spotlight on montecito | jill nelsen.

Name: Jill Nelsen

Star sign: Leo

Hometown: Chester, Connecticut. A gorgeous, little village of 3,500 residents, two hours from NYC.

Describe yourself in 3 words, or less: Life-loving, nature-loving, appreciator of all things beautiful.

How did you end up in Montecito? The first time I drove up the coast from Los Angeles I was eighteen. With my first glimpse of Fernald Point and the mountains, I fell madly, head-over-heels in love with this landscape and knew Santa Barbara would be my home.

What do you do here? I have an interior design and remodeling firm, Jill Nelsen Design and sell real estate with THE AGENCY, splitting my time between Montecito and Los Angeles.

Ultimate Saturday Morning: First stop, the farmers market for flowers and the week's organic staples. my absolute musts are: all the veggies i can carry from jacob at roots organic farm, heaps of herbs from bd of earthtrine farm, delicious baba hummus (say hello to moez). We are incredibly lucky to have markets friday morning on coast village road, saturday morning at the corner of cota and santa barbara street and downtown on tuesday afternoon.

Next a hike, followed by brunch outside at Tre Lune on Coast Village Road, or the best coffee and soft scrambled eggs at Bree Osh. Early afternoon usually includes a long beach walk. At low tide you can walk from Butterfly to Padero Lane with long stretches of beach completely to yourselves. Heaven!

Where would you take us for a pre-dinner cocktail? Lucky's is fun for a drink or San Ysidro Ranch for the most romantic setting. For me, the best is a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a blanket on the beach at Hammond's for sunset.

And best coffee in Montecito? In my opinion the best coffee is half about where you drink it. Definitely Bree Osh to pick up a latte and croissant, walking the path to Hammond's and having breakfast on the beach.

Where can we get the best view? Pack a picnic and head up one of the gorgeous trails, Saddlerock, San Ysidro, or Cold Springs. The view up and down the coast and of the Channel Islands is breathtaking.

Life motto: I met a lovely man in his 80's in the market about five years ago. He wrote out these words for me, "The soul has an absolute, unforgiving need for regular excursions into enchantments." I still have the scrap of paper in his handwriting. Staying present to the enchantments in every moment…more a goal than a motto, but a worthy one.

What is on your stereo: I'm loving listening to music that has been a part of my life for decades: Dylan, Joni, Neil Young.

Who is inspiring you right now? I'm inspired by the people I'm so fortunate to work with everyday at The Agency; by my wonderfully talented friends; my daughter, and almost every person I meet, wherever I go.

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