THIS GRACIOUS ONE-STORY HOME WAS GRANTED ITS PERMIT
to begin construction in this preferred style just days before the earthquake. Three large windows in front fill the home with southern exposure light, softened by the landscaping. A terrace embraces the house on two sides, with a spacious terraced garden at the rear, inviting siestas and fiestas. Sandstone walls grace the front and follow the gentle rise of the property to the rear.

Notice the heavy plank front door when you enter - another is between the entry hall and dining room. Original oak floors are found throughout. The warm living room, divided from the entry by pocket doors, has an exposed beam ceiling and welcoming fireplace. A doorway widened in the 1940s separates the living room from the comfortable dining room, which is illuminated by a glass-paned exterior wall. The spacious kitchen and morning room (the latter formerly service rooms) are likewise bathed in light. The den, previously a bedroom, has a more recently vaulted ceiling and fireplace. A few steps up take one to the bedroom wing of the home. Changes to the front and rear were made to move and later enlarge the very generous master bath and to add a guest bath. Additions were made to the garage as well, including a guestroom and bath, storage, and a small bathing pool behind.

THE FIRST OWNERS WERE EARL AND WIFE MARION JOHNSTONE.
He was a close associate of "equestrian capitalist" C.K.G. Billings, upon whose Montecito estate he had his office and where the couple originally planned to live. They decided to build in Santa Barbara's Upper Eastside instead. Several prominent architects are speculated to have designed the home, the foremost being Carleton Monroe Winslow, who designed many structures on the Billings estate and is known to have designed houses very similar to this one. Johnstone was secretary to Billings, and eventually became President of Union Realty Company. He, wife Marion, their son Earl, Jr. and wife Betty lived in this house until 1938. The home was then purchased by newcomers from Oregon, Genevieve and Donald Welch. He was a funeral director at Holland, Welch & Ryce Mortuary, (later Weich-Ryce and still in existence today as Welch-Ryce-Haider). The Welches were very active in civic affairs and social causes. Later, Donald ran Earl Warren's vice-presidential trainstop campaign in 1948, the get-out-the vote campaign to establish Lake Cachuma, and led the Hitchcock Avenue YMCA building fund 40 years ago. (Today his son, Dick, leads the refurbishing campaign for that complex.) Long-time friend Pearl Chase was with Donald when he suffered a heart attack in 1966; he died a few days later. Various owners followed the Welches from 1943-53, when Mrs. Dorothy McCoole bought the home, staying until her death in 1978. There were four subsequent owners until the Barretts moved here from Dallas three years ago. Bill is an attorney. Erin has a keen eye for interior decoration, as evidenced by the wonderful blend of (mostly French) antiques and new pieces she has chosen for their home, as well as the installed decor such as wall sconces and drapery hardware.

A 1940s Edwards & Wade remodel plan, and photos of the Welch family are on display.