A brainstorming session for what to do with a clunky old two-story garage in Montecito, CA turns into a Spanish Style ADU anyone would be proud to live in. Please join me as we travel over a creek and through the oaks to this BEFORE and AFTER project.

You may recognize this project from the HOME PAGE of this website. It is a personal favorite project, and a wonderful example of how you can transform a Plain Jane Montecito house into a warm and inviting estate. But today I am sharing how the basic garage façade was modestly modified into the romantic Spanish style accessory dwelling unit it became.

Above: The completed transformation of the main house.

Above: the BEFORE photo, and below… a tastefully remodeled two-story garage, transformed into a Spanish style ADU unit on the upper floor.

The architectural detail and materials of the Juliette balcony vignette add depth, texture and intrigue.

Spanish Style ADU Design Ideas

I believe anything that looks good on your Spanish style home will typically look great on a Spanish ADU accessory dwelling unit. ADU’s in fact are just smaller homes. Whether you are designing a high end Spanish Shed or an ADU- success is just around the corner if you build with the best materials and classic design elements.

ABOVE: the first design concept had subtle, two-story bump-out detail with windows, and a Spanish window grille.

As you can see, the 3 car garage with existing upstairs apartment was well-built. It just needed the Santa Barbara Spanish styling the homeowner wanted to achieve.

I enjoy collaborating with creative homeowners and developers. Initial thoughts and designs often turn out better when talented people put their minds to it. The design rendering above was a revised concept. The couple updated the ideas for their floorplan, so the windows I had originally sketched were no longer needed.

Building Spanish Style Accessory Structures in Santa Barbara and Montecito, CA

The word is out: California state laws on ADU’s continue to be refined. Accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are now becoming a little easier to design, permit and build in our local area. My focus and expertise is Concept Design + Renderings, and I have a list of quality independent trades I enjoy working with who process these technical plans.

My specialty is helping you visualize the possibilities at your property. Above: the BEFORE staircase that leads up to the existing 2nd floor ADU.

Above: The talented homeowners and their general contractor did a great job of building the details within the original sketch.

When designing your own project, think about how you might charm up the experience of those who visit. Spanish arches like this can really be played up with clay tile roofs, etc.

Spanish Style ADU Construction Photos

Here are several more construction photos of the local Spanish style ADU renovation, as it neared completion.

Before the wood shutters and awning were installed. Things really started coming together.

The Montecito two-story Spanish Revival style ADU nears completion. Note the Spanish grille, French doors, wrought iron balconies… all things you can consider in your own design.

Inspiration for Spanish Style Accessory Structures

For many years, I have been helping clients envision Spanish designs and details they can incorporate into their local homes and properties. These include other Spanish style ADU designs (shared in future episodes), Spanish style Accessory Structures, Chicken Coops, Spanish Sheds and Spanish compatible Barns, like the one below.

A Spanish Style Chicken Coop Design was the Prototype

This Spanish style chicken coop was the very first building completed on the property.

Earlier, I had consulted with the homeowners on Spanish Grilles, Exterior Plaster Techniques, Paint Colors, Roofing Techniques and other Spanish related resources, etc. The homeowners proceeded to rebuild an existing chicken coop. Being new to the area at the time, they used this project as a prototype for the ADU and then eventually the whole house renovation.

OK friend, that wraps up this episode. Please scroll all the way down to see a list of other popular links.