Cheshire Cat S A N TA B A R B A R A
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nglish tradition blends seamlessly with upscale Santa Barbara style at The Cheshire Cat, an elegant bed-and-breakfast in Santa Barbara’s arts and culture district. Owner Christine Dunstan hails from Cheshire, England. When she purchased two Queen Anne Victorian homes on a single lot a block from State Street in 1985, she decided to remodel them in traditional British innkeeper fashion and a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme throughout. The Victorian buildings hold 12 rooms, and many are named for Alice in Wonderland characters, e.g., Duchess, Dormouse, Mock Turtle. Many rooms have original fireplaces, sitting areas, and balconies; one has a spa tub. In the 1990s Dunstan built a coach house with two rooms with kitchenettes (one with a living room) and acquired four cottages across the street, each with two bedrooms and full kitchen. The inn is filled with fascinating antiques collected by family members. 36 W. Valerio St. • 805/569-1610 • cheshirecat.com.
Inn on Summer Hill
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erched on a hill overlooking the ocean at the border of Montecito and Summerland, just south of Santa Barbara, this luxury bed-and-breakfast inn (built in 1989) looks like an authentic historic California Craftsman home and feels like an ultra-elegant English country manor. The 16 individually decorated rooms (really mini-suites) reflect a blend of contemporary and antique furnishings. All have laminated wood floors, canopy beds with puffy duvets, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, whirlpool tubs and fabulous ocean views from a private balcony or patio (choose a second-floor room for the best views). The tranquil setting includes an outdoor hot tub and sitting areas. You won’t go hungry here—guests rave about the gourmet breakfast in the fireside dining room, afternoon appetizers with wine and cheese, and bedtime desserts. Add to your bliss with treatments in the dedicated massage room (be sure to make advance arrangements before you arrive). 2520 Lillie Ave. • 805/969-9998 • innonsummerhill.com.
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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) CHESHIRE CAT (2), UPHAM (3), INN ON SUMMER HILL (2)
SUMMERLAND