For over 30 years, I’ve smiled every time I drive past a certain George Washington Smith designed Spanish mailbox. It sits out front of Casa del Herrero in Montecito. A small piece of Spanish architecture that’s always inspired me.
In 2017 while researching at UCSB’s architecture library, I stumbled across his original 1920s hand-drawn sketches for that mailbox—something I wasn’t looking for. Just a really cool surprise.
I thought it would be fun to design a special Spanish mailbox of my own, and I got that chance while designing Casa Corazon (above). Part of the design included red fire brick in a herringbone pattern, decorative Spanish tiles, an iron cross on top—details that we incorporated throughout the main house renovation.
Listen to Jeff Doubét Share More
Listen in as I talk about the impetus behind this custom Spanish mailbox design, and the history of creative mailbox designs in Montecito and Santa Barbara CA.
CLICK [+] to Read Transcript & Translate
“Hey guys, as a Spanish home designer, I wanted to share my thoughts on creating special Spanish mailboxes. See and listen as I showcase these unique mailbox designs, and why I think they can charm many generations to come!
If you scroll these images… the bottom one is actually a historic mailbox at Casa del Herrero in Montecito (CA). And for well over 30 years, I’ve driven past this mailbox and I always get a smile on my face when I see it. Because as a artist and designer and artisan myself, I always think about how can we create, you know… unique and special moments for a homeowner, for their visitors- for the general public at large.
And when I was researching my book back in 2017… actually researching George Washington Smith up at UCSB – they have a special library (Architecture and Design Collection | Art Museum – UC Santa Barbara) where they house you know, hundreds and hundreds of his original drawings. And I stumbled across the drawings- his hand drawn sketches for this special mailbox. And I decided I would share a spread in my book (pages 48 and 49) of how we built the Spanish mailbox in, on the top image- which is my design.
And the backstory on my design was we were creating this special “art house” up on the hill in the foothills of Santa Barbara. And it was a moment in time where the homeowner and I were just wanting to, you know… we were very, very inspired by just the art that went into a, an estate like Casa del Herrero. And furthermore, his house was set back off the road and you know, you start thinking about, well how can you tell people that it’s a special property, when you can’t even see the house?
Well, you can start at the street. With a mailbox, with the gated entrance to the circular driveway, etc. etc. So, inspired by those 100 year-old drawings, I decided to draw my own mailbox and just thinking like, I don’t wanna copy it, but what can I do to tie in the special architecture that I designed into the house, and pull it into the mailbox.
And so that’s exactly what I did. The band of tiles around the top of this mailbox, we actually used throughout the house in different places. You know… even on the inside of the house, we ran tiles up and over archways, we used it in windows surrounds, you know we just got really creative with…
Basically, you know I kind of think of myself as a designer in this generation that has the Soul of an artist, and being inspired by those that came before us. You know, they’re long gone- but imagining what were those people like, and what were the… what were the architects like? What were the homeowners like? What were the crafts people that they all collaborated to build these cool things?
And, that’s actually what’s gonna stand the test of time. You know, these things make you smile, they make you think about what was going on in the minds of whoever created this thing. You know, and why in their right mind would they spend so much energy, time and money- you know, to build something special? And I think I kinda outline that initial thought in this blog post.
And I have designed dozens of special (Spanish) mailboxes for different properties, you know since I started designing Spanish homes in 2003. I have some of those drawings are in my book, and I like to doodle a cute little mailbox. You know, if it’s a street façade of a project, etc.
So, keep coming back. I got a modern Spanish mailbox that one of my clients designed, and I can share that in an upcoming post at some point- and just generally have a look around it.
This whole site is based on art and creativity and doing something different. You know… not just the standard cookie cutter thing that everybody does, ya know? I’ll leave it at that, and keep coming back for more. I just keep digging out old photos and stuff that I wanna talk about. In the meantime, have a great day”—Jeff Doubet, September 17, 2025
Spanish Mailboxes: Modern Day and Historical Examples
I thought I would share these Spanish mailbox photos to inspire the way you think about receiving your mail each day. Walk out to the street with a smile on your face as you admire the work of art you created for yourself, and your property.
Below: original photos comparing both mailboxes—see how the same materials create timeless charm a century apart.
This custom Spanish-style mailbox was designed by Jeff Doubét. It has red fire brick in a herringbone pattern that was also incorporated into many details of the main house.
A brass mailbox unit was purchased online, as well as the cast iron cross that is installed on top. Decorative Spanish tiles match those used on the driveway gate columns and interior arches inside the house.
Design tip: Repeat materials from your main house in your mailbox—tiles, brick patterns, or plaster finishes—to create visual connection from street to front door.
A George Washington Smith designed Spanish mailbox made of cement and plaster has decorative Spanish tiles and a handmade tile address sign. A small iron cross is installed on top.
The white plaster beautifully stands out, juxtaposed by hand chiseled sandstone rock garden walls, steps and a charming gated side entrance with red tile roof.
CLICK [+] Spanish Mailbox Design Questions
Q: What materials work best for Spanish mailboxes?
A: Many traditional Spanish mailboxes are built with cement block that is covered with white stucco plaster. Decorative Spanish tiles, brick, and wrought iron details like crosses or custom metalwork can also be incorporated. These materials weather beautifully and create authentic Santa Barbara style.
Q: How do you match a mailbox to a Spanish-style house?
A: Repeat key materials from your main house—if you have Spanish tiles on your entryway, use them on the mailbox. If your house features brick or specific plaster finishes, echo those details at street level to create visual connection.
Q: Should a Spanish mailbox be custom-built or purchased?
A: A custom-built structure (cement block body, covered with stucco plaster) can also incorporate off the shelf purchased components like brass/metal mailbox unit and Spanish details like tile, brick, and iron cross. High-end brass mailboxes look great on rustic wood posts. Many historic Spanish homes use both approaches.
Q: What makes George Washington Smith’s mailbox designs special?
A: George Washington Smith’s 1920s Spanish mailbox designs at properties like Casa del Herrero feature details that were hand-drawn and consider attention to proportion, authentic materials (plaster, tile, iron). Careful integration with the property’s overall architecture. They’ve inspired Santa Barbara designers for generations.
Q: How much does a custom Spanish mailbox cost?
A: Custom Spanish mailboxes range from $800-4,000+ depending on materials, size, and complexity. Simple high-quality patinaed brass or copper mailboxes mounted to oversized rustic wood posts start at around $800-12,00. Elaborate plaster designs with tile details, custom ironwork, extensive tilework, and masonry can exceed $4,000.