Discover why courtyards are the heart of California architecture—from Santa Barbara to Montecito. Learn their design history, benefits, and how to find homes that feature them.

Montecito architecture is more than just aesthetics. It’s identity. From tiled courtyards in Montecito to steel-and-glass homes in the hills, the way homes are built here reflects how people want to live: connected to the land, open to light, and grounded in a sense of place.

This past weekend, we went Behind The Hedges with our longtime friend, designer, and storyteller Malcolm James Kutner, at his home in Ojai—a place that feels less like a destination and more like a sanctuary of the soul.