Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Forbes Feature ~ Santa Ynez Valley Farm Stay | House in Solvang

9.8 (76 Reviews) |   1 Bedroom  1 Bathroom  4 Guests
Ballard House | Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Forbes Feature ~ Santa Ynez Valley Farm Stay

1 Bedroom House in Ballard, Solvang

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.

Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Forbes Feature ~ Santa Ynez Valley Farm Stay is located in Ballard. Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Forbes Feature ~ Santa Ynez Valley Farm Stay provides accommodation, featuring Air Conditioner, Guest Services, Internet, among other amenities. This House features Air Conditioner, Parking and TV to make your stay a comfortable one.

Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Forbes Feature ~ Santa Ynez Valley Farm Stay has 1 Bedroom , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 4 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Ballard has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Ballard, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.

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Amenities

Air Conditioner
Parking
TV
View
Ocean View
Balcony/Terrace
Accessibility
Security/Safety
Bedding/Linens
Wellness Facilities
Fireplace/Heating
Guest Services
Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking
Child Friendly
Internet
Kitchen
Laundry

Facility Overview

Air Conditioner
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
Bathrooms
  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided
Bedroom
  • Sofa bed
  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Fireplace
Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Ice maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Blender
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
Ocean view
  • Beach towels
Parking
  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
Pet Friendly
  • No pets allowed
Accessibility
  • No elevators
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • 1 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
Activities
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hiking nearby
Entertainment
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
General
  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (112 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children
  • Spanish
  • English
  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office
Guest Services
  • Playground
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service
Internet
  • Free WiFi, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit
  • Barbecue grill
  • Balcony
  • Garden
  • Fenced yard
Security/Safety
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

Policies

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 pm contactless check-in available
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 am
Child Policy
This property does not allow children.
Event Policy
No events allowed
Pet Policy
Pets not allowed
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Reviews

Elaine A.
Apr 8, 2026 03:21:54 AM
Review Score:   10
Summary: I absolutely loved my stay at Anavo Farm. Beautiful farmhouse cottage on a beautiful property in a quiet neighborhood. Close to central Solvang and Los Olivos.Jen is a gracious host and is quick to respond to any needs or questions. And of course the animals! Such a joy to have some interaction with them.I would definitely stay here again if visiting Los Olivos again and highly recommend.
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FAQ's

Is this property pet-friendly for guests?

No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.

Does the property have a swimming pool?

No, this Ballard house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.

How much does it cost per night to stay in property?

Best-rates for the Ballard house starts from $798 per night with includes Parking, TV, Ocean View, Balcony/Terrace, Fireplace/Heating, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Kitchen, Security/Safety, Wellness Facilities, Child Friendly, Air Conditioner, Guest Services, Internet, Laundry, View, Accessibility, Bedding/Linens with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.

Is property a family-friendly place to stay?

Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.

Is the property wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?

Based on the information received from our partner, the Ballard house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.

What is the minimum night stay policy for the property?

Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Ballard house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.

What cancellation policy is in place for property?

Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.

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