In the Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its horse farms and internationally acclaimed for its vineyards and wineries, rests this over 19 acre ranch. Less than an hour from Santa Barbara, the Valley is easily accessible by vehicle or local airports.

Past the entry gates of Rancho Ynecita, private roads roll past historic oak trees arriving at the gates to Rancho Maria Elena. Its half mile driveway through oak trees and past sandstone wall crest a hill where the house and barn open to expansive views.

Evoking the traditions of Spanish architecture this newer home has large gracious rooms with tall and vaulted ceilings, deep set windows, beautiful plank flooring, fine cabinetry, moldings and heavy doors, hand forged wrought iron work, four fireplaces, multi-stacked tile roofs, gardens and patios.

The residence wraps around a courtyard fountain. The swimming pool has a walled, trellised outdoor entertainment area with a fireplace.

The gracious home has a living room with fireplace, dining room, wine cellar, a family room with fireplace opening to a chef’s kitchen, a laundry/service room, two bedrooms with in suite baths and a master suite with a fireplace, study, walk-in closet and bath.

A detached garage and separate guest quarters rim a park-like open space. The center isle barn, designed for 6 horse stalls, has a Bodega, ideal for an “at home” winery, a workshop or vehicle storage and a 2nd story for many uses.

Setting and style have created a peaceful country get-away.