About Santa Ynez Valley

Overview

Resting serenely between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains just a half-hour drive northwest of internationally-renowned Santa Barbara, California, the Santa Ynez Valley is known for its world-class vineyards and wineries, famous equestrian ranches, rich history of cattle ranching and agriculture and, most recently, its “wine country ambiance.” Its ranches, wineries and vineyards are set among verdant meadows and rolling hills. Five small, charming towns dot the valley and each offer their own unique flavor to the area.

While its atmosphere is relaxed, the Santa Ynez Valley is brimming with opportunities for the active lifestyle. Golf, tennis, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are all popular, as is fishing at nearby Lake Cachuma. Cultural activities are also plentiful, and the valley’s rich history is celebrated continuously at its museums and 1804 vintage Mission Santa Ines.

History

The Chumash, one of the westernmost tribes of Native Americans in the U.S., were apparently the earliest known inhabitants of the Santa Ynez Valley, followed by the arrival of the Spanish in 1769. When the region fell into the hands of Mexico, its most elite families and top-ranking military personnel received land grants typically totaling thousands of acres.

Throughout the past more than two centuries, the Santa Ynez Valley has been home to large cattle ranches, dairy farms, renowned equestrian ranches and numerous agricultural crops – from walnuts and prunes, to world-class wine grapes. It also hosted the only stagecoach route linking points north to Santa Barbara.

The term “Valley of the Arabians” was coined in the 1960’s beginning with the development in the valley of large-scale equestrian ranches. Shortly thereafter, winegrowing began in earnest. Today, this gifted region of California’s Central Coast enjoys an exalted reputation for its climate, scenic beauty, cultural and recreational opportunities and excellent schools. Those things, in combination with proximity to Santa Barbara and easy access to Los Angeles, make the Santa Ynez Valley a mecca for privileged residents immersing themselves in the lifestyle of relaxed sophistication.

Population

Roughly 20,000 residents call Santa Ynez Valley home. There is a lengthy list of famous past and present residents, including former president Ronald Reagan, Michael Jackson, Steven Spielberg, Bo Derek, and numerous television and film personalities, including Bob Eubanks, John Forsythe, David Crosby and Fess Parker. The five small and friendly towns that act as the valley’s population centers -- Solvang, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Ballard and Los Olivos -- attract an eclectic mix of residents and visitors.

Climate

The Santa Ynez Valley enjoys a typically mild “Mediterranean” climate. Predominately west-northwesterly breezes usher in clean, moderating Pacific Ocean air. Daytime temperatures in winter average in the 60’s (F.); with 30’s and 40’s (F.) at night. Summer raises daytime averages into the 80’s and occasional 90’s, with refreshing, cool nighttime temperatures. Rainfall, occurring primarily November-April, averages 16-17 inches annually and turns the Valley and its hills into a virtual sea of green.

Access

While the local Santa Ynez Valley Airport can accommodate small private and corporate jets, larger planes are accommodated at nearby Santa Barbara International and Santa Maria Airports. Los Angeles International Airport is a convenient two hours away by automobile.

Roblar Ranch

Iconic, historically significant and timeless, Roblar Ranch blends unmistakable character and quality with the amenities, convenience and security today’s discerning buyer requires. Designed to meet the rigorous standards of an early 1930’s California cattle ranch, the main house provides substantial space in an elegant yet functional floor plan which incorporates many of the original vintage elements combined with current upgrades. Multiple guest houses have been meticulously curated with the backdrop of a massive traditional barn, wine storage, generous antique under cover parking areas, gymnasium and pool. Sited on two parcels totaling 50+ acres of pristine gently varying topography with old oaks, a mature tree canopy and other specimen plantings, this very usable, undeniably distinctive and treasured offering melds the need for discretion and privacy with a close to town location, making all conveniences just a few minutes away. This rare intact example of early California history awaits your visit to the ever beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.

Offered at $9,700,000

Roblar Ranch

Iconic, historically significant and timeless, Roblar Ranch blends unmistakable character and quality with the amenities, convenience and security today’s discerning buyer requires. Designed to meet the rigorous standards of an early 1930’s California cattle ranch, the main house provides substantial space in an elegant yet functional floor plan which incorporates many of the original vintage elements combined with current upgrades. Multiple guest houses have been meticulously curated with the backdrop of a massive traditional barn, wine storage, generous antique under cover parking areas, gymnasium and pool. Sited on two parcels totaling 50+ acres of pristine gently varying topography with old oaks, a mature tree canopy and other specimen plantings, this very usable, undeniably distinctive and treasured offering melds the need for discretion and privacy with a close to town location, making all conveniences just a few minutes away. This rare intact example of early California history awaits your visit to the ever beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.

