Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Forbes Feature ~ Santa Ynez Valley Farm Stay

Featured in Forbes Travel. Top 1% of vacation homes globally. Hundreds of five-star reviews. Superhost for over a decade. Step through a rose-covered arch and into something you didn’t know you were missing.

THE ANIMALS
Morning here starts differently. Step outside and the sheep come to meet you — goats, alpacas, and chickens too, all rescue animals, all irresistibly friendly. Treats are provided. The animals are trained to come right to the pasture fence so you can feed and visit with them from your private yard. Farm-fresh eggs wait for you at arrival — pasture-raised, beyond organic. You’ll taste the difference. Full farm tours available on request.

THE COTTAGE
What guests can’t capture in photos — and try, they really try — is the feeling of this place. 1,200 square feet across two levels, renovated with an eco ethos by your host — a regenerative designer with one rule: give life to everything, including our buildings. Every piece has a provenance. Nothing is cookie-cutter. Nothing is an afterthought.

Downstairs: Queen sofa pull-out behind a sliding barn door · gas fireplace · custom bar carved from a fallen Santa Barbara Mountain tree by a local artisan · chalkboard wall where every guest leaves their favorite thing (a living piece of art) · full kitchen · high-end propane BBQ · expansive covered porch draped in wisteria, frequented by hummingbirds.

Upstairs: Queen bed with luxury eco-friendly mattress · two XL twins · a 10-foot reclaimed wood desk with panoramic farm and mountain views · second living room · yoga corner with acupressure mat · large private balcony with throw blankets for stargazing.

YOUR PRIVATE OASIS
A fire pit facing Figueroa Mountain. Rose gardens, a historic gazebo, cutting lavender gardens, and a fruit orchard. A fully fenced drive and yard entirely yours. Landscape lighting that makes the whole property magic after dark. The occasional visit from Loki, our majestic white barn cat. Damascus, our Anatolian Shepherd livestock guardian, keeps watch over the farm.

THE LOCATION
Ballard is the sweet spot of the Santa Ynez Valley — old-growth trees, authentic ranches, absolute quiet, and so close to everything you came for: Walk to Bob’s Well Bread Bakery (10 minutes) · 3 minutes to Lincourt, Roblar, Stolpman, and Beckmen vineyards · 3 miles to Los Olivos tasting rooms and boutiques · the glam cowboy town of Santa Ynez is 3 miles south · 5 minutes to Solvang, SY Kitchen, Nella Kitchen & Bar, The Gathering Table · 30 minutes to Refugio Beach.

THE WELCOME
Arrive to a curated welcome: farm-fresh eggs, a local bottle of wine, sheep cheese, snacks, and sparkling water galore. Lavender in the garden waiting to be cut.

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL
⁍ Rescue farm animals — sheep, goats, alpacas & chickens
⁍ Farm-fresh eggs at arrival — pasture-raised, beyond organic
⁍ Cut lavender gardens + seasonal fruit orchard
⁍ Welcome basket: local wine, sheep cheese, snacks & sparkling water
⁍ Fire pit with Figueroa Mountain views
⁍ Historic gazebo, rose gardens & landscape lighting
⁍ 10-foot reclaimed wood desk — best remote work setup you’ve ever had
⁍ Eco-luxury design — buy next to nothing new
⁍ Forbes Travel · Top 1% globally · Superhost for over a decade · Hundreds of five-star reviews

GUEST REVIEWS
“This was the most delightful rental we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in. The animals, the location, the kind and efficient host — it all added up to a most perfect stay.” — Arthur, Washington DC

“Beautiful setting, beautiful cottage. Jen was an incredible host — best welcome guide of any place we’ve ever stayed.” — Rachel, Los Angeles

“Extremely clean and so well thought out. Anavo is best in class.” — Tyler, Wisconsin

HOUSE RULES
No outside visitors. No parties. No pets. Guest count must not exceed reservation. Treat this home as your own. CODE WORD: SHOOP confirms rules read.