Maurie McGuire
Right now we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve forever Hot Springs Canyon – one of the most beautiful and historic private properties in the Santa Barbara foothills.
This 462-acre property encompasses all of Hot Springs Canyon, including our signature Montecito Peak. It is largely surrounded by Los Padres National Forest and valuable public watershed land. To the east and west are the rich wildlife habitat of Cold Springs Creek and San Ysidro Creek, with popular public trails that run to the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains. At the heart is the historic Montecito Hot Springs, site of the renown Hot Springs Spa and Hotel that operated from the early 1900s until it burned down in 1964.
The long-time family owners have decided it is time to sell their private property, which has been in the family since 1962. The property has been listed for sale with a prominent real estate broker for $11 million. Under County zoning the owner is eligible to apply for 5-6 residential sites and by conditional use permit, a private day spa.
The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County – your local nonprofit conservation group – has negotiated and signed an agreement to purchase Hot Springs Canyon. The purchase price is $8.5 million and the purchase must be completed by December 15, 2011.
Our goal is to ensure this land will be permanently dedicated as natural open space for people to experience and enjoy for generations to come.
There are no county, state or federal grants available for this project. The key to success is private donations from local people who want to leave this legacy for our community.
The Land Trust, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is seeking lead charitable gifts and pledges toward the purchase cost. Donations are tax deductible as provided by law.
At this time, we have funding commitments of approximately $6,600,000, toward a capital campaign goal of $8,650,000.
If you believe this community treasure is worth protecting now from development and should be preserved for public benefit, please consider how you can help. For more information, contact the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County info@sblandtrust.org.
To make a pledge, click here for the Hot Springs Canyon pledge form. Donate now by clicking on the Just Give button on this page or call 805-966-4520.
