To those of you who have read my recent blogs, I am approaching the midpoint of this adventure down the West Coast. You can check out my Vineyard trip and journey along the Oregon coast for further reference. As you can guess by now, I’m starting to feel drained from the drive. At this point, I need three things to redeem my satisfaction after three long days travelling: a comfy chair, a picturesque view, and a delicious brew. This villa has all of those to offer and much, much more.
Of all things to start with - let’s begin by talking about the driveway. While passing the countless beautiful vineyards that line the Ynez valley, you can see nestled amidst the side of the road a small bucolic gate. Hidden behind, a back-country road winds its way up, and up, and up the mountain looming on the north side of the valley. Once through the gate and up the road, you drop down the other side and spin your way into a private, secluded valley – otherwise known as PARADISE. From here, the house stands tall at the foothills of either side of the rolling hills – the beauty of the valley transcends from the environment and into the house.
Built in the 70’s to please the locals (and at times, Reagan), the house hosted multiple town parties and gathering – the structure is clearly sophisticated for such events. With three large bedrooms and four large bathrooms, the building easily caters a group six. A unique guest room offers a bizarre, yet surreal yacht theme in which the large windows protecting the other rooms of the house have been exchanged for small, circular fittings. The other beds contain sink-in beds, and refreshing air-con. However, the crown to this treasure does not lie in the interior, rather on the exterior. The pool looks down the east side of the valley, directed toward the pathways made for the local cowboys. On the other side, a petite patio looks down on the other side of the valley, and in perfect position to catch the last rays as the sun falls into the rising darkness.
From here, the story of the house leads into perfect imagery of the night sky. If you are able to brave the coyote howls and tales of snakes, the darkened sky is open to visual wonders. The stars flicker and fly as an accomplice to the light of a sitting moon. The house offers open fires to protect from the pacific breeze, a dream place to relax. This image does in no way capture the true stretch of the sky, but I hope your mind can begin to wander.
The house is owned by a local cowboy, a man who knew both Ronald Reagan and Michael Jackson. After an issue with the fridge, we were lucky enough to encounter him. His 60 years worth of tales can hook you for hours. Alone, the history of the villa is enough to attract me; but the setting and structure strings a hidden love for Californian countryside.
