Tastemakers and influencers from the worlds of design, fashion, art, entertainment, philanthropy and business came together to celebrate the grand unveiling of RH Montecito, The Gallery at The Old Firehouse. The event was attended by guests including Gwyneth Paltrow (Actress and Entrepreneur), Victoria Jackson (Entrepreneur), Charlotte Ronson (Designer), Amanda Chantal Bacon (Founder Moon Juice), Martyn Lawrence Bullard (Designer) and others. Guests enjoyed a live performance by Miramar and were treated to an exclusive dining experience at the RH Firehouse Grill, fresh bellinis by Cipriani New York, Petrossian Caviar & Ruinart Champagne, and gourmet bites by Annie Campbell. The event benefited The Montecito Firefighters’ Charitable Foundation.
RH Montecito, The Gallery at The Old Firehouse is a reimagination of the Historic Fire House in the charming enclave perched above Santa Barbara. The Gallery will feature The RH Firehouse Grill, an indoor-outdoor Courtyard Restaurant with fireplaces and fountains, a Wine & Barista Bar, plus an Interior Design Atelier and artistic installations of RH Collections.
First constructed in 1931 in the heart of Montecito, the historic building, designed by award-winning architect Alexander Bertrand Harmer, served as the regional firehouse for over half a century. The unique structure has been reimagined by RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman as a destination celebrating dining and design and represents the brand’s vision for creating inspiring spaces and authentic experiences that respect and amplify the local culture.
Upon arrival, guests will encounter the firehouse’s classic Mediterranean Revival style façade. Set between beautifully arched windows, a pair of glass-and-steel doors open onto a French sandstone courtyard marked by decomposed granite walking paths, Japanese boxwood hedging and a progression of silver date palm trees along the perimeter.
Once inside, visitors will first enter the expansive Great Room and discover a striking Wine & Barista Bar that offers exceptional Champagnes and wines from around the world, along with familiar favorites from Napa Valley, for visitors to enjoy while exploring the rest of the Gallery.
Beyond the Wine & Barista Bar, guests will arrive at the RH Firehouse Grill, presenting the latest iteration of the brand’s menu, featuring signature dishes such as a Whole Grilled Branzino, The Grilled Vegetable & Shrimp Salad, and what we believe might be the best Fried Chicken Sandwich in America. The restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired interior features an exposed oak-beam ceiling and natural limestone tabletops, beneath the warm glow of handwoven pendants. Seamlessly extending from indoors to out, the restaurant’s glass and steel French doors open to a lush garden, where guests will dine amid heritage olive trees and birds of paradise.
Image credit: Steve Lucero/BFA
