Located in Northwest Santa Barbara, this custom home is a one-of-a-kind world.
Ricon Ranch is located on 102 acres within the 14,400-acre Hollister Ranch, a private cattle ranch and nature preserve.
Ricon Ranch was built in 2016 by current homeowners and Dave Mendro, principal of Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects. It is designed to withstand environmental threats and blend seamlessly into its surroundings thanks to the use of fire- and wind-resistant materials.
The compact home also offers all the comforts of a modern home.
Its design was inspired by the work of architect Mickey Muennig, particularly his Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. The curved roof and rustic-modern exterior reflect Moonenig's "post ranch" aesthetic and the surrounding hills.
The seller wished to remain anonymous.
He says, "We used low-maintenance, fire-resistant materials on the exterior." We have a copper roof and mostly metal windows and doors; we minimise the use of exterior wood. Inside, we use natural materials, such as slate floors that extend to the deck, to enhance the home's indoor-outdoor character.
Ricon Ranch is built on a hill - a simple and holistic design choice inspired by the old Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. The home sits behind an electric gate and a paved driveway lined with oak trees.
Zoning requirements dictated the design and construction of the home. As a result, the one-bedroom, one-bath main house measures only 797 square feet. It features custom cabinetry, stone floors and travertine countertops.
Nearby, a 629 sq. ft. guest house, offering one bedroom and one bathroom, is located in the attic above the detached garage adjacent to the main house. The guesthouse's large glass windows give the feeling of being surrounded by live oaks.
The main house faces west with mountain views and both buildings are shaded by a canopy of trees.
Nate Alker, listing agent for Sotheby's International Realty-Monticito Brokerage, says, "This home is perfect for a small family looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's immersed in the forest, surrounded by the Vaquero Mountains and also close to the beach."
Buellton to the north and Goleta to the south are a 20-minute drive away.
Happily, the homes were planned around the existing native grass and agave landscapes and the abundance of wildlife.
Alker says, "The last time I was there, there was a flock of turkeys outside the door." There were also coyotes, mountain lions, the occasional black bear, red-tailed hawks, quail and many other birds.
