Entire home

Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard

Cottage near Chumash Casino in Solvang

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard

A fire pit with burning wood, surrounded by potted plants and a wooden fence.
A sign in a garden labeled 'Lavender Cutting Garden.'
A kitchen with a turquoise refrigerator, white cabinetry, a wooden ceiling, and a staircase with a white railing.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a large flat-screen TV, a sofa, and a coffee table with books and decorative items.
A living room with a sectional sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area with a bench.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Ballard, CA
  • Place, Santa Ynez Valley
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Lincourt Vineyards
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Solvang

In Solvang .Stay at this Solvang cottage and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Santa Ynez Valley and 2 miles (3 km) of Lincourt Vineyards. Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard and Roblar Winery are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Santa Ynez Valley - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Lincourt Vineyards - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Chumash Casino - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard - 17 min drive - 11.2 miles
  • Santa Barbara Harbor - 52 min drive - 39.6 miles

Getting around

  • Santa Ynez, CA (SQA) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Center Bar - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Highway Tacos - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Tavern - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪S.Y. Kitchen - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard

A DIFFERENT KIND OF WINE COUNTRY ESCAPE

There’s a particular feeling to waking up here. Morning light across the pasture. Hummingbirds working the wisteria. Figueroa Mountain in the distance. And, before long, a small committee of sheep, goats and alpacas gathering at your garden fence to see if you’re awake.

Anavo is a private Carriage House tucked into six acres of regenerative farmland in tiny Ballard — designed for slowing down, reconnecting with nature and experiencing a side of Santa Ynez Valley that most visitors never get to see.

Private garden • Rescue animals • Mountain views • Fireplace • Walk to Bob’s Well Bread • Minutes to Los Olivos



YOUR PASTURE FRIENDS

• Meet them at your garden fence — Rescue sheep, goats + alpacas are trained to come for visits and treats. Your animal treat bin is waiting for you.

• Fresh eggs at arrival — From our pasture-raised hens (beyond organic — you’ll taste the difference), with additional eggs available to take home.

• Go deeper — Private farm tours can be arranged in advance with a donation to our nonprofit.

• Picnic with the animals — Reserve time in the small pasture adjoining your private garden and we'll bring in some of the animals for a pretty unforgettable picnic. Advance scheduling + a small nonprofit donation required.

Damascus, our gentle livestock guardian dog, and his sidekick Biscuit the corgi roam the main farm but don't enter your private yard. They do occasionally appear outside the screened French doors to say hello. If simply having resident dogs nearby would make you uncomfortable, Anavo may not be the right fit.



THE CARRIAGE HOUSE

What guests can’t capture in photos — and try, they really try — is the feeling of this place.

1,200 square feet • Two levels • Private garden • Fireplace • Balcony • Mountain + pasture views

Renovated with an eco ethos by your host, a regenerative designer with an obsession for heirloom finds, 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 for ambiance and warming up a cozy living room for a night in

• Custom bar carved by a local artisan from a fallen Santa Barbara mountain tree

• Full kitchen + organic coffee beans, grinder, traditional coffee maker, French press + pour-over + all the fixings

• High-end propane BBQ

• Expansive wisteria-covered porch frequented by hummingbirds

• Screened French doors for letting the country air in



Upstairs

• Queen bed with luxury eco-friendly mattress

• Two XL twins

• 10-foot reclaimed-wood desk with panoramic farm + mountain views

• Second living room

• Yoga + meditation corner — mat, blocks, acupressure mat + yoga blankets for yoga

• Large private viewing balcony + throw blankets for stargazing



YOUR OWN LITTLE WORLD

• Completely private — Your fully fenced drive, yard + garden are entirely yours

• Fire pit with a view — evenings facing the sun set against Figueroa Mountain

• Gardens — Roses, historic gazebo, year-round cutting lavender + seasonal fruit orchard

• Wildlife — Hummingbirds in the wisteria, owls in the oaks + occasional appearances by Loki, our majestic white barn cat



Also: A small adjacent pasture with a picnic table adjoins your private garden. (Private farm to table meals with pasture animals available through our nonprofit experiences - AnavoFarm.org.)

It’s not staged farm life. It’s just farm life.



THE ANAVO WAY

Anavo is rooted in a simple idea: generate more life by living in harmony with nature.

