Area Information - Summerland

Summerland's modern history began in 1883 when Henry Williams bought the 1,050 acre Ortega Ranch for $17,000 and set aside 100 acres for a town. It was officially dedicated and named "Summerland" in 1889. At first a religious colony, the settlement changed focus in 1894 when a crew digging a water well on Lillie Avenue, the town's main street, struck oil instead. Within a year, there were over a dozen producing wells, additional lots were sold, and soap and cigar factories were established. Soon after 1900, however, diminished petroleum production and destructive winter storms put an end to the brief oil boom.

Today, beauty, the beach and a Bohemian soul combine with a seemingly endless selection of antique shops and close proximity to prestigious Montecito and Santa Barbara to make Summerland a favorite abode of artists, writers and others who desire a relaxed lifestyle. Cozy cottages to spacious estates are home to the town's approximately 1,500 residents.

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