This one-of-a-kind circa 1945 Santa Barbara Spanish home has been given new life by the design team at Cove House. A meticulous redesign and remodel has converted this original 2+2 home into a 3+3 sanctuary. Situated on a .25 acre lot, this gem has been detailed to perfection with impeccable design while offering breathtaking views of the Riviera, Mission Canyon and the Santa Ynez Mountains. This spectacular layout boasts indoor-outdoor Santa Barbara Living and is truly an entertainer's dream come true. High-end finishes include imported raw brass fixtures from Morocco, custom kitchen lighting from London, Italian appliances, vintage exterior lighting from the 1930's, copper gutters, a clay tile roof and custom wood garage door. The Cove House team focused on preserving the beauty of this 1945 Spanish home with raw veneer plaster walls throughout the entire house, while also utilizing contemporary materials like a 13' bifold door opening the entire living room to the huge backyard. Giving you a magical indoor-outdoor feeling. Finished with wide plank white oak floors, modern cement Zia tiles in the bathrooms, and custom, handcrafted Scandinavian-inspired oak vanities designed by Cove House. This home exudes Santa Barbara charm and history while also evoking a modern yet classic experience. This home has infinite potential with an enormous backyard perfect for an ADU and pool. There is also a separate office/studio in the backyard which would make a wonderful detached office, workout room, or kid's playroom. There are multiple outdoor living spaces which allow the perfect home for hosting, multi-family living and privacy. Outdoor living spaces include the sprawling backyard, front private courtyard with wall and gate, and a master bedroom patio. The layout of this home seamlessly lends itself for optimized privacy of each room. The master bedroom is on one side of the home with its own en-suite master bath, walk-in closet and patio. While the other two bedrooms reside across the home in their own private hallway with a room on either side. Two out of the three bedrooms have stunning French doors leading to the outdoor spaces. The location of the home is a dream. While you feel removed in your quiet little oasis, once you leave the property you are minutes away from Trader Joe's, Handlebar coffee, Starbucks, Los Agave, Whole Foods and other restaurants & shops. This is the perfect move-in-ready home for someone looking for an elevated, designer living experience in an ideal location.
Single-familyProperty Type
1945Year Built
0.25 acresLot Size
$1,949Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
2 car garageParking
Listed by Alemann & Associates Alemann•DRE #01925020• Alemann and Associates
Bought with Calcagno & Hamilton Group•DRE #01499736 / 01129919• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Fantastic project for the right buyer. Circa 1945 Samarkand spanish cottage, ready to be finished. Plans to complete interior with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. .25 acre lot with fantastic mountain views!!! Gated and walled front exterior. Large living room, plan for open concept kitchen & dining. Detached 2 car garage. Separate office/studio in rear yard. Rare opportunity. Cash buyers only, financing not available. By appt. only. 24 hr. notice required.
SBMLS #21-2029
Jun 4, 2021
Sold
$1,350,000
$822/sq ft
Jun 4, 2021
Listed
$1,350,000
$822/sq ft
First time offered in over 35 years. Fixer on a .25 acre lot in Samarkand! Walled and gated courtyard entry. Living room with fireplace opens to the dining room with French doors and fantastic mountain views. Kitchen with breakfast nook. Primary bedroom with 1/2 bath. Second bedroom and full bath. Detached 2 car garage. Separate storage building at rear of property. Home is in need of major repairs and updating. Lathe and plaster interior, coved ceilings, original hardwood floors. HUGE rear yard with fantastic mountain views.
