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Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat

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Two-story, very spacious country cottage. All to yourselves to enjoy!
Enjoy the renovated Anavo Farm House and an opportunity to feed the sheep!
Animals pop their head into your private garden area for the treats (provided).
Yes, this place is magic. And yes, you can feed the alpacas, sheep, and goats :)
Your rose-clad entry arch, lined with fruit trees as well.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Solvang, CA
  • Place, Lincourt Vineyards
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Chumash Casino
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, University of California, Santa Barbara
    ‪47 min drive‬
  • Airport, Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Common Spaces

1 Queen Bed, 1 Queen Sofa Bed and 2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat

Your Pinterest-Worthy Farm Escape in Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

Featured in Forbes, Anavo Farm offers the ultimate Santa Ynez Valley experience in Ballard—the hidden gem at the heart of wine country. Imagine pulling into your private driveway through a rose-covered arch and fruittree lined path, saying hello to the animals, and entering at the most unique and picturesque property available for rent in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Feed friendly goats, sheep, and alpacas right outside your door! Nestled at the end of a quiet, private ranch road lined with old-growth trees on rolling hills, this 6-acre farm sanctuary is just minutes from Solvang, Los Olivos, and world-class wineries. Entirely private, entirely magical.

The Experience

Wake up to panoramic mountain views spanning the Santa Barbara Mountains and Figueroa Mountain. Step outside your cottage to feed friendly rescue sheep, goats, alpacas, and chickens—treats provided! (The animals are trained to come to the pasture where you can see and feed them.) Find farm-fresh eggs waiting for you upon arrival, clip lavender from the large cutting gardens, and sample the fruit from the orchard. Full farm tours available upon request for an even deeper connection to farm life.

Every detail has been thoughtfully designed for your perfect countryside escape—from the eco-luxury mattress and nice linens to the upstairs balcony where you can sip your complimentary local wine under the stars.
This isn't just a place to stay—it's an immersive farm experience combined with sophisticated comfort.

The Cottage

Expertly renovated with an eco ethos and complete with true heirloom and high-end furnishings, designed by an intentional eco renovator—your host! This 1,200 sq ft Insta-worthy guesthouse features an open floor plan across two levels:

Downstairs:
1 Queen sofa pull-out
Sliding barn door for privacy
Gas fireplace for warmth and ambiance
Custom bar crafted by a local artisan from a fallen tree from the Santa Barbara Mountains
Chalkboard where guests leave their favorite thing about the place—a living piece of art
Large bookshelf filled with a personal collection of fantastic reads
Puzzles and throw blankets for cozy evenings
Expansive covered porch for dining al fresco or lounging in the shade, amidst wisteria flowers that hummingbirds frequent
Full kitchen with toaster oven, induction stovetop, electric grill
Every type of coffee maker you could want and fresh organic coffee beans (drip, French press, pour-over, and Keurig with pods)
High-end propane BBQ for outdoor cooking

Upstairs:
1 Queen bed with luxury eco-friendly mattress
2 XL Twin beds
10-foot reclaimed wood desk with expansive windows and beautiful views
Second living room with two couches for lounging
Yoga/meditation area with back and neck acupuncture pad
Curated book collection
Private balcony for snuggling up under the stars with provided throw blankets
Your Private Oasis includes:
Fire pit with Figueroa Mountain views
Lush private gardens with rose gardens and historic gazebo
Lavender cutting gardens
Fruit orchard
Covered patio with landscape lighting
Fully fenced drive and yard for total privacy
Hummingbirds and serene natural beauty
Outdoor visits from our majestic white barn cat, Loki

Work Remotely in Paradise

The best work-from-home setup you've ever experienced: 10-foot reclaimed wood desk with expansive windows overlooking 6 acres of farm and mountain ranges beyond, high-speed internet, and inspiring views that make every Zoom call memorable. Remote work has never felt this good.

