Santa Barbara, CA
Our Santa Barbara, California, hotel’s meeting facilities are like no other. The Joseph and Lucy Sexton House, adjacent to our hotel, offers a truly remarkable setting for your next meeting or event. The home is full of rich history, harkening back to the Victorian Era of Agriculture in the Goleta Valley. It was built in the 1880s as a showplace for exotic plant specimens and beautiful gardens. Picturesque, elegant and peaceful, your event at The Sexton House is sure to stand alone in the memory of your attendees.
Pacifica Suites in Santa Barbara, California, has meticulously restored The Sexton House to its original grandeur as a historic site and a conference facility. Consider stepping back to the grace and charm of a bygone era for an unforgettable conference, banquet or wedding.
History of The Sexton House
In 1852, the Sexton family left Ohio for California, and upon reaching their destination, established plant nurseries. On the Goleta property, Joseph Sexton built one of California’s widely acclaimed pioneer nurseries. He introduced countless plant species to the areas and provided many of the trees and ornamentals that enriched the beautiful gardens for which Santa Barbara was eventually celebrated.
When the family grew, so did their need for space. In 1880, Joseph and Lucy commissioned Peter Barber, Santa Barbara’s premier architect, to design the striking Italianate house which now serves as the centerpiece of Pacifica Suites in Santa Barbara, California. The home became a Goleta showplace with specimen plantings, a rose hedge that stretched a half-mile, flower fields and youthful activity.
The nursery business died with Joseph Sexton in 1917, although the family retained the home until 1951. Years of neglect followed, but the building and specimen plantings were restored in 1990.There are a number of incredible concrete appointments and historic specimen trees throughout the property. Additionally, a number of household items and family artifacts were recovered and are on display.
Contact our Santa Barbara, California, hotel’s courteous staff for further information about The Sexton House or for rates and availability.
