When my friend and makeup magician, Fredericke Grillitz (IQ Beauty…see blog), suggested I meet her at San Ysidro Ranch to pick up my cosmetics, I didn’t have to be asked twice. She visits the Ranch for tea and a bite whenever she’s in town meeting her Santa Barbara clients. I haven’t been to the Ranch in years so I jumped at the chance, as Fredericke promised to take me on a stroll through the gardens.
A bit of history on this iconic spot named America’s Best Hotel by Forbes Traveler; the property sits on over 500 acres in the foothills of Montecito, California. There are 41 cottages nestled among winding paths and 14 acres of exquisite gardens.
The roses are in bloom for 10 months out of the year.
In the 1700’s, the San Ysidro Ranch served as a way station for Franciscan monks and in the 1800’s, it was a working citrus ranch. In 1893, the first guests arrived. Hollywood actor Ronald Colman purchased it in the 1930’s and it became an idyllic celebrity hideaway…Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn, Bing Crosby, and Winston Churchill, to name just a few, have all stayed here! Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier married at the Ranch and John and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned in this little piece of paradise.
A cottage among the orange groves and the backdrop of the San Ysidro mountains…
Today, the San Ysidro Ranch is a stunning boutique hotel. Even if you don’t stay here, follow my lead and drop by for a glass of rosé and a light bite under the olive trees at The Plow and Angel. You will be enveloped by a feeling of going back to a simpler time as you sip your wine with the heady scent of lavender and roses all around you. You may even see a few tiny hummingbirds dancing among the flowers. Thank you Fredericke, for reminding me what a jewel this place is right here in my own backyard!
Here are a few shots that I snapped as I took in the beauty of the Ranch.
This is the Hacienda built in 1892 and where the Ranch welcomes its guests.
The Hacienda living room is appointed beautifully!
The Hacienda library is the perfect place to curl up with a book…that is if you can tear yourself away from the gardens!
Exit through these doors and you step out into the most gorgeous gardens and mountain views.
The sound of water and the sweet smell of lavender delights the senses!
Oozing charm…
The chef’s vegetable garden which is used to create the delicious offerings at the two restaurants on the property.
One of the large pergolas on the estate lawn…
The pool
Fore!
The historical 1825 Old Adobe offers private dining.
Inside, the Adobe is overflowing with antique charm!
As I wind down the olive tree and lavender lined driveway, I know I will be returning soon!
San Ysidro Ranch: sanysidroranch.com
IQ Beauty: iqbeauty.com
Stunning! What a delightful spot for a glass of wine and a bite to eat! This space is just oozing with charm and beauty!
I can’t wait to go back! 🙂
Such a wonderful place, with so much history! If those walls could talk… 🙂
Right? You can feel the history the moment you drive up the lavender and olive tree lined drive!