Santa Ynez Sunsets

A visitor today asked if we had sunset views from Ridgeline Ranch. We sure do!

Ridgeline Ranch has almost 360 degree views. Looking to the north and east, we see the Sedgwick Reserve and Figueroa Mountain. Looking to the north and west, we see Grass Mountain and Zaca Mountain. Looking to the south, we see the Santa Ynez Mountains. Looking to the west we see incredible sunsets from this rare property. Here are a few to enjoy!

Santa Ynez Stars - Part Three

Santa Ynez has several different kind of stars. The last two posts have discussed celestial stars and "star" flowers. It has at least one other sort of star: celebrities. Santa Ynez is only two hours north of Hollywood by car and also has a private airport that will accomodate large twin engine planes and some executive jets.

Maybe you recognize these two: John Corbett (Aidan from Sex and the City) and Bo Derek. Bo lived here in Woodstock Ranch until her husband John Derek died, then moved to another home in the Santa Ynez Valley. She and John are often seen in shops in one of the Valley's towns: Santa Ynez itself, Solvang or Los Olivos. I last ran into them at Home on the Range, a clothing/jewelry/home decor store at the corner of Edison and Sagunto in Santa Ynez.

Other resident actors include Noah Wylie, Cheryl Ladd, John Forsythe, Ed Ames and Fess Parker. "Resident" may be a misnomer as some have primary residences here and others have second homes. A few of these folks are mature enough that it's fair to describe their houses as "retirement homes."

Actress/model Kelly Lebrock and her husband Steven Segal had a home in the Valley. They split and Steven decamped. A remarkable horsewoman, Kelly has a local ranch with extensive equestrian facilities.

The music world has its representatives, too. David Crosby of Crosby, Still, Nash & Young lives in the Valley. A less recognizable name but a lyricist whose words are remembered around the world is Bernie Taupin, Elton John's composing partner.

During training season, Lance Armstrong can be spotted in the Valley. He and his team use the road over Figueroa Mountain as conditioning for the Tour de France or the Amgen Tour of California.

I'm sure other celebrities frequent the Valley but have managed to stay below the radar.

Santa Ynez Scenery

Santa Ynez has such gorgeous weather today (mid-70s), I decided to go for a ride while Fritz and Anke were at the groomers. I picked up a Cachuma Chicken sandwich at Los Olivos Grocery and headed up Figueroa Mountain. Wildflowers blanket the roadside, and the panoramic view from the top is spectacular. Although the area is now mostly protected wilderness, a few homes were built in the last century. Some are second homes, some are retirement homes. A few homes, like ours, were built to converse energy and qualify as "green construction." These are rare properties. 

Unfortunately, I'd depleted the battery in my camera by the time I got to the top so I'll share with you a shot of Grass Mountain, also in the same mountain range. You'll notice orange splotches on the mountainside which are masses of California poppies. Spectacular!

For a number of years, Lance Armstrong and his team trained on Figueroa Mountain for the Tour de France. The Santa Ynez Valley is full of biking enthusiasts. The Amgen Tour of California has held its time trials in Solvang the last two years. There are also events for amateur riders - albeit serious amateurs. The Solvang Century (100 miles) was held last month.

While these events are interesting, I'm glad that none are scheduled - or will ever be scheduled - in Woodstock Ranch. My home is on a relatively short (1.5 mile) road that deadends so we have very, very little traffic and no noise. The tranquility and seclusion is marvelous.