"Why book? For private romantic cottages, acreage of thriving horticulture on a vast ocean backdrop, and one of the most extensive wine cellar collections in the United States. Set the scene? A stone’s throw away from the prestigious and private Montecito Club, urbane retired locals wearing designer wool garb and shades love to dine at the property’s Stonehouse restaurant. The Ranch’s luxurious and charming storybook grounds transports guests to an enchanting sanctuary where visitors often travel for weddings, full-weekend excursions, and month-long stays. The ranch extends over 500 acres local horse riders can ride up the mountain trails intersecting the estate. A heart-shaped flower arch stands at the entrance of the main office, in front of winding roads full of blooming rose beds and lavender trees that lead to a relaxing poolside bar. The backstory Dating to 1893, this famed Santa Barbara hideout has preserved and restored its physical excellence over many decades. The original grounds were overseen by Franciscan monks in the 1700s until a citrus fruit company took them over in the late 1800s. The former site for production took place in the Stonehouse Restaurant. An 1825 indigenous old adobe home was built next door and still remains intact to mark where the Mission Padres farmed the surrounding land. San Ysidro ranch is now owned by American toy tycoon Ty Warner, who also bought and renovated the exclusively grand Montecito Club. The reclusive vine-wrapped cottages have housed some of America’s most influential figures: John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned here, and Winston Churchill was a frequent guest. Today, stars like Justin Bieber and Gwyneth Paltrow recharge on the tucked-away San Ysidro premises. The rooms There are 38 cottages to choose from; favorites are the farthest abodes—dubbed Eucalyptus and Lilac—which are the newest-constructed bungalows due to the 2018 mudslides that wiped out older properties. Each cottage has its own patio, master bedroom, bathtub, fireplace, outdoor shower, back yard, and hot tub. The picturesque retreats are the ideal white-picket–fenced love story. A variety of flowers are planted all over the yard of each private cottage, and the interiors boast a rustic opulence, with all the buildings crafted with intricate woodwork. Floral pastel-colored green and blue wallpaper mimics the blooming outdoor flowers; wood exposed high ceilings, and earth-toned homy furniture. The bathroom is a spectacle of glamor with raised chandeliers, white lumber paneling, and royal porcelain designs. The lofty lavatory connects to an outdoor shower and holds a clawfoot bathtub. The tremendous backyards of each cottage sit in front of the Santa Ynez mountains’ gushing San Ysidro creek and chirping wildlife. At night, lucent stars light up the backyard, creating a scene of romance and comfort. Food and drink The Stonehouse restaurant features caviar, sea urchin caught along the Santa Barbara coast, fresh salmon, thick filets of halibut, and more; all can be ordered for dinner prepared by executive chef Matt Johnson. He conducted a gastronomic tour of France and was taught under avant-garde European chefs. The flaming desserts are a culinary sideshow, including a slew of soufflés fun for celebrations. Antique gas lamps shine flames next to twinkling glasses of waiter-recommended cocktails like blood orange margaritas. Venerable wines are served from the downstairs dimly lit cobblestone wine cellar that sustains their flavors. The collection, itself, is a consecutive Wine Spectator Grand Award winner with over 12,000 bottles. Merlot grapes are fermented into coveted Château Pétrus bottles, and Stonehouse’s repertoire includes 71 vintage wines, some dating back to 1945. The spa A state-of-the-art spa rests near the entrance. The wellness center and hi-tech salon is hidden within a cottage with overgrown foliage. The serene pond outside and tadpole habitation is across from the zero-gravity Yume Spa Dream chairs inside the spa. The spa manager’s wife, Jo McGlone, refers to the self-care oasis as the “treehouse”. Craniosacral and deep-tissue massages are available to relieve muscle tension. The scenic cottage patio is a shrubbery wonderland of its own where guests can order lunch with a booked hair or nail appointment. Stockpiled with Yon-Ka Paris luxe skincare and Shu Uemura hair care products, the salon and spa use these cosmetics to refresh guests, outside of the suggested oxygen facial treatment . The neighborhood/area Meghan Markle, Prince Henry, and Oprah all reside within this lush Pacific Coast escape just 1.5 hours south of Los Angeles. Overarching tree branches cloak Victorian mansions, mid-century manors, and new estates; making this Southern California city the premier region for disguised wealth. Butterfly Beach connects to gated neighborhoods where residents surf and scuba dive at the reefs to spot sharks, whales, and other underwater creatures. The service There's an ardor for hospitality evident from the moment General Manager Ian Williams formally greets you on foot as other staff on golf carts zip up and down the estate; Williams graciously conducted a tour of our Eucalyptus home. In the center plaza is a hacienda canopied with colorful bougainvilleas functions as the reception. San Ysidro Ranch’s hospitable staff emulate the magic of the elegant atmosphere. Give the reception a ring with the cottage phone then staff will take meal orders for in-room dining that arrives within 30 minutes. A quintessential activity in the morning is being served silver plattered breakfast in the backyard. At nighttime, experienced sommeliers can educate visitors on various wines by the bottle. ECO effort Each individual residence has designated parking spots for overnight guests. Cottage-side parking is equipped with ChargePoint L2 electric vehicle charging stations. Accessibility All of the cottages and on-property facilities are only one-floor and are fitted with dedicated ramps. For families The individual cottages all have backyards and wide indoor space that are open enough for small families. The 6,000-square-foot, European-style Warner cottage can welcome up to 4 guests and is considered the ranch’s most prized gem. Named after the owner of the San Ysidro Ranch, Ty Warner, the property also includes a 33-foot swimming pool. The uphill mini-golf course, adjoining hiking trails in the mountains behind, fitness studio, and open lawns for child play and weddings welcome families.Anything left to mention? Bring hiking shoes, there are plenty of trails to explore and staff will give a map of the terrain best experienced at golden hour for panoramic views of Montecito’s pulsing ocean waves. The Privileged Pet Program on-site supports furry family members and the pet-friendly in-room dining menu is a special amenity for them." - Malik Peay
