Peachy the Magazine August September 2014 | Page 21

INTERIORS

La Dolce Vita
Savoring the sweet life in historic Santa Barbara
Cathy Austin
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Jim Bartsch, Alina de Albergaria
and Bernardo de Albergaria
WRITTEN BY

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Nestled in the halcyon hills of historic Santa Barbara lies Casa Ventalia, a
Mediterranean-like oasis where the de Albergaria family has created their own
version of la dolce vita. Terraced gardens, 35 fruit-bearing trees and 140 varieties
of roses enhance the grounds providing a picturesque atmosphere for year-round
outdoor living.
Casa Ventalia is named after Venezuela and Italy (Italia). Jewelry designer
Alina de Albergaria spent her childhood in Venezuela, and her husband Bernardo
grew up in Rome. Together with their three beautiful children and two precious
poodles, the family entertains frequently in a house filled with extended family
and friends. On any given weekend, children can be found meandering in the
garden picking fruit, playing hide and seek, swimming and playing flashlight
tag after sundown.

Gisella and Tessalina de Albergaria frolic in the rose garden which includes 140 species.

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