🐑 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 are available on request if you want to go deeper. 🏡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 an obsession for heirloom finds and high-end materials, and a “buy next to nothing new” philosophy). 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 with every coffee maker you could want and fresh organic beans · 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 (the best remote work setup you’ve ever had) · 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. 📍The Location📍 Ballard is the sweet spot of the Santa Ynez Valley — old-growth trees, authentic ranches, absolute quiet — and yet nothing is far: - 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 - 5 minutes to Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez - 30 minutes to Refugio Beach WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL 🐑 Rescue Farm Animals — Feed goats, sheep, alpacas daily. Treats provided. 🥚 Farm-Fresh Eggs — Pasture-raised on Anavo Farm, beyond organic. Waiting for you at arrival. 🌸 Cut Your Own Lavender — Plus seasonal fruit from the orchard. 🍷 Welcome Gift: Local Wine — From Santa Ynez Valley, because of course. 🧺 Welcome Basket — Local snacks, sparkling water, olives, chocolates, sheep cheese & crackers. 📸 Pictures Don’t Do It Justice — Guests say it every single time. Come see why. 🏆 Superhost for Over a Decade — Featured in Forbes. Guest Favorite. Top 5% on Airbnb. Hundreds of five-star reviews. 🪵 One-of-a-Kind Design — High end furnishings, artisan details, incredible indoor/outdoor living. Nothing cookie-cutter. 💻 Best Remote Work Setup You’ve Ever Had — 10-foot reclaimed wood desk, panoramic views, high-speed internet. 🔥 Outdoor Fire Pit — Propane. Figueroa Mountain views. Stars overhead. ♻️ Eco-Conscious to the Core — Designed by a regenerative designer with a “buy next to nothing new” ethos. 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