Book the San Ysidro Ranch with VIP Benefits

For more than a century, San Ysidro Ranch, located in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, has served as a calm retreat. For a memorable stay, cozy cottages weave through gardens bursting with lavender and rosemary under the shade of eucalyptus and sycamore trees.

Guests may use a broad range of services and facilities at San Ysidro Ranch. To make your stay even more memorable, the staff can help you arrange anything. From relaxing poolside refreshments to pampering spa services, it's there. You can also set a chauffeured day excursion to the Santa Ynez wine area or explore the hiking trails in the hills above the Ranch.

Location

Nestled in the Montecito foothills of southern California, the property overlooks the Pacific. Moreover, the area is frequented by celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey. It takes 20 minutes to get into downtown Santa Barbara. This is Santa Barbara's most affluent neighborhood.

History

In 1883, Col. Bradbury Dinsmore sold the San Ysidro Ranch to Harleigh Johnston and Taylor Goodrich for a profit. The Johnston Fruit Company gathered around 300,000 oranges and 100,000 lemons a year from the San Ysidro Citrus Ranch. Later, a large sandstone packing building, the Stonehouse restaurant, was constructed in 1889 to manage the citrus crop. The Hacienda was erected in 1892 on the site of a ranch home. Also, architectural designs for a modest hotel were drawn up in 1893.

Before long, the Ranch gained recognition. It also accommodated Winston Churchill and his family for the winter of 1912. Churchill was so taken with the experience that he wrote, "It is impossible for one acclimated to the Eastern Climate to conceive a more wonderful position."

The Johnston family sold their hotel to avoid going bankrupt during World War II. Instead, they sold it to Ronald Colman and Alvin Carl Weingand, a hotelier who had previously served as a senator. They turned it into a star-studded hotspot. People rapidly recognized its gorgeous environment, impeccable service, and commitment to guest privacy.

Some notable visitors included Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Groucho Marx, and Sinclair Lewis. Additionally, the Ranch served as the venue for the wedding of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooning in the home now known as the 'Kennedy Cottage' is a memory. Furthermore, John Huston spent three months writing the screenplay for African Queen there.

Accommodations

41 charming bungalow-style cottages dot the lush hillside gardens and meandering San Ysidro Creek. Each offers a unique outlook and setting. The resort features Private patios, hot tubs, private entrances, and parking. Moreover, tastefully appointed interiors with fine antiques and artwork from across the globe are other home features.

Restaurant and Bar

In addition to its two award-winning restaurants, the San Ysidro Ranch has a world-class wine cellar. It has a diverse selection of wines sure to please even the most discriminating palate. Visit Stonehouse, one of Open Table's most excellent restaurants in the United States. There is also Plow & Angel for a relaxed and friendly experience.

Additionally, organic creativity meets culinary skills at "The Stonehouse" in Newmarket. The Stonehouse, housed in a 19th-century citrus packing house, has a lounge with a full bar. It also has a dining room with a crackling fireplace and views of the creek. Moreover, the terrace with ocean views has twinkling lights, a wood-burning fireplace, and heated stone flooring. This makes it a lovely location to dine year-round.

Furthermore, the organic chef's garden provides fresh herbs and vegetables harvested for Stonehouse's regional cuisine.

San Ysidro Ranch has an extensive wine cellar and got the wine spectator grand award.

Plow & Angel

Cozy ambiance, award-winning cuisine. Evenings at the Plow & Angel are much better, with delectable comfort cuisine available. Enjoy the legendary mac and cheese or melt-in-your-mouth ribs. Moreover, you can have the Ranch specialty blood orange margarita while eating behind stained-glass windows and creative artwork.

Artwork such as a dedication to the property's namesake, Saint Isidore, hanging over the fireplace. However, at Plow & Angel, visitors are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, the restaurant does not take reservations.

Service and Facilities

The customer service is excellent. They have helpful and pleasant people ready to meet your every need at the drop of a hat. There is a distinct lack of stiffness and robotics in the service at this hotel, in contrast to many others of the same caliber. In your room, you'll find personalized San Ysidro Ranch-themed notepaper with your name. The name of your cottage is also engraved on it.

On a hillside lawn with lemon trees, the hotel includes an intimate Spa with a wide range of spa treatments and a gorgeous pool. Additionally, there is a small but well-equipped fitness center with equipment both inside and outside.

Activities

Santa Barbara, California's "American Riviera," is about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. It sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Moreover, it has long been a haven for those seeking tranquility and leisure. Santa Barbara is also a year-round destination with many things to do.

From walking around the local Farmer's Market to enjoying the history of the Santa Barbara Mission, you will not feel bored. Furthermore, minutes from miles of Santa Barbara beaches with dog-friendly areas, surfing and other leisure activities await you at San Ysidro Ranch.

A Ty Warner Property

When Ty Warner became the Ranch owner in 2000, it became part of the Ty Warner Hotel and Resorts portfolio. Warner oversaw the Ranch's transformation into one of the world's most enchanting hideaways. Additionally, Ty Warner traveled the globe collecting one-of-a-kind antiques for this historic mansion.

Takeaway

San Ysidro Ranch offers a peaceful retreat for discerning tourists. Natural beauty, romantic legacy, and classic luxury combine perfectly at this Santa Barbara retreat. As such, it attracted a slew of high-profile visitors over the years. Furthermore, hummingbirds and honeybees provide a soothing soundtrack of peace as myth and history merge in the lovely gardens. So make your reservation and enjoy this tranquil vacation destination.