MOST EXTERIOR FEATURES ARE ORIGINAL AND AN EXCELLENT
example of the Style. Downstairs the classic central hallway divides the living room and den on the left, with the dining room and kitchen on the right; an office is at the rear of the hall. A large, partly covered deck provides gracious outdoor leisure and entertaining. It overlooks a deep yard with 1976 pool and wonderful culinary garden at the rear. The house once had a drive-through garage that could be entered down the long driveway from the Santa Barbara Street side and exited into the lane behind. Upstairs, the master suite formerly was three bedrooms, and an old elevator shaft became a make-up room. The two bedrooms on the other side of the upper level are original. The new laundry was conveniently placed upstairs.

Despite the structural deterioration in this house over its lifetime, the Nissensons chose it because of its style and wanted to restore its look and character. They took most of the interior back to the studs (the view of which was seen from upstairs next door by last year's tour visitors). The original fireplace mantel, doors from living room to den, window seat, oak floors, wavy glass windows and a circa 1860 stained glass window were carefully preserved. The elaborate hand-cut crown moldings (5 layers of wood!) and wainscoting were duplicated. The unsafe fir stairway was duplicated in oak. The nickel light over the kitchen table is the original dining room fixture. Dale, now a marriage and family therapist, was previously a location scout for the film industry you will appreciate that experience when you see her displays of before and after photos, documenting the work done. Mike is a retired building contractor and personally knowledgeable about every aspect of the work that went into his home.

IN 1916, HANDY WASS PURCHASED THIS PROPERTY FOR $10! AN
architect, Wass presumably designed the house. In 1919, he deeded the new home to Michel and Elma Levy. Later that year they moved their highly successful Michel A. Levy Shoes from 830 to their new building at 913 State Street. The following year, daughter Claire was born and the family lived in the house until 1924. The Levys were close friends of Pearl Chase, and were very active in civic affairs and local organizations. Michel's 1951 obituary read, "...could be depended to be on the right side, and working, for anything that was good for Santa Barbara." Elma until her death, Claire and husband Wally Finger continued to run the store until 1988! The Fingers still reside locally. Photos of Michel and Elma are on display, as is a painting of the shoe store.

Physician William Varick' s family held the home for nearly 50 years until 1973, when physician Michael and Susan Lanham moved in and raised their family here for 19 years. Since 1992, the home has had four new owners. The Nissensons, however, intend to be here for the rest of their lives. Their remodel plans, "before and after" photos, and memories/photos from the Lanhams are on display.