118 E Islay St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Upper East
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,257 sqft
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,257 sqft
Local Information
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Description
118 East Islay is one of Santa Barbara's finest and most notable homes, and conveniently located at the beginning of the exclusive Upper East neighborhood just a few blocks to the heart of downtown. The gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian was one of the first grand homes built in Santa Barbara - in 1887 by prominent local financier Joseph Howard - and in recent years has been brought back to its full glory in a meticulous and impeccable authentic restoration. You will marvel at the historic details throughout, and the luxurious new conveniences incorporated in the restoration process by renowned historical architect Peter Becker, punctuated by an ingeniously-designed newer kitchen and primary bathroom. The turnkey property also includes newer roofs, new A/C for upstairs, private low-maintenance yard areas, several fruit trees, and a carriage house which is now a 2-car garage plus workshop plus loft space above for a potential ADU.
The location is ideal as it gets - at the beginning of Santa Barbara's Upper East neighborhood just 4-5 blocks to downtown's Theatre/Arts districts, with its many fine dining spots, world-class performing arts theaters, museums, boutique retail and parks. The mid-block location on a cross-street is rare for the semi-urban Upper East, providing a low-traffic low-noise refuge compared to much of the area. See vicinity map and floorplan under Documents. Don't miss the opportunity to secure a notable Santa Barbara jewel.
The location is ideal as it gets - at the beginning of Santa Barbara's Upper East neighborhood just 4-5 blocks to downtown's Theatre/Arts districts, with its many fine dining spots, world-class performing arts theaters, museums, boutique retail and parks. The mid-block location on a cross-street is rare for the semi-urban Upper East, providing a low-traffic low-noise refuge compared to much of the area. See vicinity map and floorplan under Documents. Don't miss the opportunity to secure a notable Santa Barbara jewel.
Open House
Sunday, May 10
11:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Home Highlights
Parking
No Info
Outdoor
Deck
A/C
Heating & Cooling
HOA
None
Price/Sqft
$1,489
Listed
36 days ago
Home Details for 118 E Islay St
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MLS Status: Active |
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Beds & Baths Number of Bedrooms: 4Number of Bathrooms: 2Number of Bathrooms (full): 2Number of Bathrooms (half): 1 |
Dimensions and Layout Living Area: 3257 Square Feet |
Appliances & Utilities Appliances: Refrigerator, Gas Range, Tankless Water Heater, Dishwasher, Water Softener OwnedDishwasherLaundry: Laundry RoomRefrigerator |
Heating & Cooling Heating: Forced AirHas CoolingAir Conditioning: Central AirHas HeatingHeating Fuel: Forced Air |
Fireplace & Spa Fireplace: Living RoomHas a Fireplace |
Windows, Doors, Floors & Walls Flooring: Hardwood, Tile |
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility Levels: TwoFloors: Hardwood, Tile |
View Has a ViewView: Setting |
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Exterior Home Features Roof: CompositionPatio / Porch: DeckFencing: FullOther Structures: OtherExterior: Yard Irrigation T/OFoundation: Raised |
Surface & Elevation Topography: Level |
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Cumulative Days on Market: 444Days on Market: 36 |
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Year Built Year Built: 1887 |
Property Type / Style Property Type: ResidentialProperty Subtype: Single Family ResidenceArchitecture: Victorian |
Building Construction Materials: Wood Shingles |
Property Information Condition: ExcellentParcel Number: 027111002 |
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Price List Price: $4,850,000Price Per Sqft: $1,489 |
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Direction & Address City: SANTA BARBARACommunity: 15 - Upper Eastside |
School Information Elementary School: RooseveltJr High / Middle School: S.B. Jr.High School: S.B. Sr. |
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Listing Agent Listing ID: 26-1052 |
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Building Area Building Area: 3257 Square Feet |
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Lot Area: 10018 sqft |
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Listing Terms: Conventional, Cash |
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Mls Number: 26-1052 |
Last check for updates: about 2 hours ago
Listing courtesy of Ken Switzer 01245644, (805) 680-4622
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Source: SBMLS, MLS#26-1052
Also Listed on SBMLS.
