A Story of Montecito’s Beginning

Ever wonder about Montecito’s beginnings? The name means “little mountain,” and a popular story about the city’s birth dates back to 1850.

One day an ill man named Wilbur Curtiss encountered a Native American who claimed to be over 110 years old, and who said his secrets of health and longevity were bathing in a magical hot spring. Curtiss was initially very skeptical, but bathed in the hot spring anyway and proceeded to regain his health! Being a shrewd business man, Curtiss then opened a hotel and spa and aptly named it “The Montecito Hot Springs.” The resort flourished for many years before it unfortunately burned down in 1964.

Although the resort burnt down many years ago, the hot springs still exist today and Montecito continues to draw people from all walks of life to enjoy the many benefits “little mountain” has to offer. A few celebrities that have been drawn to Montecito include Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Kirk Douglas, Julia Louise-Dreyfus, and a number of globally known CEO, writers, and business moguls. You probably won’t find them bathing in any natural hot springs in Montecito, but you can occasionally find them driving up and down “Hot Springs Road” - the local street named after the hot springs.

So what is it that draws the celebs, CEO’s and business moguls to Montecito? For starters, Montecito is only a short drive from Los Angeles, but far enough away to seclude ones self from publicists, agendas and meetings. The climate is phenomenal, the homes exquisite, and the beaches spectacular. Aside from the remarkable homes, Montecito includes an “upper village” with local coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques. The “lower village” features art galleries, restaurants and chic boutiques. With a population of about 10,000 and only around 4,200 homes, Montecito is truly a piece of heaven.