About Us

Looking back Montecito Design really began in the sleepy little town of Vacherie, Louisiana, where a rare early 1800's Creole plantation house had lain dormant since the Civil War. Freeing the lower floors from roaming cattle, a gradual and formidable restoration began with a need for artifacts from the old Creole days.

My family always had a fascination for utilitarian objects of that time and in particular those with an innate artistic appeal. So that the early history of the Creole people of the River Road was never lost, my family donated many items from their historic collection to the restoration.

As a result the fabulous Laura Plantation outside New Orleans was born. Visiting the beautifully restored plantation and magnificent garden is considered one of the most important historic tours in America.

With the great need for decorative items for the garden and lower floors of the plantation home, some items in metal and stone had to be reproduced. Old iron basins for the production of sugar, flambeaus for lighting, old French oil jars for storage, and tall crystal hurricane shades to guard the breeze and prevent fires made up the early collection.

I grew up in Louisiana and moved to Montecito, California in the 60's with my family. My daughter Sarah started this company in 2006 to share my collection with decorators, landscape architects and passionate gardeners who appreciate the joy and tranquility discovered when entering a walled courtyard or secret garden; where prized heirlooms and treasures are kept.

Glynne and Sarah