Price History for 118 E Islay St
| Date | Price | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/01/2026 | $4,850,000 | Listed For Sale | SBMLS #26-1052 |
| 03/03/2026 | $4,950,000 | ListingRemoved | SBMLS #25-272 |
| 01/18/2025 | $4,950,000 | Listed For Sale | SBMLS #25-272 |
| 03/07/2023 | ListingRemoved | SBMLS #22-3514 | |
| 10/22/2022 | $4,750,000 | Listed For Sale | SBMLS #22-3514 |
| 04/07/2015 | $2,415,000 | Sold | SBMLS #15-728 |
| 03/17/2015 | $2,475,000 | Pending | Agent Provided |
| 03/07/2015 | $2,475,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 09/17/2014 | $2,495,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 06/12/2014 | $2,695,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 05/14/2014 | $2,795,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 04/29/2014 | $2,895,000 | Listed For Sale | Agent Provided |
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Property Tax and Assessment
| Year | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tax | $30,828 |
| Assessment | $2,920,215 |
Home facts updated by county records
Comparable Sales for 118 E Islay St
Address | Distance | Property Type | Sold Price | Sold Date | Bed | Bath | Sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.18 | Single-Family Home | $1,953,553 | 01/27/26 | 5 | 3 | 2,320 | |
0.13 | Single-Family Home | $3,900,000 | 11/10/25 | 3 | 3.5 | 2,736 | |
0.24 | Single-Family Home | $2,450,000 | 07/10/25 | 3 | 3.5 | 4,220 | |
0.31 | Single-Family Home | $3,830,000 | 09/17/25 | 4 | 2 | 2,121 | |
0.34 | Single-Family Home | $2,100,000 | 05/30/25 | 5 | 4 | 2,514 | |
0.16 | Single-Family Home | $3,078,000 | 08/13/25 | 3 | 2 | 1,938 | |
0.36 | Single-Family Home | $3,650,000 | 08/05/25 | 5 | 3.5 | 3,452 | |
0.40 | Single-Family Home | $2,875,000 | 09/22/25 | 4 | 2.5 | 2,023 | |
0.47 | Single-Family Home | $1,995,000 | 03/25/26 | 3 | 3 | 2,568 |
Assigned Schools
These are the assigned schools for 118 E Islay St.
- Roosevelt Elementary School
- K-6
- Public
- 463 Students
7/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageOur two daughters recently moved from a private school to Roosevelt. We decided to make the move, because we really connected with Principal Galindo. She shows genuine care for the children and goes above and beyond. Now that school has begun, I can say that the teachers for both of our children are great and the community is extremely friendly and engaged. I have no experience with special education, but I assume it is excellent. Roosevelt is a great place to send your kids!Parent Review6mo ago - Santa Barbara Senior High School
- 9-12
- Public
- 1924 Students
6/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageNot a good school for students who aren't White or Hispanic. Asian, Biracial and Black kids are seriously bullied and singled out. Not only by students but by staff as well. This school sits high on the systemic racism wagon. The principals blame the victim and not the abusers at this school. God forbid if the abuser is white. The teachers are pretty bad when it comes to teaching and explaining things to students. I have one child that has graduated and two still enrolled. I hear some of the worst stories from my children and after having conversations with the school I feel like there is no hope until they get rid of leadership.Parent Review4y ago - Santa Barbara Junior High School
- 7-8
- Public
- 512 Students
3/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageI gave this three stars because my daughter was happy there, socially. Not a great school for high achievers. Mixed bag of teachers and an absolutely terrible principal that should be replaced. He's apathetic and unapologetically dismissive with parents and students. I noticed in earlier reviews that parents loved the principal, however those reviews were PRIOR to Principal Lito M. Garcia being appointed to this position in May of 2011. The school tends to focus on bringing the bottom up to improve school test scores, and doesn't provide much support or encouragement for good students to reach beyond the formulaic and unchallenging Honor's classes..Parent Review10y ago 
Check out schools near 118 E Islay St.
Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood stats provided by third party data sources.
What Locals Say about Upper East
At least 13 Trulia users voted on each feature.
93 % Say it's walkable to restaurants
85 % Say it's dog friendly
78 % Say there are sidewalks
77 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores
71 % Say parking is easy
69 % Say people would walk alone at night
63 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years
62 % Say it's quiet
59 % Say car is needed
56 % Say yards are well-kept
56 % Say there's holiday spirit
52 % Say neighbors are friendly
47 % Say streets are well-lit
45 % Say kids play outside
23 % Say there's wildlife
21 % Say there are community events
Learn more about our methodology.
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Ken Switzer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Agent Phone: (805) 680-4622
This information is being provided for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties that you may be interested in purchasing. Data relating to real estate for sale on this Website comes from the Internet Data Exchange Program of the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service. All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service nor the listing broker(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints.
Copyright 2026 Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service. All rights reserved.
118 E Islay St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 is a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 3,257 sqft single-family home built in 1887. 118 E Islay St is located in Upper East, Santa Barbara. This property is currently available for sale and was listed by SBMLS on Apr 1, 2026. The MLS # for this home is MLS# 26-1052.