I’ve always admired the Villa Constance condominiums from afar. They have a retro look, with deco design details such as a circular pattern on their railings, and metal awnings jutting over balconies and porches. Their low-slung profile hugs State Street between Constance and Alamar avenues and extends the entire block over to Chapala Street. This puts Villa Constance in close proximity to the newly hip De la Vina corridor, where eateries like Los Agaves, Yellow Belly, and Handlebar Coffee Roasters now draw crowds of customers from all over town.

This enviable location plus its distinctive exterior were enough to make me jump at the opportunity to visit an open house and see inside. The home at 2631 State Street, Unit 1, was a treasure from the get-go. I entered through an arched wrought-iron front gate and found myself on a cozy flagstone patio, surrounded by a tall hedge.

This private patio automatically extends the living space of this one-bedroom, one-bath home, creating the perfect spot for coffee or an al fresco reading nook. Huge sliding doors lead into the living room, where hardwood floors and clean lines showcase a larger-than-expected main room, with space for a desk or multiple seating areas. A foyer leads to a central dining room, which could alternatively be used as a den. I walked through into the kitchen, which I realized immediately would likely be my favorite room in this cute house.

The kitchen has been remodeled in a contemporary style that still feels comfortable. Variegated horizontal brown tile on the backsplash is set off by clean, white cabinetry and sleek, neutral quartz countertops. Bright and shiny stainless-steel appliances gleam, including a retro oven reminiscent of the building’s exterior.

The bathroom is also stylish, with a glass-enclosed shower and farmhouse-style sink in a bright yet subtle tan-and-blue color scheme. The bedroom is larger than expected and opens onto the best surprise of this entire home: another fully enclosed terrace that’s large enough for sunbathing, gardening, or all sorts of entertaining.

This back patio wraps around to include a private, landscaped walkway that leads to a back door off the kitchen, providing easy access to Chapala Street and the detached garage. There’s even a small elevated back porch with the telltale art-deco circle motif on the railing and the signature metal awning providing shade as well as style. Before I left Villa Constance, I took a quick detour around the grounds to admire the sparkling pool. Then I slipped out and headed one way up Chapala Street and straight to an afternoon cup of coffee at Handlebar, feeling almost as hip as this dreamy Villa Constance condo.

2631 State Street, Unit 1, is currently for sale in Santa Barbara at Villa Constance North, listed by Dianne and Brianna Johnson of Village Properties Realtors. Reach Dianne at (805) 455-6570 or Brianna at (805) 450-6078 or johnson@villagesite.com.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.