San Ysidro Ranch doesn't ask you who you are. It already knows, or it doesn't mind finding out slowly -- through the way you sip your coffee, or linger a little too long in its lush gardens. Tucked away between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains in Santa Barbara, the storied hideaway has held the secrets of the rich and powerful for over a century, from Audrey Hepburn to the Kennedys.
Originally built as a citrus farm, the 550-acre property now houses 38 ivy-covered cottages with fireplaces and outdoor rain showers, a refuge where the well-heeled and restless can press pause. Each cottage carries its own memory, a small house of stories you get to live in, even if just for a little while. Rosarian Dan Bifano assisted in restoring and revitalizing the property's picturesque rose gardens, including the design for the impressive, 4,000-square-foot English rose garden that accompanies Ranch's historic Churchill cottage. (Which, yes, Winston Churchill once called home while he was writing one of his many tomes.)
Bifano's prowess with roses is well-known among the Montecito locals -- he is also responsible for designing Oprah's rose garden, and, his work at the Ranch also served as the backdrop for Meghan Markle's Variety photoshoot.
San Ysidro's general manager, Ian Williams, told me that every design element within the cottages is meticulously pored over and hand-selected. For example, the Ranch has developed its own method for installing wallpaper on the ceiling above its showers -- a feat most designers would consider c'est impossible. Perhaps more surprisingly, the furnishings inside each cottage are hand-picked by none other than San Ysidro's owner -- Ty Warner, the creator of Beanie Babies -- who chooses antiques and collectibles from his private collection.
"Symbolism is a core component of the ranch's design and [Warner's] signature style," Williams says. "Ceramic pigs, for example, are found in each cottage and several common areas, and are a unique symbol of prosperity, peace, and joy. Every room also has an entryway decoration where wheat is placed inside. Wheat symbolizes the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, and a seamless integration between the two is a pillar of the guest experience at San Ysidro Ranch."
The Ranch has undergone a number of design upgrades over the years, the most recent benefitting one of the property's beloved food & beverage venues, Plow & Angel. Inspired by the clandestine bars of the Prohibition era, the new Speakeasy at Plow & Angel has been transformed into a live music and cocktail bar, complete with a green Chesterfield couch, red velvet banquettes, animal-print cushions, and an interactive absinthe service that includes a traditional table-side fountain.
We spoke with San Ysidro Ranch's food & beverage director, Andrew Caine, to learn more about the redesign.
Tell me a little bit about the design refresh of The Speakeasy at Plow & Ange. What motivated the decision to refresh the design, and how did you ensure that the new concept would resonate with both new guests and returning visitors who have long cherished the original ambiance?
Before the redesign, Plow & Angel functioned as a more casual restaurant to the Stonehouse. The restaurant highlighted the stunning stonework and rustic charm of the building. The area was dotted with tables, providing a relaxed dining experience that allowed guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and history of the Plow & Angel.
The motivation behind the refresh was driven by our vision of creating an all-encompassing resort experience. We wanted to ensure that our guests would have everything they needed right here, so they wouldn't feel the need to venture beyond the property. Introducing a bespoke, speakeasy-inspired bar was a key part of achieving this goal.
We envisioned a space where guests could retreat for a more intimate and exclusive experience, seamlessly integrating it into the resort's broader offerings. In developing this new concept, it was essential to honor the traditions and legacy of the original Plow & Angel. While we introduced a fresh, sophisticated design, we made sure to incorporate elements that would pay homage to its storied past. The result is a space that not only elevates the guest's experience but also preserves the spirit and history that have made the Plow & Angel so beloved by both long-time patrons and new visitors alike.
Can you walk me through the process of selecting the vintage decor and design elements? How did these choices contribute to the overall atmosphere you aimed to create, and were there any specific inspirations or historical references you wanted to capture?
The process of selecting the vintage decor and design elements was both meticulous and deeply inspired by the rich history of speakeasies and the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s. Our goal was to create an environment that feels authentically nostalgic yet fresh and relevant for today's guests. We began by exploring the design aesthetics of Prohibition-era speakeasies, focusing on key elements like dark woods, plush seating, and low lighting to capture their intimate, exclusive atmosphere.
Drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement, we incorporated exotic influences and bold colors, which added a layer of sophistication and timeless glamour to the space. In addition, we wanted to pay tribute to the original Plow & Angel by integrating rustic elements such as stone and wood features into the new design.
This blend of historical references and modern refinement allowed us to create a space that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
What specific design techniques or craftsmanship went into selecting and incorporating the new elements in the refresh? How do these choices enhance the guest experience and set the mood for an evening at Plow & Angel?
In the design refresh of The Speakeasy, we curated a range of distinctive elements to create a sophisticated and immersive atmosphere. Hand-hammered copper tables and bar tops add artisanal elegance and a touch of refinement, while vintage chandeliers cast a warm, inviting glow that enhances the intimate ambiance.
The green Chesterfield couch and red velvet banquettes introduce luxurious textures and rich colors, contributing to the space's opulent feel. To add a playful and exotic touch, we included animal-themed throw pillows and bar chairs featuring cheetah and tiger prints.
This thoughtful combination of historical charm, luxurious fabrics, and unique accents blends seamlessly to set a memorable mood and elevate the overall guest experience, ensuring that The Speakeasy remains both captivating and comfortable
Whether it's the live jazz music, the interactive absinthe service, or the themed cocktail menu, how do you envision guests interacting with and enjoying the speakeasy in ways that might differ from a more traditional bar experience?
We envision guests engaging in a range of unique and interactive experiences that set it apart from traditional bars. Daily live music adds a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere, creating an environment that evolves with each visit.
Our cocktails, featuring dramatic presentations with fire and a menu of forgotten cocktails, invite guests to experience both spectacle and history in their drinks. Seasonal creations offer a fresh and contemporary twist, while our curated selection of rare spirits allows for exceptional tastings and discoveries.
These elements together foster an immersive and engaging environment where guests can explore, interact, and enjoy a memorable experience that goes beyond the typical bar outing.
How did you and your team strike a balance between honoring the Ranch's renowned standard of excellence and infusing the speakeasy with fresh, innovative elements? Were there any challenges in blending the historic charm of San Ysidro Ranch with the more modern, playful aspects of the speakeasy design?
To balance the Ranch's renowned standard of excellence with fresh, innovative elements in The Speakeasy, our team focused on seamlessly integrating both aspects.
We preserved the high level of craftsmanship and elegance that defines San Ysidro Ranch while introducing modern, playful features to create a unique atmosphere. This included incorporating dramatic cocktails with fire and playful animal-themed accents to add a contemporary edge.
One challenge was blending these modern elements with the Ranch's historic charm. We overcame this by carefully selecting design features that enhanced the space without overshadowing its traditional elements. The result is a sophisticated and vibrant environment that respects the Ranch's heritage while offering a fresh and engaging experience for guests.