Flamenco! Santa Barbara shines at Bellosguardo

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Flamenco! Santa Barbara brought dancers and musicians to the grounds of the historic Bellosguardo (Clark Estate) in Santa Barbara.

The estate was left to the Bellosguardo Foundation by the late copper heiress and philanthropist Huguette Clark who died in 2011 at the age of 104.

She used to visit the Santa Barbara home in the summer more than half a century ago and always considered her mother's home.

Many of the people in attendance had never seen the property before but had read about it.

Nanette Pigaga and her daughter Caitlin Jennings were thrilled to see the estate after seeing it from the beach below.

Pigaga said her book club was meeting on Wednesday to discuss "Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune."

They were delighted to see some of Clark's art depicting dancers, nudes and even a still life of pearls inside the gallery off the patio.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum Collections Manager Adela Lisanti helped choose the items that went on display for guests on Tuesday.

In addition to paintings, she found shawls, combs and outfits in the home that may have been used during fiesta season when the Clark's spent summers in Santa Barbara.

The property is now operated by the nonprofit Bellosguardo Foundation led by Jeremy Lindaman.

For more information visit contact@bellosguardo.org.

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