Ann Mitchell

This two year project (2003 - 2005) explored the Austin Val Verde Estate, located in Montecito and considered to be one of the most important examples of the Classic Estate period in California. It was originally designed in 1915 by Bertram Goodhue as a prototype of the Mediterranean Architectural style. Two decades later it was brought to prominence when it was redesigned by Lockwood de Forest Jr., one of the most talented and creative designers of that Golden Age. My interest was in showing the intimate spaces that still remained. Austin Val Verde: Impressions of a Montecito Masterpiece was published by Balcony Press in 2007 and featured 84 duotones from the project and is available through the Princeton Architectural Press. In 2010 the estate fell into bankruptcy and many of its remaining assets were sold.