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RH Announces RH Montecito, The Gallery at the Old Firehouse
December 18,
2024 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry
RH (NYSE: RH) announced the opening of RH Montecito, The Gallery at The Old Firehouse – 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.
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 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.
“We have long admired this iconic building and its rich history,” said RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman. “With great respect for the original architecture, we are reestablishing its relevance by harmoniously incorporating aspirational interior and exterior installations with an integrated hospitality concept unlike anything that exists in retail.”
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.
Visitors will first enter the expansive Great Room, filled with fresh air and natural light and featuring reclaimed oak beams, a 14-foot ceiling and artistic installations of RH Collections integrated with rare art, antiques and artifacts from across the globe. A striking Wine & Barista Bar 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.
Glass-and-steel doors open onto a French sandstone courtyard marked by paths of decomposed granite, Japanese boxwood hedging and a progression of silver date palm trees along the perimeter. Here, visitors can explore intimate expressions of RH Outdoor set within lush landscapes inspired by the great classical gardens of Europe.
Occupying the upper level, RH Interior Design offers clients an unprecedented level of professional design services including a private presentation room with state-of-the-art technology.
RH Montecito, The Gallery at The Old Firehouse is located at 1486 East Valley Road. The Gallery can be reached at 805.560.8747. The doors will be open Monday through Thursday 11am to 8pm; Friday 11am to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 9pm, and Sunday 10am to 8pm.
For more, visit RH.com.