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Santa Ynez

With it’s vast ranch estates, rolling golden hills studded with gnarled valley oaks and the dramatic backdrop of the rugged San Rafael and Santa Ynez mountains, one can feel like they have slipped into a California of the past or the location for an old Western film. And it was less than a hundred years ago that Highway 154, the main route through the valley, was an important stagecoach trail over the mountains to Santa Barbara and the coast. A number of historical buildings from that era still stand, including Mattei’s Tavern, Cold Springs Tavern and the old Spanish Santa Ynez Mission.

Much of the area remains as pristine as it was in those days, though the landscape has more recently been decorated with a profusion of vineyards and wineries, the area’s sunny dry climate being perfect for growing excellent wine grapes. Consequently, one of the premier attractions for visitors and locals alike is wine tasting and picnicking on the grounds of the many gold medal wineries. The meandering scenic back roads are perfect for bicycling between vineyards, stopping along the way in the quaint towns of Los Olivos, Ballard and Santa Ynez to explore the many galleries, gourmet restaurants and shops.

Other recreational opportunities abound, including horse-back riding, glider rides, camping and eagle-spotting boat trips on Lake Cachuma and in the spring, driving up Figueroa Mountain to photograph the fields quilted with wild purple lupen and golden California poppies. And for a taste of Disneyland there is Solvang, a Danish village complete with Scandinavian architecture, horse-drawn trolleys, an outdoor Shakespearian theater and Danish sidewalk café’s that serve genuine Danish pastries with coffee.

The slower pace of Santa Ynez Valley is perfect for those who are interested in being part of a very active and involved community and living a lifestyle of balance with nature.

The large ranch homes are, like the “cowboy chic” culture of the Valley, a blend of sophisticated and rustic. Long one-story haciendas built to blend into the hills with natural adobe or stucco and wood, most also have swimming pools and gourmet kitchens, guest houses and stables with corrals and many have been designed or remodeled by famous architects.

59 Results
5
Beds
6 | 1
Baths
6,574
SqFt
 
 
#23-1561 | House
Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Santa Ynez
3
Beds
3 | 3
Baths
7,931
SqFt
(29)
 
 
#23-551 | House
Listing courtesy of Village Properties
5
Beds
4 | 1
Baths
5,300
SqFt
(41)
 
 
#23-1656 | House
Listing courtesy of Village Properties - 2
3
Beds
3 | 1
Baths
N/A
SqFt
(83)
 
 
#23-3175 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
5
Beds
5 | 2
Baths
5,423
SqFt
 
 
#23-1053 | House
Listing courtesy of Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,942
SqFt
(62)
 
 
#23-3528 | House
Listing courtesy of Village Properties
3
Beds
3 | 2
Baths
4,450
SqFt
(30)
 
 
#23-3307 | House
Listing courtesy of Village Properties
5
Beds
5 | 1
Baths
N/A
SqFt
 
 
#24-755 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,029
SqFt
(81)
 
 
#24-345 | House
Listing courtesy of Radius Group Commercial R.E.
3
Beds
2 | 1
Baths
N/A
SqFt
(27)
 
 
#23-2930 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
3
Beds
2 | 1
Baths
2,214
SqFt
 
 
#23-3498 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
4
Beds
4 | 1
Baths
4,307
SqFt
 
 
#24-828 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
4
Beds
4 | 1
Baths
4,342
SqFt
 
 
#23-3747 | House
Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty
5
Beds
4
Baths
5,428
SqFt
 
 
#23-3419 | House
Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,680
SqFt
 
 
#23-3211 | House
Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty
5
Beds
4 | 1
Baths
4,490
SqFt
 
 
#24-742 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
6
Beds
4 | 1
Baths
4,494
SqFt
(48)
 
 
#24-718 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
4
Beds
4
Baths
3,892
SqFt
(63)
 
 
#23-3545 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
3
Beds
3 | 1
Baths
3,100
SqFt
(38)
 
 
#24-284 | House
Listing courtesy of Village Properties
3
Beds
4 | 1
Baths
3,872
SqFt
(44)
 
 
#22-2976 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
3
Beds
2 | 1
Baths
4,185
SqFt
(50)
 
 
#23-2692 | House
Listing courtesy of Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate
4
Beds
4
Baths
3,611
SqFt
 
 
#24-646 | House
Listing courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,800
SqFt
(39)
 
 
#23-3265 | House
Listing courtesy of Village Properties
4
Beds
2 | 2
Baths
2,992
SqFt
 
 
#23-2944 | House
Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty
Copyright 2024 Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service. All rights reserved.
Based on information from the Santa Barbara MLS as of the date shown below. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
Santa Barbara AOR data last updated at March 18, 2024 7:14 PM PT
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