The public tour season for 2024 is now closed. The Garden re-opens for public tours on February 15. We look forward to welcoming you in 2025.
Office/Main House
Spanish-Italian-Mediterranean building style
Photo by Lisa Romerein.
Main House
Office/Main House
Nestled in the Garden rests the longtime home of the late Madame Ganna Walska, but its legendary story does not begin with Madame. Originally, the E.P. Gavit family of Albany, NY, purchased the property in 1915 and commissioned esteemed architect, Reginald Johnson, to design an impressive house that embodies Santa Barbara’s Spanish aesthetic. Now, the Spanish-Italian-Mediterranean-styled residence plays an important role as home for the Lotusland’s administrative team.
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Reginald Johnson
Known throughout California for his award-winning structures such as the Santa Barbara Biltmore, Music Academy of the West (the former estate known as Mira Flores), and Santa Barbara’s downtown post office, Reginald Johnson continued to build impressive homes in Montecito, Hope Ranch, and Pasadena for several decades.
Pavilion
The Pavilion is most commonly known as Madame Ganna Walska’s residence. Adjacent to the Main House, this charming, three-bedroom suite was designed in 1925 by architect George Washington Smith. Adorned with two patio fountains and finely wrought ironwork throughout, the arches and windows were also created by George Washington Smith. The Pavilion is closed to the public throughout the year but can be viewed occasionally during special events.
Lotusland is proud to announce that the restoration of our historic Pavilion Patio has been completed including repairs to the infrastructure and water features and the addition of ADA-accessible pathways.