Casa del Herrero’s Annual Home for the Holidays

This year, the Casa del Herrero Annual Home for the Holidays event was held on Saturday, December 15, as a late afternoon cocktail reception from 3 to 5 pm, instead of its usual formal gala evening holiday event. This provided opportunities for guests to tour the gardens and buildings in late afternoon daylight to view the restorations they funded.

The cocktail reception in the back patio garden area saw guests arrive at their leisure, enjoying libations and hors d’oeuvres while a harpist played a variety of pieces. Docents were on hand providing guided tours with historical information.

Seen at the event were top supports and funders, trustee members and CDH staff. Noted were former U.S. Ambassador to Austria and owner of the Erdman House (a Lutah Maria Riggs house) Susan Rasinski McCaw, grandson of George Fox Steedman and architect Albert P. Hinckley Jr., Sandy Knox-Johnston, founder of Olson Architects Stephen Olson with wife Carol Olson, wine and travel writer Kia McInerny, SB Yacht Club member Tom Hinkle and wife Julie, philanthropists Tom Farr with wife Diane Evans, Mari and Patrick McAlister of the McAlister Family Foundation, David Bolton, Isabel Wendt, and Carolyn and Bob Williams.

I asked Board of Trustees President Elizabeth Esrey and Executive Director Natalie Sanderson for a holiday quote for our readers. They said: 

“As we reflect on the past year, Casa del Herrero remains a cherished symbol of history, craftsmanship, and community in the heart of Montecito. Our ongoing efforts to preserve this iconic estate would not be possible without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, staff, and visitors. In late 2024, Casa del Herrero secured a prestigious Save America’s Treasures grant with the help of the California Missions Foundation. This matching grant presents a significant opportunity to further invest in preserving the Casa for future generations. 

This year Casa del Herrero marked its 100th anniversary, celebrating the milestone with the community through four special events: Community Day, Fiesta en la Casa, Centennial Gala, and Holiday Open House. 

As the Board of Trustees President, I [Beth Esrey] express my heartfelt gratitude to all who attended these events and to the volunteers and supporters whose dedication continues to sustain Casa del Herrero. 

As Executive Director and Head of Curation, I [Dr. Natalie Sanderson] am excited about the future, particularly our upcoming conservation work in partnership with the National Park Service and the California Missions Foundation to restore the Casa, projects that include historic tiled fountains and horticultural spaces. As we look ahead to 2026, we anticipate growth in our educational programs, furthering our mission to connect the public with the Casa’s rich interdisciplinary history, exceptional craftsmanship, and stunning gardens.

Your generous support enables us to keep sharing the story of Casa del Herrero, ensuring its cultural and architectural legacy remains a vibrant part of Santa Barbara’s history. Our Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers are all deeply committed to preserving the Casa for generations to come. Casa del Herrero is more than a national historic landmark – it’s a vital part of Montecito’s cultural identity. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we will preserve this treasure for the future.”

CDH Home for the Holidays 2025 Sponsors included the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Evron Construction, Santa Barbara Quality Masonry, NS CERAMIC, Michele Profant, Kathryne Dahlman, Susan Grimes Sweetland, Cynthia and John Hall, Luci and Rich Janssen, Bobbie and John Kinnear, John Margolis, Metamorphosis, Saige Private Wealth, Sharon and Scott Nichols.

411: www.casadelherrero.com