• Sheep + goats help regenerate the land

• Chickens turn food scraps into tomorrow’s eggs

• Composted lawn and landscaping clippings, and animal waste, turned into soil

• Pollinator plantings support bees, butterflies + birds

• Old materials + furnishings are restored and given another life

We don’t expect you to come here for a lesson in regenerative living.

We just hope you feel the difference.



BALLARD + WINE COUNTRY

Ballard is the sweet spot of Santa Ynez Valley — old-growth trees, authentic ranches, country roads and absolute quiet, yet almost nothing is far.

• Walk to Bob’s Well Bread for breakfast or lunch

• 3 miles south of Los Olivos, north of the town of Santa Ynez.

• Farm stands, lavender farms, olive-oil tasting, hiking + cycling nearby

• Easy day trip to Refugio Beach + the coast

Spend the day exploring central coast country, then come home, open the treat bin and watch your new pasture friends come running.



A FEW LOVELY EXTRAS

• Welcome Basket — Local wine, sheep’s-milk cheese, olives, crackers, chocolates + sparkling water

• Cutting Garden + Orchard — Lavender year-round + fruit when the trees are producing

• Remote Work — 10-foot reclaimed-wood desk, panoramic views + fast internet

• Animal Experiences — Private farm tours + animal picnics available in advance with a nonprofit donation

• Proven Hospitality — Top 1% globally, featured in Forbes, Guest Favorite, Superhost for over a decade + hundreds of five-star reviews



WHAT GUESTS SAY

“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



Come for the vineyards and Santa Ynez Valley. Come because you need to slow down and reset. Come because feeding sheep in your pajamas sounds considerably better than checking an itinerary.



BUT MOSTLY, come see why guests keep telling us the same thing: they are definitely coming back. ;-)

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

orp5b7815fx

Frequently asked questions

How close is Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard to the airport?

This cottage is 5 mi (19-min drive) away from the Santa Ynez, CA (SQA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard?

As of Oct 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard on Oct 15, 2026 start from $637, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

Does Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard?

No, there is no casino at this cottage, but Chumash Casino (8-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard to downtown Solvang?

This cottage is 3.7 mi away from Solvang.

Chic Sheep Retreat ~ Rescue Animals+Views+Ballard Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 79 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were so impressed with everything at Anavo Farms. Jen has created such a beautiful space- I felt like I was walking through a storybook. They have everything you could need available. There is definitely no roughing it here! Her tips helped us have a wonderful stay. Feeding the animals while having morning coffee, wine by the fire pit, sunrise from the upstairs balcony. These are the memories we’ll take with us! Thank you, Jen. I hope to return soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and a beautiful and peaceful area. The sunrises are incredible and the night sky is amazing. The accomodations are comfortable, spacious and private. It was a treat to feed the animals and go for walks just in the Ballard area. Thanks Jen!
Sunrise
Always hungry!
Just one of the many beautiful views.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Peaceful and quiet. Rustic setting. Beautiful scenery.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I absolutely loved my stay at Anavo Farm. Beautiful farmhouse cottage on a beautiful property in a quiet neighborhood. Close to central Solvang and Los Olivos.Jen is a gracious host and is quick to respond to any needs or questions. And of course the animals! Such a joy to have some interaction with them.I would definitely stay here again if visiting Los Olivos again and highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved Anavo Farm, from the farm animals to the flowers and adorable cottage. Jen our hostess was very accommodating. She was available to answer and questions. Love the gift of wine, cheese , crackers, and snacks. Not to mention the fresh eggs from her farm. The cottage has two outdoor seating areas. Covered patio downstairs and deck with beautiful views on the upper level. If you want a peaceful quiet getaway look no further. We will definitely be back. Thank you Jen for sharing your lovely property. We look forward to future visits.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jen, it was nice to meet you. Feeding the goats, and just experiencing your property, was magical! The cottage is lovely and well stocked.... thank you, Elizabeth, Sarah & Stephanie
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely charming cottage in a beautiful setting. The owner designed the entire place with a rustic quaint yet modern style creating a relaxing atmosphere. The farm animals on the property, and the friendly visiting dogs, add special fun.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Great location and peaceful setting. The welcome basket with wine, cheese, snacks and eggs was a great addition to our girls weekend. Loved being able to pet all the farm animals. The outdoor space was inviting for an afternoon sit.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Probably the best place, or at least to 5 in the last 25 years. Responsiveness was an A, location, the house was amazing, had everything possible we needed and more. The thoughtfulness was profound. My girlfriend is a professional designer and she was absolutely impressed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anavo Farm is a magical place to stay. Not only is the rental immaculate and well-equipped, but the owners have paid attention to lots of important details. Unlike other rentals I have stayed in, Anavo Farm has comfortable furniture, lovely decor, free snacks and a bottle of wine--plus, they have all sorts of necessities in the bathroom that travelers might forget at home. The farm is idyllic and peaceful. We loved seeing (and feeding) the animals, the beautiful grounds, the foliage and blooming wisteria, plus we saw tons of cute little furry critters. Location was central to everything in the area and easy to access. Can't say enough about this place. Thanks, Jen for making your rental feel like a welcoming retreat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely space for a get-away from home.