Offered at $14,000,000

History of Roblar Ranch

Steeped in the tradition of California’s Spanish and Mexican ranchos, and carried forward in the legacy of the Santa Ynez Valley’s great cattle ranches of the early to mid-20th century, Rancho Robles holds a place of honor and respect. Its main residence, guest cottages, ancillary structures and nearly 50+ beautiful acres were headquarters of the over 5,000 acre “White Gate Ranch,” established in the 1930s by prominent Santa Barbara resident Samuel Dabney and his wife as a second home. Among many other social positions of note, Dabney, whose primary residence was in the elite Santa Barbara enclave Hope Ranch, was on the Board of the Santa Barbara Polo Club and, in 1933, was voted Commodore of the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.

That same year he joined the ride of the Rancheros Visitadores where he met renowned Western artist Edward Borein. Dabney became an avid collector of Borein paintings, drawings and memorabilia – many of which undoubtedly found a home at White Gate Ranch. An elaborate charo jacket and vest -- reportedly worn by Borein on several Visitadores trail rides and in Santa Barbara’s Fiesta Parade -- was acquired by Dabney and recently sold at auction for $19,000.

Eventually living at the ranch full-time, the Dabneys added to the original home in the 1940s. It is said that Samuel Dabney would spend hours on the second floor portico keeping an eye out for warplanes during WWII. In 1950, the Dabneys sold the home ranch and 2,500 acres of the land to San Luis Obispo-born rancher Andrew Joughin who raised registered Hereford cattle, and grew walnuts and hay. The large, extended Joughin family spent many happy times at the beautiful property, which hosted weddings, family reunions and festive holiday gatherings. The current owner purchased the Roblar Ranch in 1989 and has carried on the tradition of respect and good times this magnificent piece of Santa Ynez Valley history deserves.

The Ranch Today

This world-class property -- including the lovingly maintained, original, nearly 8,000 square-foot Dabney home, as well as accompanying guest cottages, barn, garages, multi-stall maintenance buildings and more -- is ready for a new owner.

Entrance to the ranch is understated; thereby, assuring privacy. A simple yet substantial wooden gate opens to a lengthy driveway flanked by pastures dotted with pepper trees and mature oaks. Approaching the compound, one finds the history of the place to be almost palpable as glimpses of structures and the surrounding landscape come into view. Tranquil now, this estate was once bustling with the day-to-day activities of a busy cattle and horse ranch.

The primary residence is a superb example of Monterey Colonial architecture. An inviting gate opens to a large courtyard, walled on two sides, hosting fountains and a large sycamore, and showcasing the L-shaped home. Across the courtyard, an arbor covered porch extends along the home’s single-story section, while traditional porticos run the entire length of each level of its two-story main segment. The scene immediately evokes the romance of early California.

Entering the warm, inviting residence, one is greeted by a Saltillo tile floor, a graceful stairway to the second floor master suite, and the comforting feeling that one is “home.” The adjacent family room, spacious by any standards, offers an ambiance of refreshing openness enhanced by its open-beam cathedral ceiling. Nearby, a sunroom, also perfect as a dining room worthy of the most privileged guests, hosts a wall of windows. Its board-and-batten walls and richly-stained hardwood floors are repeated throughout the home. The large country kitchen, complemented by an equally spacious dining room, is a natural place for informal family gatherings.

Five bedrooms, all with adjacent baths; a sitting room, office, and a nearly 1,000 square-foot living room with open-beam ceiling and impressive stone fireplace complete the main floor of the home.

The roughly 1,600 square feet of the upper floor are devoted entirely to the master suite’s bedroom with its roomy sitting area with fireplace, open-beam cathedral ceiling and abundance of windows, as well as a pair of spacious dressing rooms and a sumptuous bath with claw foot tub, marble and glass shower and dual sinks.

Surrounding the residence are structures devoted to both business and pleasure. The business of a working ranch or possible vineyard property, and the pleasures of owning such a beautiful and historical estate. Business-related amenities include a 5-bay garage adjacent to the main residence, multiple-bay equipment buildings, attached and free-standing storage, paddocks, and a large barn with temperature-controlled wine room.

For pleasure and hospitality, there are three charming guest cottages -- including one bedroom “School House” and two bedroom “Cowboy House” and “The Cottage” -- conjuring images of the hospitality of another era. A sparkling roughly 25 yard lap pool and its adjacent portico rest within steps of the main residence, while, on a knoll overlooking the estate, a wonderful 1930s-era swimming pool and cabaña stand ready for a post-Gatsby-esque bathing party. Nearby, a regulation beach volleyball court is furnished with authentic beach sand.

Sitting in the midst of the world-renowned Santa Ynez Valley, known for its acclaimed horse ranches, vineyards and wineries, this world-class historic ranch estate offers rare versatility. Horses, vineyards or simply the ultimate retreat for family and guests, are all possibilities. Its convenience to the five charming towns of the Valley and the Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara International airports, and to Los Angeles, add to the value of the Roblar Ranch as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.