Perfect Central Location in Santa Ynez Valley

Best of both worlds! A central location yet feeling of remote countryside. Located on a beautiful winding country lane in the sweet spot of the sweetest town of Ballard —lined with old-growth trees and authentic ranches, yet central to the best the valley has to offer:

Walk to Bob's Well Bread Bakery (10 minutes) and scenic trails
3 miles to Los Olivos tasting rooms and boutiques
3 miles to historic Santa Ynez cowboy town and incredible new shops
3 minutes to renowned vineyards: Lincourt, Roblar, Stolpman, and Beckmen
5 minutes from Solvang's Danish charm and shopping
5 minutes to acclaimed restaurants: Nella Kitchen & Bar, SY Kitchen, The Gathering Table
30 minutes to Refugio Beach

What Makes This Special
Authentic Farm Life - Feed goats, sheep, alpacas & chickens daily (treats provided!). The animals come to the area of the pasture where you can see and feed them. Farm tours available upon request.
Complimentary Local Wine - Welcome gift from Santa Ynez Valley
Welcome Gift Basket - Snacks, sparkling water, olives, chocolates, sheep cheese + crackers await your arrival
Farm-Fresh Eggs - beyond organic, these are pasture-raised chickens so the BEST eggs!
Lavender & Orchard - Cut your own lavender, enjoy seasonal fruit
Landscape Lighting - Experience the magic at all hours
Award-Winning Host - Superhost for 14 years, featured in Forbes
Guest Favorite - Top 5% of homes
Eco-Conscious Renovation - Expertly designed with sustainable materials for your ultimate comfort
Uniquely Beautiful - Nothing cookie-cutter here! Guests go crazy about how unique and cool this space is.

The Details

Sleeps: Up to 5 guests (ideal for 2 adults)
Additional Guests: $85/night per person
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out:
Available for $80 per service (2 extra hours), subject to availability. Both services for $160.
Perfect For: Romantic getaways, wine country weekends, remote work retreats, peaceful escapes, nature lovers, farm enthusiasts

Guest Access

Your private drive and gardens, fenced yard, and outdoor living spaces are exclusively yours. The friendly farm animals (goats, sheep, alpacas, chickens, horse, cats, and dogs) are safely contained in their enclosures. You're welcome to feed them and interact in the designated area within your private yard.

Why Guests Love Anavo Farm

"This was the most delightful rental we have ever had the pleasure of staying in. The animals, the location, the efficient, kind host—it all added up to a most perfect stay." - Arthur, Washington DC

"Beautiful setting and beautiful cottage. Jen was an incredible host—best welcome guide of any place we've stayed at." - Rachel, Los Angeles

"Extremely clean and well thought out experience. Anavo is best in class." - Tyler, Wisconsin

Follow us @AnavoFarm on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of farm life and to see more of the property!
Book your escape to Santa Ynez Valley's most magical farm stay today.

Additional Information

Please note: Due to stairs, balcony, farm animals, and gas fire pit, this property requires adult supervision and may not be suitable for young children.

Service Animals: Allowed with advance notice. Must remain under guest control, be housebroken, and not left alone. Not permitted on furniture or high-end rugs.

The mission of Anavo Farm is to raise awareness for ethical treatment of farm animals. Learn more at AnavoFarm.org

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights
Leave extra food in fridge for the chickens! They eat anything!!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
1. Consider removing your shoes. Removing shoes keeps the place nice and clean for your visit and other visitors.
2. No parties, no outside visitors, no overnight guests that aren't on the reservation.
3. No pets or children – sorry, we have enough of our own here.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Solvang

Located in Solvang, this holiday home is in a rural area. Santa Ynez Valley and Sunny Fields Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Apple Lane Solvang and Global Gardens. Labyrinth at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church and OstrichLand USA are also worth visiting. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as hiking, cycling and horse riding in the area.
Map
Solvang, CA

What's nearby

  • Lincourt Vineyards - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Chumash Casino - 8 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Old Mission Santa Ines - 9 min drive - 7.0 km
  • University of California, Santa Barbara - 47 min drive - 55.1 km
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse - 49 min drive - 60.4 km

Getting around

  • Santa Ynez, CA (SQA) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Tavern - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Felix at Mattei’s Tavern - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bob's Well Bread At The Ballard Store - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Roblar Winery - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat?

As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat on 13 July 2026 start from NZ$644, 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.

How much is parking at Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Anavo Farm's Stylish Sheep Retreat located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is steps from Santa Ynez Valley and within 3 mi (5 km) of Lincourt Vineyards and Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard. Roblar Winery and Beckmen Vineyards are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 69 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richrad H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth O.

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

8/10 Good

Alma A.

