The Home Page | Big Views. Big Dreams

Credit: Sarah Sinclair

This edition of The Home Page was originally emailed to subscribers on January 18, 2026. To receive Sarah Sinclair’s real estate newsletter in your inbox each Sunday, sign up at independent.com/newsletter

As long as the calendar says January, the year is still new, and I’m eagerly planning trips and treks for 2026. Speaking of calendars, in addition to my always-close-at-hand digital versions — phone, watch, laptop, oh my! — I enjoy an actual print calendar on my wall. This year, I chose twelve months of our National Parks to provide ooh-aah moments of Zen at my desk and to inspire my ongoing travel plans. This year we camped in Death Valley and enjoyed the magical rainbow view above at Grand Canyon National Park; last year we hit Sequoia, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. (See? I’m still calling 2025 “this year”!) We also had an unforgettable adventure kayaking through the sea caves at Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. If you’ve never been to our local NP, this is your kick in the pants to do so. It’s right in our own backyard, and it’s amazing.

THIS WEEK’S COVER HOME:

Speaking of getting out into nature, this week’s cover home is not a home at all. Fifty-two acres of gorgeous land on Gibraltar Road, located high above Santa Barbara and Montecito, are available for a dream home with views as far as the eye can see. Situated for maximum privacy, yet minutes from town, this is the stuff dreams are made of. Roads, water meter, and power are in, and plans for a home, guest house, barn and more have been envisioned by award-winning architecture & design firm Mosaic Architects. Offered by Maurie McGuire and Scott Westlotorn at $2,995,000. Check out their video here and let your imagination run wild.

TODAY’S FEATURED OPEN HOUSE:

Proving that yes you can buy a home in Santa Barbara for under a million dollars, this weekend’s featured open house is a bright and adorable one bedroom condominium in the Santa Barbara Highlands. Mountain views from your balcony, an updated bathroom plus all new stainless steel appliances and bamboo flooring in the kitchen are just some of the highlights from this upstairs end unit. Located between the Mesa and downtown, the Highlands is a quiet meandering complex with two pools, spa, sauna, clubhouse, and miles of hiking trails steps from your front door. Offered for $737,000 by Brittany Lough and Michael Dickman. 1070 Miramonte Road #10 is open from noon to 3 p.m. today.