Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Staci Caplan and Michael Humphrey of Sterling Properties

Just 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, past scenic Lake Cachuma and tucked away amidst the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountain Ranges, the Santa Ynez Valley is a scenic California treasure not to be missed. Between the valley’s verdant landscape, expansive vineyard properties, magnificent estates, and sprawling ranches, this area offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy incredible luxury lifestyle opportunities.

The Santa Ynez Valley is celebrated for its world-class vineyards and wineries. Boasting the greatest concentration of wineries (over 75) in Santa Barbara County, this region produces some of the finest wines in the world. Most of the wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley are owned and operated by families or individuals, allowing for a more personalized, intimate experience with the added benefit of supporting the local economy and small businesses.

However, the rich agriculture in the Santa Ynez Valley is certainly not limited to vineyards. There is ample opportunity to spend your afternoons strolling through apple and walnut orchards as well as berry and lavender farms while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Many of these orchards will also allow you to pick your own – it doesn’t get fresher than this!

Within the Santa Ynez Valley lies the historic city of Solvang (Danish for “sunny fields”), which was built up around the Mission Santa Inès in the early 1900s. In this little town, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve been whisked away to quaint Northern Europe. Each year in September, residents and visitors from around the world celebrate Solvang’s history during Danish Days. The town’s dedication to its rich Danish roots is evident in its Danish Provincial style architecture, authentic dining options, festivals, and of course its 4 windmills! Just outside of downtown Solvang is the luxurious Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, an exceptional hideaway with the romantic charm of the old west, steeped in history. The Alisal offers a world-class golf course, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, first-class accommodations, spa services, and the finest dining.

Another special point of interest in the Santa Ynez Valley is the tiny town of Ballard, home to Santa Barbara County’s oldest school. The Ballard School is an iconic red schoolhouse which has been holding classes since 1883. This school perfectly captures the essence of this charming rural town. Within walking distance of the school is The Ballard Inn, an ideal country getaway. Each room is unique and designed to reflect Santa Ynez’s history, with authentic antique furniture and a gorgeous front porch which looks out over a lush garden lined with a white picket fence. The Inn even has its own wine tasting room, featuring the best wines produced in the valley.

For a Victorian style retreat, be sure not to miss Los Olivos, named for a nearby ranch consisting of over 5,000 olive trees at the time of its founding in 1887. Enjoy an equestrian adventure by taking a ride with the Vino Vaqueros - daily horseback rides wind through the stunning Los Olivos countryside, with trails leading through the award-winning Fess Parker vineyards followed by an exclusive wine tasting.

The Santa Ynez Valley offers an exceptional mingling of a relaxed countryside paradise and an exclusive luxury lifestyle. Its many wineries, luxurious hotels and homes, fine equestrian trails and facilities, and dedication to its rich history make the Santa Ynez Valley a one-of-a-kind destination.