El Encanto

El Encanto – President’s Award 2013

The Enchanted

Generations of dreams resonate within its walls. The Old El Encanto Hotel, cloaked in nostalgia and teeming with memories of generations past, captures the glamour and romance – the very name means “The Enchanted.”

Early on, El Encanto became known as a playground for movie stars and politicians. In 1918 a news article described the historic hotel’s setting: “It is claimed for El Encanto that it is the most beautifully situated hotel in California, and certainly there is much in the situation to justify the claim. From its elevation is viewed the city, the channel and islands, and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north.”

Fast-forward 91 years, and the hotel’s beautiful vista remains the same. This is Santa Barbara’s beloved hotel, home to those special occasions of the past. Anyone who has lived in Santa Barbara for a period of time has special memories of the hotel: drinks on the terrace, prom-night dinners, banquet parties, weddings at the lily pond, and the wonderful wisteria vines covering the Arbor.

This historic property has undergone a meticulous restoration by Orient-Express Hotels, marking the luxury brand’s first property in the West. The hotel reopened this year with 92 remodeled bungalows that overlook the city and the ocean. Orient-Express has spent well over a hundred million and many years of planning to restore this landmark in keeping with its historic styles.

Architectural historian Alexandra Cole said, “Restoration should emulate 1938 when the Inn showed the most cohesive historic integrity. The new main building should occupy the same exact footprint of the old one. On the most authentic cottages landmark status was designated… Most people will not know that the main building is not the original.”

Orient-Express’s major revitalization of this treasured property includes new buildings, remodeled interiors, architectural elements, private patios, a brand new pool and pool terrace, and a new banquet room in the main building. The magnificent arbor and lily pond still remain, and the columns were re-built brick by brick to retain their historical integrity. The gardens and pathways have been carefully reconfigured and profusely replanted with the green hues associated with El Encanto’s historic period of significance.

Today we remark upon the history of our beloved El Encanto, within the Riviera neighborhood, and the phenomenal efforts made by designers and craftspeople with one of our highest honors, the President’s Award. It was the playground for the rich and powerful yet this Hotel has held our hearts in its hands.

Award Winners

Property Owner
Orient Express Services, Ltd.

Business Management
El Encanto Santa Barbara

Project Architects
Henry Lenny – Henry Lenny Design Studio
Steven Upchurch, AIA – Gensler
Morgan Wiener, AIA – Gensler

Architectural Historian
Alexandra Cole

Landscape Architects
The Office of Katie O’Reilly Rogers, Inc.
Courtney Jane Miller

Project Planners
Trish Allen, AICP – Suzanne Elledge Planning & Permitting Services, Inc.

Project Management
James Jones – Peloton Corporation
Minh Pham – Peloton Corporation

General Contractor
Ron Bernards, VP – Bernards

Landscape Contractor
Gothic Landscape

Landscape Maintenance
Austin Walker – Gothic Grounds Management, Inc.