California CALLING

With sun-drenched beaches reminiscent of the Med, the coastal county of Santa Barbara, home to Meghan and Harry, is dubbed the American Riviera

- HELENA CARTWRIGHT

The charmingly small city of Santa Barbara, 90 miles north of LA, features Spanish-style architecture and rolling hills, waving palm trees, sugarsand beaches and boats by the harbour. It hit the headlines thanks to the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have joined the ranks of Hollywood royalty who call Santa Barbara county home (or second home). Think Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many more actors, filmmakers and TV producers.

Historical roots