Entire home in Santa Barbara, California

8 guests
3 bedrooms
4 beds
3.5 baths

Hosted by Josh

Superhost
1 year hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

In the hills above Santa Barbara

Steps from the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, with Rocky Nook Park about a 5-min walk away

Private pool, sauna, and hot tub

A 75-foot saltwater pool, hand-carved sauna, and in-room hot tub for a built-in spa experience

A place guests don't want to leave

Guests describe it as a work of art, with many rearranging plans just to spend more time here

Welcome to the Whale House, an otherworldly retreat in the hills of Santa Barbara.

Find us on insta @santabarbarawhalehouse

This sculptural 1970s Gaudí-inspired home features a 75-foot indoor-outdoor saltwater pool. Enjoy spa-like relaxation immersed in organic design: a hand-carved sauna, an indoor ozonated hot tub, a driftwood outdoor shower, multiple fireplaces, and lush gardens.

Featured in Dwell, NY Times, LA Times, HBO's Zillow Gone Wild, and more.

Ideal for Adults & Kids Ages 12+

The space
A short walk to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and a quick drive to downtown Santa Barbara.

A favorite retreat for couples, creatives, families, and small groups drawn to architecture, nature, and quiet moments to unwind.

𓇼INDOORS𓇼

Walking into The Whale House feels like entering a living work of art. Thanks to a collaboration with Eric Wareheim and Serpentine LA, the home is full of exotic plants and vessels.

When you walk through the front door, you’re welcomed by a small indoor pond and sculptural stairway connecting the home's different levels. From here you can descend to the sauna and pool, climb up towards the two bedrooms and hot tub, or enter the main living level.

The main level features the living room, fireplace, kitchen, dining area, patio, and powder room. This is an inviting space for gathering, and cooking, We often leave musical instruments around to enjoy.

Below the main level is the spa area featuring the dramatic 75-foot saltwater mosaic pool (heated upon request), grotto with floating mattress platform and mural, and sauna—your own private bathhouse retreat.

Upstairs, two bedrooms offer quiet, restful retreats, including one featuring an ozonated hot tub nestled within the space, allowing you to soak and unwind in total privacy.

Across the courtyard, the guest house / master suite with its own kitchenette.

𓇼BEDROOMS & BATHS𓇼

The Whale House comfortably accommodates up to eight guests.

All bedrooms feature organic EarthFoam mattresses, designed for exceptional comfort and restorative sleep.

• Top Floor Bedroom: completely private and features a bed, fireplace, desk and its own bathroom, including a free standing soaking tub.

• Mezzanine Bedroom: features an in-room hot tub and overlooks part of the living space below, queen bed, fireplace and bathroom including a sculptural walk-in shower.

• Courtyard Suite: Separate from the rest, on the ground floor across the courtyard. King size bed, living room with piano, shower, kitchenette with RO alkaline filtered water, insta hot, 4 burner stove and SMEG fridge, direct pool
grotto access, outdoor seating, and loft with a single mattress. Additional Japanese style roll out mattress in living room floor for 8th person upon request.

Each of the three bedrooms has its own bathroom.

𓇼KITCHEN & DINING𓇼

The kitchen and dining area provide a comfortable space to cook, gather, and share meals. Feel free to enjoy the sunrise paired with a freshly brewed cup from the Jura automatif espresso machine.

The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with premium European appliances, including Fisher & Paykel refrigerators and Italian Bertazzoni ovens and microwave. The main kitchen features a two-burner gas stove, while the guest house kitchen includes a four-burner stove, offering flexibility whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or cooking a full meal.

The dining table seats six and provides a welcoming place to slow down, share meals, and connect after a day exploring Santa Barbara. Folding chairs available in hall closet to fit more people.

𓇼OUTDOOR SPACES𓇼

One of the most special aspects of The Whale House is its built-in spa experience.

• 75-foot indoor/outdoor saltwater pool
• Hand-carved sauna
• Ozonated hot tub in the bedroom
• Outdoor shower
• Peaceful spa-like atmosphere throughout the property

The grounds have been recently landscaped with a mix of exotic and native edible and medicinal plants, creating a lush environment that complements the home's organic architecture.

Whether you begin your morning with a swim or end your evening in the sauna, the home invites deep relaxation.

Explore the property and you'll discover:
• A staircase lined with passionfruit vines
• A path leading down to a seasonal creek
• Quiet outdoor spaces for reflection and relaxation

𓇼MORE DETAILS𓇼

Only children 12+ are allowed unless discussed first.

The house boasts AC and Heat in all bedrooms and the living room to ensure comfort year-round.

Parking is available on-site for up to six vehicles.

WiFi is available throughout the home

The sauna and the hot tub accommodate 2-4 people.

For those musically inclined, a piano and other instruments are located in the Private Courtyard Suite.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the home or the surrounding area. We look forward to welcoming you to The Whale House.

Follow us & tag us on IG: @santabarbarawhalehouse

Guest access
We can come give you a little tour if you want! We love to meet people.