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Samarkand: The “Land of Heart’s Desire”
Samarkand is a well-developed and well-maintained residential neighborhood and a lovely community. Many residents enjoy especially beautiful mountain views over the tower of St. Anthony’s Seminary. From the high elevations they can look out over the Santa Barbara city lights and gaze at the spectacular Pacific Ocean.
Homes here are entirely custom-built (primarily in the post-WWII era) with just a sprinkling of older places.
But one of the best things about living in Samarkand is its convenience; you are within 10 minutes to downtown without having to get on the freeway! Another benefit to its smallness is its lack of potential for population increase. So Samarkand is sure to maintain its small town appeal.
Homes for Sale in Samarkand
Looking for a new home on the Samarkand of Santa Barbara?
People are realizing that Samarkand is Santa Barbara’s most attractive mountain-view, custom-home neighborhood and a remarkable world-class destination! Find out how you can profit from its popularity.
History of Samarkand
The name Samarkand comes from an Old Persian word meaning “the land of heart’s desire.” It was first applied to a deluxe Persian-style hotel that was converted from a boy’s school in 1920. Samarkand later became identified as its own neighborhood located around Las Positas, State Street, De La Vina, Oak Park and the Freeway.
Earle Ovington built the first home here in 1920 at 3030 Samarkand Drive. As a pilot, Ovington established the Casa Loma Air Field with a 1,500-foot runway that was used by legendary pilots, Lindbergh and Earheart.
Samarkand currently has approximately 630 homes on 184 acres with a population density of 11 people per acre; this is quite low for Southern California and allows its residents to maintain its tight-knit, homey community. | |
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Samarkand Guide
Points of Interest
Retire in Convenience at the
Samarkand
Senior Retirement Facility
On the site of the old Hotel sits a refined retirement community that offers advanced care for life. Thi
Samarkand s 16-acre campus has views of both the sensational Pacific Ocean and the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains. Residents can select a cottage, villa or apartment-style residence and live amid the beauty and splendor of the garden-style campus.
Golf at the Wonderful Municipal Golf Course
Golf in Santa Barbara is always a treat because of the mild climate and beautiful views. The Municipal Golf Course in Samarkand is located on the site of the old Casa Loma Air Field that once hosted such legendary pilots as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. The runway is now near the 11th fairway of the golf course parallel to McCaw Avenue.
MacKenzie Park: Enjoy the Game of the Aristocrats of the Hollywood Era
MacKenzie Park has a sensational lawn bowling area aptly named The MacKenzie Park Lawn Bowling Facility. But what is lawn bowling you say? Much like the Italian game of Bocce Ball, lawn bowling essentially consists of rolling a ball along a grassy green towards a target known as the “jack” where players attempt to get as close as possible. According to the MacKenzie Park Lawn Bowls Club, “Annual membership is open to everyone and is relatively inexpensive. Members play as often as they please with no additional daily expense. The Club is open all year.”
Earl Warren Showgrounds is For Horse Enthusiasts
The Earl Warren Showgrounds were originally developed as the permanent location for the Santa Barbara National Horse and Flower Show to attract and support equestrian and agricultural events in Santa Barbara. It is a 34-acre multi-use facility that include an equestrian arena as well as livestock facilities, a 22,000 sq/ft exhibit hall, 13,000 sq,/ft Warren Hall, off-track horse racing facility, reception garden, in-line skating hockey facility and RV parking lot.
The Showgrounds is the only public location with relatively large indoor facilities, abundant parking (1007 spaces) and easy freeway access.
Loreto Plaza
A local full-service plaza for all your shopping needs including a major grocery, bookstores, ice cream parlors, coffee shops, gift cards and much, much more.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Santa Barbara Fair & Expo
When the Santa Barbara Fair and Expo is in town, you can’t miss it! There’s plenty to see and do – from carnival rides to delicious Fair fixins’ to sightings of Old West livestock – the five-day event showcases the creative talents of the locals.
Don’t Take a Siesta, Enjoy the Old Spanish Days Fiesta
To celebrate its Spanish history, Santa Barbara has held its Old Spanish Days Fiesta every summer since 1924.
In addition to providing an education of the history, customs and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers that make up the rich cultural heritage of the Santa Barbara area, the fun-filled event (that lasts almost a week) includes mercados, flamenco dancing, music, stock horse shows and parades and draws thousands of people from all over the area. What’s more, the Fiesta Parade on Friday afternoon is the largest equestrian parade in the U.S.
A Second Spanish Festival: El Mercado del Norte
Join area residents at a second festival of arts, crafts, food and entertainment in MacKenzie Park (State and Los Positas). The whole family will enjoy food, music and fun with daily entertainment during this enjoyable festival.
For Everything French There’s the French Festival
When the air is filled with music, laughter and the tempting aromas of French cuisine, you know it’s time for the Annual French Festival in Santa Barbara.
Coinciding with France’s Bastille Day Weekend, the festival is always a great weekend for fabulous food, dancing and a celebration of everything French including French beer, champagne and wine. With free admission, you can enjoy over 40 entertainers on three separate stages.
Celebrate France with entertainment that includes the cancan, cabaret, Poodle Parade, Femmes Fatales Drag Review, belly dancing and folkdance that the likes of everyone from Napoleon to Maurice Chevalier and Edith Piaf have found entertaining. “This is where America celebrates France!”
It’s All Greek to Me: Greek Festival
The annual Greek Festival is “the place” to enjoy Greek food and entertainment. You can watch wonderful performers entertain the crowd on the Parthenon stage.
Explore Jewish Culture at the Jewish Festival
Every spring – near Israel’s Independence Day – Santa Barbara hosts the biggest annual Jewish event in town at Oak Park. It’s a day filled with Jewish music, art, food and dance with over 3,000 attendees. Come and experience the rich traditions and culture of the Jewish people with traditional food, dance, arts, crafts and information celebrating this ancient culture.
“Ya Mon” It’s the Annual Caribbean Festival
If you love the Caribbean, then you can’t miss our very own Caribbean Festival held at Oak Park. With plenty of Caribbean food, music, art and festivities, you’ll quickly acclimate into the lively and festive Caribbean culture.
Discover Your Gaelic Roots at the Irish Festival
Celebrating Irish culture in an annual event that draws thousands to Santa Barbara is the Irish Festival held at Oak Park. Come and enjoy Irish food, music, dancing and anything else Irish you can think of at our annual Irish Festival.
Multi Cultural Dance & Music Festival is for Everyone!
The Santa Barbara Dance Alliance brings together the area’s ethnic communities in this unique event. With over 40 groups performing on two stages, festival attendees can celebrate our amazingly diverse culture with the dancers and musicians. And for those of you that need a little help getting into the spirit, you can take a dance lesson, get involved in the international arts and crafts and, of course, enjoy the unique food.
What is America’s Best-Kept Secret? Samarkand
A flourishing, sun-kissed, relaxing environment makes Santa Barbara one of America’s best-kept secrets. Samarkand in the Santa Barbara area basks in sunshine, natural bounty, creativity, cultural sophistication and an appreciation for taking life at your own pace. See for yourself what Samarkand has to offer. We think you’ll love it as much as we do. For a list of featured homes in Samarkand, try our unique mapping tool to help you find just the home for you and your family.
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