Public Records
Feb 13, 1978
Sold
$80,000
$49/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$38,982 (+11.6%)
$1,530,000 + $1,938,000
$3,468,000
2024
$34,919 (+2.0%)
$1,485,691 + $2,208,167
$3,693,858
2023
$34,231 (+107.6%)
$1,400,000 + $1,900,000
$3,300,000
2022
$16,490 (+547.4%)
$1,330,000 + $1,900,000
$3,230,000
2021
$2,547 (+1.1%)
$1,100,000 + $450,000
$1,550,000
2020
$2,520 (+1.8%)
$67,137 + $176,932
$244,069
2019
$2,474 (+1.5%)
$66,449 + $175,118
$241,567
2018
$2,438 (+3.5%)
$65,147 + $171,685
$236,832
2017
$2,356 (−0.9%)
$62,618 + $165,019
$227,637
2016
$2,378 (+1.1%)
$62,618 + $165,019
$227,637
2015
$2,351 (+1.6%)
$61,391 + $161,784
$223,175
2014
$2,313 (+0.5%)
$59,285 + $156,233
$215,518
2013
$2,303 (+4.7%)
$59,285 + $156,233
$215,518
2012
$2,199 (+2.4%)
$59,018 + $155,527
$214,545
2011
$2,149 (+0.7%)
$57,861 + $152,478
$210,339
2009
$2,134 (+4.7%)
$56,304 + $148,372
$204,676
2008
$2,039
$55,332 + $145,809
$201,141
Tax history for 3026 Serena Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$38,982 (+11.6%)
$1,530,000 + $1,938,000
$3,468,000
2024
$34,919 (+2.0%)
$1,485,691 + $2,208,167
$3,693,858
2023
$34,231 (+107.6%)
$1,400,000 + $1,900,000
$3,300,000
2022
$16,490 (+547.4%)
$1,330,000 + $1,900,000
$3,230,000
2021
$2,547 (+1.1%)
$1,100,000 + $450,000
$1,550,000
2020
$2,520 (+1.8%)
$67,137 + $176,932
$244,069
2019
$2,474 (+1.5%)
$66,449 + $175,118
$241,567
2018
$2,438 (+3.5%)
$65,147 + $171,685
$236,832
2017
$2,356 (−0.9%)
$62,618 + $165,019
$227,637
2016
$2,378 (+1.1%)
$62,618 + $165,019
$227,637
2015
$2,351 (+1.6%)
$61,391 + $161,784
$223,175
2014
$2,313 (+0.5%)
$59,285 + $156,233
$215,518
2013
$2,303 (+4.7%)
$59,285 + $156,233
$215,518
2012
$2,199 (+2.4%)
$59,018 + $155,527
$214,545
2011
$2,149 (+0.7%)
$57,861 + $152,478
$210,339
2009
$2,134 (+4.7%)
$56,304 + $148,372
$204,676
2008
$2,039
$55,332 + $145,809
$201,141
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
3
Baths
2
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.25 Acres
Year renovated
1945
Sq. Ft.
1,642
Year built
1945
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Santa Barbara County
APN
051172011
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 17, 2026.
RS-7.5
USS
One-Family Residence Zone
This zone is intended to provide areas for single-unit housing on individual lots at appropriate low densities of one unit per legal lot with allowances for an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Two-Unit Residential Development when certain standards are met. Designators (e.g. -25, -15) refer to minimum lot size in thousands of square ft or, in the case of RS-1A, acres. The regulations for the RS Zone are intended to limit activities which would be inharmonious with or injurious to the preservation and character of a residential environment. Nonresidential uses are limited to those that support daily life of neighborhoods and complement surrounding residential development. Nonresidential uses are strictly limited in order to mitigate impacts associated with nonresidential uses such as: traffic, increased parking demand, light, glare, and noise.
Zone overlays
Upper State Street Area Overlay Zone
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Livestock production
Garden center
Housing-Group
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Multiple units
Housing-Senior
Nov 2, 2023 • Final
Residential
Construct a new accessory structure and demolish the existing shed.
New construction
Jul 26, 2023 • Active
Residential
Revise the site plan to include drainage details and floor elevations.
Remodel
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
Parking Features: Gar #2
Garage: Yes
Attached Garage: No
Interior
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms (Full): 3
Exterior
Exterior Features
Exterior Features: Lawn, Fenced: ALL
Property Information
Architectural Style: Spanish
Property Sub Type: Home/Estate
Property Condition: Excellent
Lot Information
View: Mountain(s)
Lot Features: Near Public Transit
Zoning: Other
Location
School Information
Elementary School: Adams
Middle Or Junior School: LaCumbre
High School: San Marcos
Location Information
Cross Street: Samarkand Drive
Public facts
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 1,642
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 0.25 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1945
Year Renovated: 1945
County: Santa Barbara County
APN: 051172011
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 17, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Adams Elementary School
Public K-6 • Assigned • 0.5mi
7/10
La Cumbre Junior High School
Public 7-8 • Assigned • 1.0mi
6/10
San Marcos Senior High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 3.3mi
8/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.46% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
7/10 Heat Factor
9 days above 84° expected this year, 25 days in 30 years
1/10 Wind Factor
Minimal risk of severe winds over next 30 years
8/10 Air Factor
13 unhealthy days expected this year, 13 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Santa Barbara, CA • 93105
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
64
44
65
46
68
49
67
48
71
50
76
52
79
53
84
57
80
57
76
53
66
47
66
47
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 9.9 hours in
June and 5.7 hours in December, placing it above the
U.S. average for solar exposure.
9.9 hrs
5.7 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$3.04M – $3.68M
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