We really enjoyed our stay and communicating with the property owner was easy and very enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to unwind!

We had a wonderful stay at the Anavo. The cottage was lovely. A perfect retreat!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have stayed in VRBO's all over Europe (since 2000) and the US (since 1998) and Anavo Farm is one of our top 5 stays! We adored the peaceful, tranquil setting, the house was perfect for two, the animals came running for treats and Jen was the ideal host! The house had everything you could want - even some thoughtful treats to kickoff your stay. I took an online jeans making course from upstairs, looking out over the valley, the ancient oak trees, the animals wandering the field and barely paid attention to my lessons! A tasting at Brave & Maiden winery was outstanding, dinner at The Gathering Table was superb and Bob's Well Bread a delightful walk for breakfast (almost a mile one way). You'll leave wanting a return visit as soon as possible!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful get-away

Such a peaceful spot, yet close to all the valley restaurants and wineries. The best part, sitting on the deck with wine and seeing the animals, the mountains, and sunset.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property!

This was a lovely getaway….we are definitely coming back! Thank you Jen!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Spot!!!

We enjoyed our short stay, we wished we would have stayed longer. Everything was perfect, Jen was a gracious host!!! Can’t wait to visit again…
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway spot!

This was exactly as described, very quiet, clean and modern. Enjoyed meeting Jen and appreciated her winery tips and generosity.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet farm cottage

Very quaint, clean, well stocked cottage. Great location and quiet neighborhood. Very well decorated, looked just as advertised.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place

This adorable, quiet retreat was just as described in the listing. Everything was perfect, from the lovely grounds, the views, the quaint and extremely well-appointed property, and the thoughtful attention to detail. Jen is a delightful host who communicated exceptionally well throughout my stay. I loved staying here and would love to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anavo Farms stay 7/2024

Cute and very comfortable redone barn. Great napping couches upstairs. Loved the animals and the convenient location to everything…SY, Los Olivos, Foxen Canyon and lovely local farm produce to make excellent meals in.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

R & R squared

We’ll appointed, impeccably clean, thoughtful touches abound…loved this getaway! Highly recommend :)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing trip and destination!

We cannot say more good things about this property - location, charm, views, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing at night, Jen's kindness and hospitality, the animals - it was an absolutely perfect getaway. Very close to Solvang and wineries and grocery stores. Will definitely return in the fall for the grape picking season!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

the most beautiful property

My Husband & I recently visited for our anniversary/birthdays & Jen's home is truly incredible. The detail she has put into the house is just so beautiful & perfectly curated & we truly can't wait to revisit!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A beautiful place to stay! We just loved it - the views, the animals and the place was wonderful! Great host and easy check in. Perfect for the 4 of us for a girls get away. Beds were so comfortable! Close to Los Olivos for dinner with lots of great options. Will definitely stay again when in the area. Thank you!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved this place,especially the views from the upstairs & deck! Jen was very easy to communicate with & super simple check in. Lovely that we were given a bottle of wine, cheese, snacks & fresh eggs! So nice to hear running water from the fountains while you relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You can even feed the animals and pick your own lavender ;-) Close to all surrounding towns and winery's, couldn't be better. Thank You Jen!
Feed Me Please!
Loki - the pretty kitty
View from Upper Deck!
Property View
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025