couple of months away, but I hope you have a great holiday season, or let’s just say a great fall/autumn season, and thanks so much for helping us out today.
Sam Kemmis:
My pleasure.
Sean Pyles:
As ever, I am impressed by how far a little flexibility can go when it comes to saving money on travel. And I say that as someone who is totally inflexible with my travel plans and therefore will never save money like you described doing in college, Meghan. That might be another reason why traveling around the holidays is not my thing.
Meghan Coyle:
I’ll say I did a lot of crazy things as a college student to save money. I remember going to these hour-long talks about the economy so I could get a free Chipotle burrito, and then it turned out it wasn’t even a whole burrito. That tells you how much my time was worth back then. One hour equals half a Chipotle burrito. But back to holiday travel, flexibility is really the key to getting deals on travel at any time of the year.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. This is really something that I’ve taken to heart, which is that if you’re going to travel for the holidays, try to do it on the days when other people don’t. I mean, if you travel on the holiday itself, sure, you might miss out on some meal prep and maybe some games in the backyard if it’s not snowing where you are, but the hassles you’ll avoid just might be worth it. Now of course, that might not work if you have to deal with layovers or you’re going, say, from the West Coast to the East Coast and the time change makes it untenable. But if you don’t have those factors, why not? I’m sure the captains and flight attendants would love to have your company on the actual holidays.
Meghan Coyle:
Yes. And a hearty, “happy Thanksgiving” is always welcome when you have to work the holiday. And just think of the money and potential annoyances you’re saving by traveling the day of. If you can swing it, why not?
Sean Pyles:
All right. Well, our series continues next week. Meghan, what have you got in store for episode three?
Meghan Coyle:
Well, Sean, I would venture a guess that the biggest worry people have about traveling for the holidays is probably a flight getting canceled or maybe a road getting iced over so you can’t get somewhere. But a close second would be your luggage, all your stuff, the stuff you’d need to look and feel great at your destination, not to mention the presents. You lose that and, well, sad face. We’re going to have some tips and advice for getting your stuff from one place to another without losing your mind or your money.
Jessie Beck:
Once you add on the cost of paying to have a carry-on bag on that basic economy ticket, you might as well just get an economy ticket and be able to be a little bit more flexible. I think that’s the most important thing for me. If I did have to make a last-minute change, I can do that penalty-free.
Sean Pyles:
For now, that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]. And remember, you can follow the show on your favorite podcast app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio to automatically download new episodes.
Meghan Coyle:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland, Sean helped with editing, Claire Tsosie helped with fact-checking, and a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.
Sean Pyles:
Here’s our brief disclaimer: We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Meghan Coyle:
And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
There’s nothing that makes my morning coffee taste better than sitting down and penning an article on a midcentury modern gem designed by one of the style’s most masterful architects.
Richard Neutra, the Austrian-American architect, spent most of his career in Southern California, designing masterpieces like the Kaufmann House, the Lovell House, and the Singleton House, to name just a few of his most notable works.
He’s also known as one of the architects who built Palm Springs, and turned it into a beacon of midcentury modernism, alongside other notable names like Albert Frey, Hugh Kaptur, John Lautner, and William Cody.
In fact, Neutra’s designs are some of Palm Springs’ most recognizable architectural homes — and a select few, Kaufmann House included, recently graced the big screen in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling, a tribute to Palm Springs’ rich architectural past.
But today, we’re turning our eyes toward Neutra’s Los Angeles-area homes. More specifically, a gorgeous midcentury modern abode the architect built in Brentwood’s prestigious Crestwood Hills, known as the Adler House, that recently landed on the market for $2,998,000.
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A piece of architectural history
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Designed in 1956 for a local physicist, Dr. Fred Adler and his wife, Alicia Adler, the Adler House is one of more than 300 houses Neutra designed in California. It’s located in Crestwood Hills, the modernist enclave in Brentwood, Los Angeles that’s been likened to “a jewel box” of single-family homes designed by midcentury masters (including A. Quincy Jones, Whitney R. Smith, Richard Neutra, and Craig Ellwood).
A quintessential midcentury modern design, the house was immortalized in the annals of modernist architecture by lauded photographer Julius Shulman.
