A Humble 1950s Cabin Becomes a Retreat-Like Home in Montecito

by Eliza

Situated between the Santa Barbara foothills and the Santa Ynez mountains in a rock quarry in Montecito, California, the Quarry House went from being a humble 1950s wood cabin to a modern, retreat-like residence designed by AB design studio in collaboration with House of Honey. The property houses two structures, a single-story home and a new guesthouse by the pool – both black and boxy with large expansions of windows. The elongated main house features a long hallway that connects the public space to the primary bedroom suite at the opposite end.

exterior end view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

A large wooden deck wraps around all sides of the house creating opportunities for a connected indoor/outdoor lifestyle prominent in California.

exterior end view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

A stepped pathway joins the two structures with a garden courtyard in between.

exterior twilight view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls and linear stairs

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls and linear stairs

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and long pool

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and windows

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls with swimming pool in front

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

exterior view of modern box-like home with black exterior and window walls

interior corner view of modern house in living room looking out through wall of windows

Black-framed windows replace solid walls offering ever-changing views of the surrounding oak forest.

interior view of modern kitchen

Photos: Sam Frost

The light-filled interior is designed by House of Honey who gives nod to the property’s Zen and artistic past when it was inhabited by a collective of bohemian poets, writers, and artists. Original elements are maintained and stones found on the property have been reused in the project.

interior view of modern kitchen looking to floating black fireplace

Photos: Sam Frost

The ceilings are clad in birch veneer, which complements the light wood flooring throughout.

interior view of modern living room with black tv wall and wall of windows

interior view of hallway of modern house

Photos: Sam Frost

Photos by Jason Rickexcept where noted.

Caroline Williamson is Editorial Director of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.