all is whale
An otherwordly retreat in the magical hills of Santa Barbara
the whale’s song travels far
“Whimsical.” — The New York Times
“Weird and wonderful.” — Dwell
“A stunning fantasy villa.” —Atlas Obscura
“Bonkers.” — Artnet
“Delightfully quirky.” — The New York Post
“Jaw-dropping.” — Apartment Therapy
“Easily one of the most unusual homes anywhere—
a work of art.” — The LA Times
The Santa Barbara Whale House was built by Michael Carmichael (and some of his friends) between the years of 1973 and 1978.
It was immediately considered a great architectural achievement with its 75 foot a blue tiled indoor-outdoor pool, hand carved sauna, hundreds of thousands of hand cut cedar shingles, artfully undulating plaster, Danish stained glass in every window cut with wave patterns, Willy-Wonka-esque elevator, indoor spa, and innumerable other fantastical and delightful details. The home is built around a castle-like tower of ferro-cement and foraged river rock from the creek that passes through the property.
Nestled in the valleys and mountains of unceded Chumash land, it also happens to be a portal where people report heightened synchronicities, lucid dreams, and devotional rapture.
The otherworldly shapes and waves of the house blurs the lines between architecture and nature.
From 2023-2025, Josh & Marley Raab thoughtfully restored and renovated it to breath new life onto the land and structure.
Surrounded with native and exotic fruit trees, medicinals, and edibles, it is a refuge and creative space for artists of all kinds. Operating part time as a rental, we also host events, create content, and create devotional products and merchandise.
Through a collaboration with Eric Warheim and Serpentine, the house is choc full of exotic mature plants and unique vessels which dance with the design.
We host community soaks, pool parties, small concerts, healing events, and other get togethers.
We’d love to have you around. Get on the mailing list or become a patron to keep in touch.
