Perched in the foothills above Santa Barbara, the Las Canoas residence sits amid the raw beauty of Mission Canyon — where sweeping mountain views meet the hum of untamed wilderness. The homeowners, surrounded by coyotes, bobcats, deer, and rattlesnakes, wanted a landscape that embraced the natural environment while creating a safe and livable space for their young family and three dogs.
We approached this project with equal parts sensitivity and precision. The steep terrain and abundant wildlife called for thoughtful engineering — beginning with a fully enclosed rodent and wildlife barrier system. Our custom hog wire fencing, finished in a refined matte black, ensures visibility and connection to the surrounding landscape while providing a secure perimeter. Every post and cap was crafted from rich redwood, creating a clean contrast that feels both modern and timeless.
Beyond safety, the property was designed as a sanctuary — a space to move, rest, and live fully outdoors. The landscape connects a series of features including an open-air gym, outdoor sauna, and cold-plunge pool, all linked by locally sourced sandstone walls and boulder-integrated stairways. In several areas, we hand-chiseled steps directly into existing sandstone boulders, blending human craftsmanship with the natural topography in a way that feels effortless.
Underfoot, Arizona-sourced flagstone and 36” x 36” concrete steppers form a rhythm of texture and tone, balanced by natural grass lawns for the family’s dogs and drought-tolerant plantings framed by low-profile metal edging. The subtle contrast between sandstone DG, lush greenery, and composite decking ties the outdoor spaces together with both elegance and purpose.
At night, the property transforms. Carefully placed landscape lighting illuminates the boulder walls, paths, and redwood accents, revealing an atmosphere of warmth and quiet sophistication. Every gate, latch, and fixture was selected for durability and tactile quality — a reflection of the care that defines all Clearview projects.
From the panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains to the distant shimmer of the Pacific, La Canoas stands as a seamless dialogue between nature and design — proof that safety, functionality, and beauty can coexist effortlessly in even the wildest terrain.
Perched in the foothills above Santa Barbara, the Las Canoas residence sits amid the raw beauty of Mission Canyon — where sweeping mountain views meet the hum of untamed wilderness. The homeowners, surrounded by coyotes, bobcats, deer, and rattlesnakes, wanted a landscape that embraced the natural environment while creating a safe and livable space for their young family and three dogs.