Archive for July 2008

History of the Trout Club:
The San Marcos Trout Club was originally homesteaded in the 1880’s and in 1924, a private retreat half way up to San Marcos pass was established. 30 home sites were sold on 120 acres and two large catch basins were stocked with trout to provide excellent fishing to locals who made the long trip up the hill for a weekend away. After WWII, the Trout Club became a popular spot offering a community feel, rustic log homes many with remarkable views of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands from the 1,250-foot altitude perch.

This rural enclave is cherished and protected by the fortunate few that live there. Beautiful ocean and Island views, magnificent oaks, trails and fauna surround the 37 households in this coveted community. Community open space is used for a picnic gathering and children’s play area, private swimming holes in the creek and a shared water system. The school bus picks up and drops off at the top of the driveway for the neighborhood kids going to the top rated Mountain View elementary school.
Having been born and raised in Santa Barbara, and priding myself on knowing all of the neighborhoods in our community, the Trout Club only came to my attention a few years ago.  I had heard the name but never knew where it was or anyone who lived there.  Now I visit the Trout Club on a regular basis and have had the priveledge of assisting several clients with purchasing homes there.  It is pretty rare that a house comes up for sale in the area, since many of the residents would never consider moving back to town.  Currently I have a house for sale in this community and I would be happy to share more information or visit: www.7SanMarcosTroutClub.com One can live here for many years and still be pleasantly surprised by unique communities such as Painted Cave and the Trout Club and that is one more reason that Santa Barbara is so great!

I wanted to share the latest news about the Top 10 Green Building Products of 2008.  Feel free to click on the links below for more information.

Top 10 Green Building Products (Sustainable Industries)

From Jetson Green

Just recently, Sustainable Industries announced their list of the Top 10 Green Building Products for 2008.  To get that magic number of 10 products, SI accepted roughly 80 nominations and narrowed those products down based on their ability to meet the following criteria: LEED compatibility, environmental performance, value, scalability / market impact, innovativeness, and design aesthetic.  Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Green Building Products for 2008:

- Compressed Earth Blocks
- EcoTop by Kliptech
- Lamberts Channel Glass Walls
- Masa Cabinet Hardware
- MetroPaint
- Resource Monitor
- Solar Tracking Skylights
- Straw Wall by Green Design Systems
- Thermastrand Radiant Barrier Sheathing
- Salvaged Hardwood Tables