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Heidi Bassett Blair: Artist

Canadian artist, Heidi Bassett-Blair shares the best of her home away from home, Montecito

ELAINE SAYS: I saw a feature on Heidi Bassett Blair in a recent issue of Santa Barbara Magazine and I was so intrigued that I had to call her. The spread featured the most beautiful photos of her artwork and interiors of her beautiful home. Her dramatic but still classic aesthetic really captured my attention and the breezy photos of her family created an idyllic image. She was nice enough to share her slice of Montecito with us....let me just grab my car keys!

Posted on June 28th, 2011

Escape

STAY

San Ysidro Ranch VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito It is a remarkable hotel with a breath taking setting. It is one of the reasons we purchased property in Montecito. My husband stayed a night there twelve years ago and woke up to the aroma of night blooming jasmine and took one look at the view and was sold. Since then, there has been a major re-model which has taken it to a pristine level of elegance. You feel as if you have been whisked away to Europe.

EAT|DRINK

Pierre Lafond Market and Deli VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 516 San Ysidro Rd #1, Montecito You will really feel like a local here, or at the minimum, local watch. This is essentially the Upper Village hang out. With most of the homes in Montecito hidden behind gates it is a way for neighbors to bump into each other. There is a nice deli, a gift store upstairs, and a couple of clothing shops. My daughter lovesperusing through the gift cards, which are located on the back wall of the deli while the Upstairs gift store is like shopping in a global village. The selection is unique and gathered from vast corners of the planet. It is the perfect place to go to find the gift for someone who already has it all.
Plow and Angel VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito When we feel like having a super cozy experience we eat at the Plough and Angel which is located underneath the Stonehouse, exclusively indoor and cavernous with the thick stone walls embracing you on all sides. The roaring fireplace and four cheese macaroni make it a winter favorite. Even though we don’t typically like dining in places that have a television, we are able to tune it out and enjoy the crayons, paper table coverings and chic, warm setting.
The Stonehouse VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito Dining at The Stonehouse restaurant is a magical experience with twinkling lights set into the woven trellis and an incredible selection of locally inspired food and wine. We never tire of this restaurant.
Tre Lune LOCATION: 1151 Coast Village Road It’s another local favorite and boasts amazing homemade pizza’s and a casual New York bistro atmosphere. It has become a hot spot for breakfast and rumor has it, you may be able to ease drop on some early morning breakfast meetings where seasoned business men are exchanging lucrative ideas.
Whodidily Cupcakes VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 1150 Coast Village Road, Montecito The décor of Whodidily is like Alice in Wonderland meets a Disney Princess and if Willy Wonka had masterminded a cupcake it would be called the Whodidily. If the cupcakes are too big you can simply order a shot of icing!

SHOP

Maison K VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 1159 Coast Village Road, Montecito It offers an interesting selection of home accessories. It is owned and operated by a Santa Barbara native, Kimberly Phillips. She has incredible style and a keen for unearthing unique treasures both in her travels and at shows. Maison K has turned the elegant knick-knack into a necessity!

PLAY

Vedanta Temple VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: 927 Ladera Lane, Montecito Nestled in the foothills of Montecito it resonates a sense of peace and tranquility with a view that celebrates the beauty of this area. At the end of the day (this varies depending on the time of year) you can attend the meditation in the temple and mellow out with the drone of the bells. It is a silent meditation and a fantastic way to escape the chaos of texting, scheduling and everyday worries. They have a small shop that sells unique, one of a kind, hand-made items from all over the world. However, it is the small bookstore, attached to the gift shop, that has us returning over and over. It is non-denominational and all the children’s books speak a good message. The adult choices are spiritual and leaning in the direction of self help and enlightenment.
Romero Canyon Trail VIEW WEBSITE | LOCATION: Bella Vista Drive, Montecito If I were visiting, I would start my day with hiking the Romero Canyon Trail. It is one of my favorites because of the diverse topography. I call it the Avatar hike because, like seen in the film, the landscape dramatically changes from interior forest with a creek running through it up to a crumbly wide fire road where the views of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands are unparalleled. If you are a runner (like myself) you can do the loop in about an hour and ten minutes, otherwise you will need to budget about two hours and a half to walk it. Like most trails, there are many ways you can shorten or lengthen this hike so getting a map is helpful. (Directions: From Highway 101 take the Sheffield Drive exit. Follow it 1.5 miles to East Valley Road. Turn left, then almost immediately to the right on Romero Canyon Road and continue another 1.5 miles to Bella Vista and turn right on it. The trailhead is about .3 miles. You will find a locked red steel gate marking the trail’s beginning.)
Yoga Soup VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 28 Parker Way, Santa Barbara I don’t frequent but it continues to have rave reviews among my friends who are yoga savvy. Trust me, if I could touch my toes and sit still long enough to take a deep breath I would be there!