A $4.6 million rugged modern ranch in California offers the best of both worlds

If you want to live close to modern conveniences but away from the fast pace of modern life, Ricon Ranch is calling your name. This home located at 115 Hollister Ranch in Gaviota, California, is available for $4,595,000.

The custom-designed residence, northwest of Santa Barbara, is a world unto itself.

Ricon Ranch is located on a 102-acre parcel within the 14,400-acre Hollister Ranch, a private cattle ranch and nature preserve.

Little dwelling

Ricon Ranch was built in 2016 by the current homeowner and Dave Mendro, principal of Newman Mindro Androlaitis Architects. It is designed to withstand environmental threats — thanks to fire- and wind-resistant materials — and to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

The modest sized residence also offers all the comforts of a modern home.

Its design is inspired by the architect Mickey Moenjbusiness, especially the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. The curved roofs and modern rustic exterior reflect the “post-farm” aesthetic of Muenning and the surrounding hills.

“We used low-maintenance, fire-resistant materials for the exterior,” says the seller, who prefers to remain anonymous. “We have a copper roof, and mostly metal windows and doors; And we reduced the exterior wood. Inside, we aimed to enhance the indoor-outdoor nature of the home by using natural materials, such as stone floors that extend out onto the patio.

Built into the hillside, Ricon Ranch is a simple, sweeping design choice inspired by ancient Mesa Verde dwellings. The house is located behind an electric gate and a paved driveway surrounded by oak trees.

Zoning requirements shaped aspects of the design and construction of the residence. As such, the one-bedroom, one-bathroom main home is just 797 square feet. It features custom cabinetry, stone floors and limestone countertops.

Nearby is a 629-square-foot guest house, which has a bedroom and bath, and is located in a loft above a detached garage next to the main house. The guest house’s large glass windows create the feeling of being surrounded by live oak trees.

The main house faces west, overlooking the hills, and both buildings are shaded by tree canopies.

“This home is perfect for a young family looking to enjoy an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city,” says the listing agent. Nate AlkerFrom Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito Financial Brokerage. “It’s immersed in the jungle, surrounded by the Vaquero Mountains and close to the beaches as well.”

The property is a 20-minute drive from Buellton to the north and Goleta to the south.

Amazing place

Pleasingly, the home was planned around an existing landscape of native grasses and agaves, with a wealth of wildlife.

“The last time I was there, there was a flock of turkeys outside the gates,” Alker says. “There are also coyotes, mountain lions, the occasional black bear, red-tailed hawks, quail and many other birds.”

For more information and photos, check out the full list here.

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