Do you love modern contemporary style but crave country ranch life? You’ll find both at a $4.25-million property on 20 acres in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. The sprawling concrete, glass and steel structure was built to capitalize on sweeping views of the surrounding rolling hills and native oak trees.
The house at 1270 Poppy Valley Road in Buellton stands out for its design by architect Jan Hochhauser of Santa Barbara-based Hochhauser Blatter Associates. Homes in the area tend to follow Spanish or Mediterranean styles. “We don’t get this kind of architecture,” said listing agent David McIntire of Village Properties. “It’s pretty uncommon.”
The home is located inside Jonata Springs Ranch, a gated community in Santa Barbara County that consists of 44 large parcels on more than 800 acres. Built in 2006, the modified box design captures natural light throughout the three bedrooms and three bathrooms in 3,800 square feet.
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The house is close to 101 Freeway (15 miles from the ocean and 45 minutes from Santa Barbara) yet set back far enough to be ultra private. “It’s really a sweet spot,” McIntire said.
Inside, glass walls and cathedral ceilings in the living room and dining room keep the outdoors close. Views from just about every room reflect a rugged, hilly landscape.
A chef’s kitchen features light wood cabinets and a center island topped with dark granite, which has room for casual dining. A large patio outside offers easy access for entertaining. The primary bedroom is located on an upstairs level. There’s also a guest wing with its own den and balcony.
Amenities on the property include a boutique vineyard planted with syrah grapes (for wannabe winemakers) and a roomy wine cellar. The finished garage accommodates four vehicles. It also has a multipurpose room and bathroom and could be transformed into an accessory dwelling unit.
Drought-tolerant landscaping surrounds the house, which also has a bocce court on one side.
McIntire sees the potential buyer as “someone who appreciates the architecture and the style” of the home and someone who values privacy as well as access to Los Angeles, about 120 miles away.
Inside the gated community, residents may go horseback riding and hiking on the 10 miles of trails that start outside their back doors. Red-tailed hawks, bobcats, coyotes and deer also make their home here.
Jonata Springs Ranch has its own water company and paved roads. The home is within two miles of an elementary school and a middle school while Santa Ynez Valley Union High School is about six miles away. Lompoc, the Danish-themed town of Solvang as well as wine country towns of Ballard and Los Olivos are nearby.