A Family Legacy Rooted in Mission Canyon
In 1962, a determined 37-year-old divorced mother fell in love with a rugged half-acre parcel in Santa Barbara’s historic Mission Canyon. At the time, she was living in a trailer at the local polo club, focused entirely on building a comfortable life for her two children. The land offered little more than an old 1900s cottage, a few ancient oak trees, and a vast expanse of dirt.
With just $2,000 to put down, she faced a mountain of systemic obstacles—chiefly that women could not legally secure a mortgage without a man’s signature until 1974. Recognizing her drive as she worked toward her teaching credential at the newly inaugurated UCSB, the property’s owner agreed to carry the $18,000 loan directly. On a school teacher’s salary, she beat the odds and paid it back in full in just 15 years. This estate became her family’s sanctuary.
Growing Up Under the Canopy
Maya, the current owner and host of Under the Oaks, was born and raised in Santa Barbara, moving onto the family property when she was just 18 months old. Her childhood was defined by the magic of this half-acre: climbing the sturdy limbs of the oak trees, scrambling over the giant sandstone boulders in the front yard, and helping her mother and grandmother meticulously plant the gardens.
Inside the cottage, Maya spent her formative years lost in her grandmother’s vast home library, sparking a lifelong passion for global art, music, and culture. Even as a child, she carried a vivid vision of what the property could one day become.
Manifesting a Global Vision
After decades of living up and down the East Coast and traveling across the world, Maya returned home to her family estate in 2016. She immediately set to work manifesting her childhood dream: transforming the 124-year-old cottage—which hadn’t been touched since 1963—into an artfully curated, deeply welcoming oasis for travelers.
Maya designed Under the Oaks to offer guests a rare peek into the eclectic, artistic, and bohemian side of Santa Barbara’s rich history and culture:
- Art, Music, & History: The walls are adorned with global art collections, original oak floors are covered in rich Asian carpets, and a tuned Steinway piano, a baritone ukulele, and a traditional Chinese gong await being played.
- Thoughtful Hospitality: High-thread-count cotton linens, Turkish cotton robes, and white noise machines furnish every room, while a fully equipped chef’s kitchen features a pre-stocked “Welcome Fridge” with artisanal sourdough, fresh eggs, milk, and local coffee beans.
Solving Common Travel Challenges
Unlike typical cramped urban rentals or restrictive corporate homes, Under the Oaks was curated to solve the specific needs of modern travelers:
- A True Oasis for Kids & Dogs: Finding a high-end property that genuinely welcomes children and pets can be difficult. Our entire 20,000-square-foot garden is securely gated with wood fencing, giving kids and up to two dogs total freedom to play safely.
- Rare Private Parking: Street parking near downtown Santa Barbara can be stressful. We provide secure, on-site driveway parking for up to 6 vehicles.
- Space & Total Privacy: The main vacation residence (House A) sits on a half-acre of exclusive gardens. Maya resides in a separate, independently gated home (House B) located 200 feet at the back of the property, providing brief arrival support while strictly respecting guest privacy.
Who We Welcome
Whether you are gathering for a milestone life event or settling in for an extended retreat, our doors are open for:
- Family Gatherings & Milestones: Weddings, family reunions, birthday celebrations, college graduations, and group friend getaways.
- Extended Seasonal Escapes (30+ Days): Ideal for guests over 30 escaping extreme summer heat or harsh winter cold, offering deeply discounted monthly rates ($12,000/mo Oct–May; $14,000/mo June–Sept).
Come unwind, explore, and find your own inspiration beneath the ancient oaks.