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

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

10/10 Excellent

susannah B.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Dana E.

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

10/10 Excellent

Leslie H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Debbie M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Cheri G.

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

10/10 Excellent

thalia h.

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

Los Olivos Christmas stay

We had a lovely three night stay in the Farmhouse. Everything there has style and comfort…with plenty of room for sleeping, relaxing and eating. We liked seeing the sheep, llama, dogs and cat.Jen was quick to respond. We will definitely come back a
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian P.

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

Charming and Special Place

Everything was just as we hoped and lived up to the reviews. Jen was very accommodating. We woukd definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ron C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Yana V.

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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

10/10 Excellent

Susan and Jim L.

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

Great farmhouse stay

Really loved this converted three-car garage into a two-story apartment - the decor and farmhouse appointments were really nice and we loved the natural light and brightness on the upper level especially. Also liked the outdoor spaces and all the views were spectacular. Great location for wine tasting and close to Solvang and Los Olivos restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann K.

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

Perfect place

We had the most fantastic stay at Jen’s guesthouse. It is even more beautiful than the images in the listing. We stayed here over the weekend when we got married in the area and the location, surroundings, the amenities Jen offers are truly unbeatable. We are already planning our next stay here. If you are looking for a peaceful gorgeous serene place to stay this is it!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kayleigh G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
We stayed at this charming sheep farm for New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, and it was truly a magical experience. We were lucky enough to get a last-minute booking, and everything about the stay felt special. The property is beautiful, with incredible balcony views and the sweetest animals that happily come right up to you. It was such a unique and memorable experience.The thoughtful touches really stood out! complimentary cheese, wine, and snacks, incredibly comfortable bedding, and a space stocked with everything we could have needed. It was cozy, peaceful, and the perfect way to ring in the New Year.The only downside was communication with the host. I reached out prior to the stay with questions about early check-in, late check-out, and whether my child’s age was okay, but mostly received automated messages that didn’t address my questions directly. I also reached out upon check-in and later when the Wi-Fi wasn’t working and didn’t receive a response at the time. The host did eventually respond regarding the eggs and explained that the chickens rest during winter, which was completely understandable.My only concern was that quicker responses would have been reassuring if there had been a more urgent issue, though I do understand this may have been due to the New Year’s Eve holiday. Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and I would absolutely recommend it and love to return.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike F.

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

Beautiful and private wine country vacation home!

Anavo farm is amazing! The converted carriage house is beautifully transformed into a private cottage, and every detail to make our stay comfortable was attended to. This is truly a special place. I can not recommend Anavo Farm more highly. Jen was the perfect host. We will stay here again without a doubt.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

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

Great escape

Perfect location! The most charming, delightful space imaginable! So many complimentary items—wine in fridge available for purchase! Goats and sheep on site—beyond wonderful! I can’t say enough great things about this property. Our host, Jen was terrific. This is a wonderful place for a getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lise B.

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

Beautiful and Relaxing

This was probably one of the best places I have stayed in over the years. The cottage is lovely- beautiful views of the pasture and mountains from both upstairs and downstairs. Close to towns, while still feeling nice and unplugged. There was a welcoming bottle of wine and miscellaneous snacks- which was great after the my drive, and the animals were very sweet and friendly. Comfortable bed and couches upstairs and down. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

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

Lovely

It was exactly as we expected. Beautiful and quiet. Well stocked. My favorite part was the horses just outside your window. Amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jen Boulden

Host profile image
Hi! I am an eco entrepreneur, animal lover, hack designer, and old mom to young kids. My life dream was to be living here, on this sacred property, helping raise awareness for ethical treatment of farm animals. You can learn more about this mission on the web, as well as follow our farm life on Instagram @ Anavo Farm. Hope to see you soon! JB

Why they chose this property

Please note: this property has just one queen bed, and one pull out coach that is a queen size a well. There are 2 XL twin beds in the window nooks. This property is ideal for just two people, no children. Thank you!

What makes this property unique

* Feed the animals! Sheep, alpaca, goats, horses.
* Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water (the best) and whole house water softener for amazing shower / hair experience.
* Rates lower than local hotels
* 2K sf carriage house on a 6 acre farm with mountain views in the convenient center of Santa Ynez Valley!

Languages:

English, Spanish

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