Now a $2,998,000 listing
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The property was listed in late August with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass for $2,998,000. But the agents may have already secured a buyer for the architecturally significant abode, as the listing is marked as “Active, Under Contract” on the brokerage’s website.
Interiors have a minimalist aesthetic
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The Adler House has 2,299 square feet of minimalist interiors, with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The main living area has an open floor plan lined with walls of windows framing eye-catching views.
A step-down living room, typical of the style
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The spacious step-down living room anchored by a sleek stone fireplace acts as the heart of the home, with access to a front deck that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces.
See also: 22 Frank Lloyd Wright homes you’ve probably never heard of
Its large windows frame breathtaking views
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Large windows frame breathtaking views from the Pacific Ocean to Century City, the Getty, the DTLA skyline, and mountains beyond.
The kitchen
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The updated kitchen is illuminated by a skylight and equipped with top-of-the-line appliances — including a Sub-Zero fridge and double oven — with its windows overlooking the pool deck.
The dining room
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Adjacent to the living area, the dining room features an original built-in cabinet and flows effortlessly into the updated kitchen.
The primary bedroom
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The primary suite of the midcentury modern home is lined with windows overlooking canyon vistas, and boasts a generous walk-in closet, a dual-vanity ensuite with a luxurious double shower, and direct access to the backyard.
More beds & baths
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
On the opposite wing of the home, two secondary bedrooms share a bathroom and have views overlooking the outdoor deck, one with a secret hidden door to a walk-in closet.
Sliding glass doors lead to outdoor amenities
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Sliding glass doors lead to a vibrant private backyard that’s completely secluded by lush greenery.
Including a pool, spa, and sundeck
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Here, a sparkling pool, spa, turf lawn, and sundeck are ideal for alfresco gatherings or quiet evenings. Stone steps at the back of the home lead to a tiered hillside area that could be left as-is or completely transformed by gardening hobbyists.
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In the moviemaking capital of Culver City, California, a stylish 2021-built duplex compound has recently landed on the market.
Priced at $3,400,000, the gated family compound consists of two inviting homes and an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), with a private patio that overlooks a mature Chinese Elm tree — one that’s older than the city itself!
That’s right, the 100+ year-old tree predates Culver City, which was only officially incorporated in 1917 (and named after its founder, Harry Culver).
But beyond having a piece of living history in its backyard, there’s plenty to love about this stylish duplex. Let’s have a look!
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Tailor-made for a “live, work and play” lifestyle
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
Sitting on a 6,753-square-foot lot in the heart of Culver City’s Historic District, the property consists of three different structures and was envisioned for a “live, work and play” lifestyle.
All in all, it offers 2,615 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, and everything was built with the highest standard of quality.
“You don’t see this level of construction applied to a duplex. It’s just really a one-of-a-kind property,” says listing agent Daniel Lowe. “Every detail of this project was well thought out and expensive.” And it shows!
The main residence
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
The main residence offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is the grander of the 3 structures, featuring standout design elements like high ceilings and exquisite custom-lit Caesarstone Concetto gemstone countertops paired with rift white oak cabinets.
Inside the 2-bedroom abode
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
With a polished, modern look, the main residence has a chef’s kitchen equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and a light and bright primary suite that exudes luxury.
The second residence
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
Adjacent to the main residence, the second home on the property also offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and a clean, modern design.
Inside the second residence
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
Much like the primary residence, this second structure boasts an array of high-end features, creating a luxurious and comfortable living space with a modern vibe.
The versatile Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
Through walls of sliding glass, the ADU awaits, offering endless possibilities as a communal hang-out space, large creative area, or gym.
“The accordion doors that open the Auxiliary Structure Unit to the front yard really provide that indoor-outdoor Southern California lifestyle that everyone craves,” listing agent Daniel Lowe tells us.
Smart home technology throughout
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
The whole property is controlled by a Control 4 system which runs the multi-zoned HVAC systems, invisible speakers in the ceilings, and security cameras.
A century-old tree
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
The private patio is equipped with a Sun-Brite television and offers ample views of the 100+ year-old Chinese Elm tree that’s likely older than Culver City itself.
Listed for $3.4 million
Photo credit: LA Light & Photo / Compass
The charming duplex is currently on the market for $3,400,000, with Compass’ Daniel Lowe handling the listing.
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